Livelihood

Scream with laughter as college graduate Jason desperately struggles to secure a job that he knows he'll hate with a company he completely despises, all in the name of paying for his cable.

Inspired by Enron a new dark comedy that explores the price one is willing to pay to acquire and retain wealth and power.

Written by local playwright Aaron Christopher, with Nate Hessburg and Matthew Greseth. Our third show in the Twin Cities promises to be a night you won't quickly forget.

"Hilarious, provocative, and suprisingly poignant...a biting social commentary supported by superb acting. This is theatre at its best!" Linda Satorius-Jungle Theater Board of Directors

"...a captivating piece that grabbed me from the beginning and held me through the curtain call." John Haynes- Director of the Brave New Workshops Brave New Institute

"Incredibly funny and absolutely enthralling." Patrick Braucher- Events Manager-Hennepin Stages

(Urban Samurai interpretation of review)
Saw the show Sat. nite. Brought 3 others and we constituted 50% of the audience & my comments which follow are drawn from our post-show discussion. I certainly thought that positive CP review should have brought more people, but that did not slow the energy of the performers one bit. First, what a great concept! I had been to a job interview earlier that very day so I was already in the groove. Artist comments on jobs etc. in the program very much contributed to this feeling, worked just right. 2nd, I repeat the performance seemed high energy and the actors delivered as the plot climbed to histrionics. There seemed a few stutters but it took major skill to deliver in such a tight setting. Give those boys a hug. 3rd, I was completely in tune with the writing, even as it ascended over the top. Laffed a number of times both at the straight jokes and the sharp left turns. Although gears shifted often and sometimes the progression was uncomfortable, I never found myself drifting away from the core. I would suppose that's the nature of this tight show when it works. So hugs for delivering to the author as well. 4th, the quibbles. I kept anticipating the spew scene that's the focus of your ad. The crackers were awesome, but I missed the liquid, which you shouldnt show if you dont deliver. The end was not fully satisfactory (though a great last line); our little focus group would rather have seen either A) continuation of the role reversal where the applicant takes over the desk & dismisses the interviewer, or B) further humiliation of the applicant where he gets the janitor job or the blame for the interviewer's malfeasance. The latter seems like a place where this farce could comment further on how corporations often operate, Anyway, thanks for an impressive show. I'll try to send more audience your way. Let me know what you do next. - Dave Moore


My mind was constantly working, figuring out the characters and keeping up with the humor. I hated the interviewer from the start! A couple times I felt like shouting out from my seat. Any entertainment that can do that to me is good entertainment, in my opinion. - Cory


While I thought the actors were very talented, and it was a thought provoking play (because we DID discuss it on the way home), I give it a lower rating of only 2 because in my opinion it was less comedic as I woud have suspected and a little far-fetched for my tastes. It is actually terrific subject matter that many or most can relate to, and I felt that more could have been made from this situation than the hysterical rants of the (well played) mad man. There were some well placed 'hints' leading up to that surprise ending, and I do understand the writer's view of the 'corporate' climate and its executives in light of the recent scandals, but was slightly misunderstanding the numerous religious remarks and conotations. Entertaining, and had its funny moments, but seemed to be less of a comedic interview and more of a freak situational scene and I see so much promise for endless humor without the need for the bizarre situation that takes until the end to be explained. I loved the playhouse (Little Arizona) and would definately sample another there. Nice job overall gang, the writer just went a little over the top, I think. - Tammi


Sharp, witty wordplay and actors that can pull it off truly makes "Livelihood" a real treat for anyone that has ever been employed -- or at least had an interview. The ending gives me chills, it's amazing! This show is one of the reasons I love the theatre. Bravo! - Michael

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