There are always terrific bits in Don Reed shows, and "The DMV" is no exception. We see seven folding chairs set up next to each other on the stage and Reed takes turns sitting in one after the other. The premise is that each chair holds a different character waiting for his or her number to be called. We all have been caught up in the endless slog that is the DMV, so we understand how there is plenty of time for the performer to give a five or ten minute monologue in the voice of each of the seven unfortunate people.
There are standout characters -- Alberta, the DMV lady behind the counter probably being the most memorable, with Reed's palm serving hysterically as Alberta's hair flips. We also loved the dick jokes - "muledick" being the best -- and especially enjoyed the Punjabi Dance. Don Reed is a funny man but he is also a great dancer. The final bit, where he does a modern-dance to an ethereal song being played over the house speakers -- is a tour de force.
We wish there were more about the DMV. We modern humans may not be able to agree on much but everyone of us gags at going to the DMV. Every reference Reed makes to that dreaded place drags a dyspeptic "Oh, yeah!" out of us. But there weren't nearly enough of those. The show could have been set in a doctor's office or on the moon.
RATINGS: ★ ★ ★
The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants THREE STARS to "The DMV." We have seen Don Reed many times before. He's a personable man and excellent performer. He is breaking no new ground here, but he is still a Bay Area treasure.
Don Reed: "The DMV"
The Marsh
1062 Valencia. San Francisco
Through Nov 22
$20-$35 (sliding scale)
