Once one walks into the theater one’s mind will automatically draw the conclusion that the Down Town Loop will be an exceptional show. This is due to the fresh set up of the space—stairs leading up to a platform which provides seating for the audience. The see through platform doubles up as one of the performing areas used for scene changes. The audience is surrounded by screens which help transform the space into a virtual tour bus among other settings.

Greg Carere, the tour guide, takes everyone through the different days of his bus’ routine. Along the way the audience is introduced to a cast of interesting characters—foreign women who take a liking to the tour guide and New York inhabitants. 

Once the show begins it is easy for one to get in entranced within all that is going on. It is such a different experience and easily captures the idea of sightseeing in the city. Sarah Johnston (lighting Designer), David Ogle (Set Designer), Jared Mezzocchi (video designer), Danielle Baskin (Props Master) and Marcelo Anez (sound system design) have really out done themselves. They deserve great praise for their work.

It can be argued that the script written by Ben Gassman doesn’t do justice to the stunning visual/atmospheric elements. The script isn’t terrible, it can be described as having an acquired taste. It is clever in its subtle way of exploring the people of NY while showing how one (The tour guide) can be constantly moving (on the bus) but not really moving (forward in his life) in comparison to his ex. It is possible to walk out the theater having learned something new about the big apple—that’s for sure. However, if one is looking for strong character development, this is not the show.

The actors commit and disappear into their roles, which is always pleasing to watch. In all they are fantastic.  Especially, Sam Soghor Who plays the trainee. He is lovable in the way that he speaks. His admiration for New York City and being a top notch guide is pure. Though his time is limited, Soghor somehow forges pathos. Such an event for the tour guide doesn’t really occur till the very end.

The other characters, Her (Keelie A. Sheridan), Foaud (Hakan Tolga Polat), Basque Woman (Sarah Mollo-Christensen), Shimon (Robert Metz) and Finnish Woman (Mia Jessup) add to the tour bus concept. They don’t have much to work with but are fine actors. Director Meghan Finn compliments all the work being done by her team—she uses the space incredibly well, tying everything together as a director should.

Again, this show is primarily visuals which are indeed brilliantly done. It is interactive which is almost always a good time at the theater.  The Downtown Loop is one of those productions one will either love or hate. It all depends on whether one finds humor in the script or not. It also matters if one is concerned about strong plots, characters who must make tough decisions and prominent lines of action.  That said the Downtown Loop should be experienced at least once to see what new innovative ways the theater is evolving. 

You can watch The Downtown Loop at 3LD Art and Technology Center (80 Greenwich St, New York, NY)

https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/1401

The Downtown Loop: Written By Ben Gassman, directed by Meghan Finn

Featuring: Greg Carere (Tour Guide), Sam Soghor (Trainee), Keelie A. Sheridan (Her), (Hakan Tolga Polat) Foaud, Robert Metz (Shimon)  Sarah Mollo-Christensen (Basque Woman), Mia Jessup (Finnish Woman),  Jared Mezzocchi (Video Designer), Javier Herrera (Light Board Operator), Drew Kaufman (Associate Video Designer), Maria Sideris (Assistant Stage Manager),  Nica Ross (3LD Resident Film and Video Designer), Marcelo Añez (Audio Systems Designer), David Ogle (Set Designer and 3LD Resident Designer), Sofya Yuditskaya (Video Operator and Technical Director), Jack Flachsbart (Audio Engineer), Jon Bernstein (Sound Designer), Ron Hatcher (Camera Operator), Danielle Baskin (Props Master), Sarah Johnston (Lighting Designer and Production Stage Management), Laura Diffenderfer (Choreography),  Emily Blumenauer (Costume Designer),  Piama Habibullah (Graphic Designer),  Allison Lyman (Producer/Dramaturg), Moema Umann (Assistant Director) and Auroni Majumdar (Producer).