Black curtains, black floor, a black back screen projecting definitions of "voice" and, at one point, giving directions for audience oral participation, three men and two women performers in black trousers and black and/or white tops comprise Toxic Audio. Voices supply music as well as lyrics for songs such as "Route 66" and "Stand By Me" with minimal but appropriate movement, "Autumn Leaves" in various languages from French to Pig Latin, "Why Don't We Do It On the Road" also using an audience ninny with a dozen cue cards saying the same thing. The ninny loved it, as he did the earlier things he kept clapping and oohing for. He was rewarded with a Toxic Audio CD.
One segment resembles an act, as Geoff Castelucci brings a pretty young woman onstage to entertain with a love song on a simulated vinyl LP complete with scra-att-ch-hes and fl-uubb-ing. Some thought this was good and cute. The gal was certainly cute. She got a CD too.
Toxic Audio is billed as a completely a capella show. But its music relies heavily on amplification and electronic manipulation of sound. And is it ever LOUD! All are embellished by lighting effects, which incidentally supply otherwise scarce color. In days long gone, when there was vaudeville, or not so long ago when there were variety shows, "Toxic Audio" would have been a good act to include. (Indeed, much of the performers' previous experience has been with Disney, Universal, TV shows and spots.) Though probably a fitting show for Vegas, anything more than a half hour in a traditional theater seems awfully long for what is essentially a novelty act with a name that tells it all.
