C'est Magnifique

The Cole Porter song that gives its title to this "revue" is used satirically, because the proceedings are far from magnificent in the sordid surroundings: an industrial park, with seedy hotel, greasy spoon and nondescript spaces. We get a mix of circus, mime, take-offs on movies, set pieces, joking dialogue and sight gags involving what look like workers, jokers and geeky, goofy characters who move like low-lifes, Buster Keaton, automatons and clowns in an almost indescribable manner. One does Jerry Lewis-like contortions and childlike cries. Others are caught in elevators and other mechanical contraptions. The lone woman has a revolving skirt and revolting delivery of the title and other songs. Objects, like a vase of flowers, take on lives of their own. It's all anything but magnifique, which seems to prompt the laughter and languor. <BR> This revue is a follow-up to one considered superior; I can't imagine what that was like -- a Gallic orgy, perhaps.