KC Fringe "Jet Propulsion" review by Thurston W.

Better than a Trip on LSD--Without the Aftereffects!

Rating: 5

Jet Propulsion

KC Fringe Festival

    What do the Nazis, NASA, peyote, Alestair Crowley, Dianetics, aliens from outer space, the goat-god Pan and the invention of rocket fuel have in common? John Whiteside Parsons. Peter Bakely's one-act play "Jet Propulsion" is a fascinating journey into the history of the occult and the space program as they converge in this twisted life story of a genius, devil worshipper and ultimately tragic victim all rolled into one, and it is definitely worth the nominal five dollar admission price.

    The play, which advertises itself as a "vaudeville" on Parsons' life, recounts several of the more strange events from his actual and fictionalized biography and goes to show that truth—or at least reported truth—can be much stranger than fiction. Though Bakely admits to taking some artistic license with his portrayal, the simple fact that he is able to show the connection between so many diverse and enigmatic subjects in one play makes it a fabulous journey into what he terms "four star American weirdness." Rather than seven degrees of separation, this is more like only three. Be prepared for references to Hamlet and an interesting ventriloquist act along the way.

    Bakely is no stranger to Kansas City theatre, and the director, Philip blue owl Hooser, has performed in and directed many great shows locally—so there's lots of excellent and experienced talent involved. At the center of the play stands Jack Parsons, played by magnetic actor Matt Leonard, who gives an energetic and riveting portrayal of the quirky and tortured inventor born into privilege, headed for greatness, and destined for infamy and ultimate oblivion. He certainly goes out with a bang, which you will understand if you see the play. Ryan Neal performs the role of a top hat-wearing, guitar-toting L. Ron Hubbard in the vein of El Gallo from "The Fantasticks." If you are a devotee of scientology, watch out: Hubbard is portrayed as more charlatan, home wrecker and scam artist than anything. And Jeremy Lillig makes for a beguiling Alestair Crowley—he interprets the role of the great occult mystic as an individual more concerned about money than anything else, embodying him as lisping, cartoonish villain and scam artist in the spirit of traditional melodrama.

    Yes, it is a Fringe show, so don't expect lots of elaborate sets, but the Unicorn space has been set up with black velvet curtains that really work for the atmosphere and story, as does the lighting. The costumes are surprisingly good as well. Though the L. Ron Hubbard character totes a guitar and occasionally strums it in the vein of a wandering minstrel, it's a little disappointing that the actor doesn't actually play one--and the ventriloquist act certainly leaves a little to be desired--but these don't really detract at all from the play's engrossing mythology. Check it out.