EMA REVIEW: I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire Irresistible ★★★★★1/2

TAKE A HILARIOUS TRIP DOWN THE AISLE INTO OBSESSION

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: @ErikReviewsVegas

Celebrity obsession has probably been around for as long as celebrities have existed. Teenage obsession can be the most intense. Back when I was a kid, I remember magazines such as Teen Beat and Tiger Beat, which featured teen idols such as Sean Cassidy, Leif Garrett, and, of course, Vegas legend Donny Osmond. I knew many boys who had THAT Farrah Fawcett poster.

Majestic Repertory Theatre takes us to 2004, where things haven’t changed one iota. In the play I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire by Samantha Hurley, we find 14-year-old Shelby Hinkley (Maile Onsaga), obsessed with Tobey Maguire (Joey Derby) from the Spider-Man movies. She is so obsessed that she has kidnapped and chained him to a pole in her basement. Think Misery with a Y2K twist.

Maile Onsaga as Shelby Hinkley shines as she embodies the full emotional range of teen angst, starry-eyed dreams, and overdramatic displays. Her physical comedy is excellent, especially whenever she flops on her bed or the beanbag. She had the audience in the palm of her hand, many of whom, around me, audibly expressed compassion for her. 

Joey Derby as Tobey Maguire is perfect as the actor who faces his own identity crisis. Derby is always a joy to watch on stage, and he portrays Tobey well without falling anywhere near caricature.

Rounding out the cast is Grace Lusk, who portrays various characters throughout. Her off-stage Mom is simultaneously hysterical and gross. Her Poster of Tobey Maguire is ridiculous whenever she pops up. And her portrayal of Real Estate Agent Brenda Lee is one of the most hilarious characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing on stage.

Troy Heard, along with Assistant Director Gala Batres, precisely balances the outrageous humor with the underlying tragedy of obsession, ostracism, and escapism.

Troy Heard’s set is a joy to behold. The decor of Shelby’s room is covered from head to toe in pictures of Tobey Maguire to great effect. Alexis Charbonneau’s lighting sets the mood perfectly. Gabbie Kenny’s costumes are wonderful, from Shelby’s large wedding dress to Brenda Lee’s hair.

This is one of the most hysterical plays I’ve ever seen. I have not howled out loud this much in years. And yet, there were a few places where I was sad. The humor is dark, but it’s grounded in truth. It’s a play about a girl who is ostracized by her peers, probably abused, and can only find happiness in a fantasy. Except for the abuse part, that was me. It’s deeper and heavier than you first perceive, which is why it works so well. I highly recommend this. You will laugh your head off, and maybe, like me, realize you’re not alone.

What:  I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire

When:  March 27 to April 20, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Sundays 5 p.m.

Where: Majestic Repertory Theatre, 1217 S. Main St.

Tickets: General Admission $39.95, Students 21 and under $19.95

Visit majesticrepertory.com

RATING:  Irresistible ★★★★★1/2

Director and Scenic Design: Troy Heard; Assistant Director: Gala Batres; Costume Design: Gabbie Kenny; Lighting Design: Alexis Charbonneau; Props Designer: Jeffrey Dubey; Stage Manager: Ryanne Rutherford; Choreographer: Kady Heard