Theatre Review: Laura Bush Killed A Guy…. But Actually!
You google Laura Bush, and you will find her acclaimed cowboy cookie recipe, information about her library charity, and that she killed a guy. What started as a Family Guy joke led to a massive truth that is shrouded with mystery; The Former First Lady Laura Bush killed a young man, and she knew him well.
An 85 minute solo act, with no intermission, Lisa Hodsoll plays many versions on of the southern gal: Laura Bush. She plays Laura Welch; the bright-eyed teen attracted to popular guys with a wild streak, and, possibly, hiding a more vindictive side. Then, she plays the First Lady; defending her husband with a convincing, but demure command. Both versions make it clear that this “wallflower” blooms under political rains, and Hodsoll balances Bush’s shyness with a sincere desire to be seen. While Mrs. Bush could could complain/ feed into being forgotten, she carries multiple memories on what happened when she killed a guy.
Was Laura Bush in love. with Michael Douglass? Were they best friends having a fallout? Was she drunk and speeding when her car warped into his red corvette, thrusting him through a window, and leaving him to die on cold, rainy concrete from a broken neck? Wait, did it rain? Or was it sunny? Alright, I know I am being annoying with my questions, but this is any example of what sears through your mind as Hodsoll tries to put a wall of southern hospitality to cover Laura’s human fragility. Through every changing story, you meet a new Laura Bush that is charming and interpersonal, but, for being a public figure, no one knows her.
Written by Ian Allen and directed by John Vreeke, this script was made for an actor, which is why Laura Bush cannot be played by just anyone. Thanks to a simple set by Kim Deane, and divided into what feels like a series of scenes ripped from Laura’s diary page, Hodsoll carries each monologue like an emotional seesaw. She leaves you to wonder when you are meeting the real Laura Bush? Was she an innocent 17 year old who got in an accident? And even if she was not, did she change into a comely, supportive First Lady? Again, more questions, but the charm of of Hodsoll makes you ask them. As she says, Laura Bush has been forgotten in history, Allen, Vreeke, and Hodsoll have revealed that she is way more fascinating or, at least, secretive than you think. Let me put it this way; after seeing Laura Bush Killed A Guy at Flea Theater, I want to see a docuseries about her on Netflix. Playing until July 8 Click Here To Buy Tickets! The Flea Theater Is Located 20 Thomas St, New York, NY 10007
