The Akademik Genius (Brothers) Family

The Akademik Genius Brothers brought us back to community theatre with a fun-packed evening to provide our annual dose of theatrical levity. The Genius Brothers expanded including Genius Siblings by introducing six very talented young women – Ahilya, Isa, Lili, Chandra, Ancolie and Raquel – who showcased their own singing voices, comic touches, acting abilities, musical and other skills, including rapping, tango dancing (with a mop no less) and Tamil singing. Otto added his typically deft comic touch. Jesse and Paul exuberantly played respectively the highly strung casting director and his factotum and anchored the performance of the new stars, who hopefully will become a regular feature of the possibly soon to be renamed Genius family. Wazo was in and out of more roles than a baker, and was delightful fun, whether singing opera or doing over-the-top German, French, Russian or Italian impressions.

‘The Audition’ gently mocked our recent working group selection debacle by using the storyline of people auditioning for a musical show. The audition formula allowed for parodies of national stereotypes, light hearted songs and sketches from all the new participants. Sacred cows were lightly prodded; including quorum percentages, voting options: A, B, C, D, the revolving chairs of those in working groups; all allowing for an evening where we could step back, and laugh at Corona life, ourselves and our community processes. 

In a packed Kalabhumi ampitheatre under the stars, I was sitting in the front next to children of all ages, and it's hard to know who laughed harder or enjoyed the night more: the kids of all ages or the adults. As a first time Genius attendee, it lived up to its billing as a not to be missed irreverent and joyful night out.