The art of living origami meets hilarious theatre when Club Fugazibrings ENNIO: The Living Paper Cartoon to the stage this month (while its resident show Dear San Francisco takes a short hiatus).
In a little over an hour, audiences are taken on an hysterical whirlwind journey through pop culture as original quick-change artist Ennio Marchetto miraculously morphs into more than 60 characters from the world of music, movies, works of art, and world leaders – all through wildly inventive paper costumes.
This international hit will play four weeks only, now through February 5, at the delightful Club Fugazi in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach, 678 Green Street. Drinks and small bites are available while enjoying the show.
When last seen in San Francisco 11 years ago, ENNIO captured raves from local critics, including the highest rating (Leaping Man) from the San Francisco Chronicle, which proclaimed “It isn’t just the number or bewildering variety of characters that Italian super-mime Ennio Marchetto impersonates that make his solo show so entertaining. Nor is it the astonishing skill he demonstrates in the course of a hilarity-packed hour. What makes ENNIO such a unique delight is the way one routine unfolds from another.
ENNIO plays like a one-man Beach Blanket Babylon.” San Francisco Examiner concurred, describing the work as “An immensely entertaining, pleasurable, playful evening. A dream of a show.”
With a cast of characters ranging from Marilyn Monroe and the Mona Lisa to Lizzo, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, and many more, Marchetto gleefully unfurls one icon after the next, sometimes evolving in mere seconds with an onstage a sleight-of-hand.
Those with older sensibilities may recognize Lotte Lenya, Peggy Lee, and Maria Callas, kids will get glimpses of a few animated heros – they all zip past in delightful vignettes, just long enough to make you laugh. Imagine the marvel of watching a hard-cranking Bruce Springsteen morph before your eyes into a beauteous Dolly Parton, happily bouncing astride her own pony. (But telling any more would deprive the reader of the bliss of the unexpected; we will leave you to discover the joys of his outrageously unexpected transformations.)
Praised by Time Out London as “A sustained hour of heaven from an entertainer touched by genius” and by The New York Times as “An absolute hoot,” the show promises a wild cultural ride told entirely through music, over the top looks, and inspired lunacy. A perfect night out with friends, great for all ages,
ENNIO: The Living Paper Cartoon is playing now through February 5 at Club Fugazi (678 Geen St., San Francisco). Tickets ($35-$69) and information are available at clubfugazisf.com or by calling (415) 273-0600(box office is open Wed-Sun, noon to curtain/noon–6:00pm on non-show days).
Arts & Entertainment
Published on January 12, 2023
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