Looking for love among misfits (Pandora Productions)

Dec 16, 2024

3 min read

Yeti For Love

Written by Brian David Walker

Directed by Gil Reyes

A review by Beth Beck

In an ever changing world filled with misfits who are on a constant hunt for who and what fits into their own life puzzles, Yeti For Love has made a space for you. Walking into the holiday-themed theater space, patrons are immediately greeted with cheer and crafting opportunities. On your way to finding a seat, you are encouraged to join in on holiday festivities such as making paper snowflakes that are later used on set as background props. Be sure to come dressed in your best holiday attire if you’d like to join on stage in their Christmas themed costume contest!

The play starts with a narrator who animatedly interacts with the crowd, addressing attendees as though they are members of the senior living facility that our main protagonist Yeticus/Yeti Brown (played by Corey Music) works at. In tune with the theme of the angel from “It’s A Wonderful Life”, the narrator Sam (played by Michael Guarnieri) playfully “spills the tea” about Yeti’s work and love life.

We soon learn in Act 1 that Yeti is well-loved by the seniors he works with and is working diligently to put on their annual show. Much to the chagrin of his aptly-named coworker Karen (played flawlessly by Bailey Preston), Yeti will stop at nothing to get the production the seniors have been looking forward to all year. He even goes so far as to hire a talent company to put the play on. In a hilarious twist, the talent company actually offers a little more to their clients than just acting.

Outside of work, Yeti searches diligently for a romantic partner to celebrate the holidays with. We experience the challenging ups and downs of dating in modern times through Yeti’s perspective as he goes from date to date looking for love with people who suspiciously resemble the characters from his play. Our narrator mischievously comes in and out throughout the play to address the audience and interact with the cast members on stage. The use of lighting, special effects, and well-timed punchlines throughout this play successfully captivate and draw audiences into Yeti’s world from various perspectives. You’ll feel as though you’re invested in getting Yeti’s play and love life to work in his favor.

Shoutout to Carol Schorr who played Bunny and Sean Childress who played William, Yeti’s two closest comrades who give him guidance throughout his journey. Also to the rest of the cast who put on a spectacular performance. Bear (played by Keith McGill) has such a calm and charismatic stage presence, you’ll be sure to root for Yeti to win Bear’s affections after their first encounter.

Several cast members pulled off playing multiple roles:

Peyton Robbins’ performance added depth and humor to the play.

Vidalia Unwin brought a sultry and endearing quality to each role.

Ian Fitzgerald’s enthusiasm and diversity between roles was infectious.

This play does an excellent job of accurately portraying the subtle nuances and in-depth intricacies of the variety of roles people take on in our own lives. They managed to incorporate intimate and empathy-provoking moments with characters of all ages, backgrounds, and sexual orientations. The show itself is inspired by the classic claymation “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Pandora Productions is commendably known for their incorporation of the LGBTQ+ community in the Louisville arts scene. I hope that they will bring back Yeti for Love annually. If you’ve ever felt like you also belonged on the island of misfit toys, this play is for you. Get your tickets while you can!

This play contains sexual content, nudity, and simulated sexual acts, and is reserved for audiences ages 18+.

Yeti for Love Pandora Productions Dec 19-22 at 7:30 pm Henry Clay Theater 604 S. Third Street Louisville KY 40202 pandoraprods.com