Review: "Someone Else’s House" at Geffen Playhouse
The latest interactive production from the Geffen Stayhouse, part of Geffen Playhouse in Westwood, CA, debuted, “Someone Else’s House” on April 23, 2021.
The Obie Award-winning multimedia artist Jared Mezzocchi (Vietgone, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) shares in a virtual performance, a harrowing true-life story with Geffen Stayhouse virtual ticket holders.
In the comfort of your own home, you will learn why Mezzocchi’s family’s purchased a 200+-year-old Enfield, New Hampshire house, and what strange and haunting events took place inside that have scarred his family for life.
At 8:30 p.m., I gathered my family and we turned the lights down low and lit some candles before watching this spooky tale.
As with other Geffen Stayhouse productions, we received a package from the theatre in the mail before the day of the show. This package was different, it was a HAUNTING KIT with instructions saying “Do not open” before showtime. We placed this wooden box tied with twine on the table next to the candles.
When the friendly House Manager Emir appeared and welcomed us into our virtual entrance, he checked to make sure there were no technical problems. Emir asked us to show him our Haunting box, “Inside are items to help you set the scene for a performance you may never forget. Do not open until instructed” he stressed.
As with other Stayhouse performances, part of the fun is the pre-show, when you can click on other theater patrons’ virtual windows to see what they are doing before the show. One couple was snuggled in bed, another family was playing with their dog, and many were looking at their smartphones before showtime. Eerie music played in the background before the show opened with Mezzocchi appearing in this one-man show. He begins telling us that he is the youngest in his family of four siblings and that he did not grow up in the house as the others did, so he is sharing with us their story and encounters.
When he announces that we can open our boxes, we remove the artifacts and follow along in his instruction of examining the items. This enhances his story, especially when he encourages audience participation, and allows some ticket holders to read aloud for others to hear.
While building his story, he introduces vocal recordings of his mother, shares tales from his older brother, and introduces the Johnson family. Besides the Mezzocchi family, the Johnson’s were the only other family to own this iconic home in the small town of Enfield.
Mezzocchi and the audience witness strange special effects that happen more frequently, as he continues telling his tale. Are they special effects? Mezzocchi said his family are scarred for life. You will have to decide if this is a one-man show or a two-man show.
Tickets are $75 per household. Shipping charges for US audiences are included in the ticket price. This show is now suitable for children 12 years and under, due to mature content.
Written and Performed by Jared Mezzocchi
Directed by Margot Bordelon
Produced in Association with Virtual Design Collective (ViDCo).
For tickets call (310)208-2028 or visit the Geffen Playhouse website.
Previews: Friday, April 23 – Thursday, April 29
Opening Night: Friday, April 30
Closing Night: Saturday, July 3rd
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Monday No performance
Tuesday 6:00 p.m. PT
Wednesday 8:00 p.m. PT
Thursday 8:00 p.m. PT
Friday 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. PT
Saturday 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. PT
Sunday No performance