Brits Off Broadway's Bunny is presented as part of a three-series package at 59E59 Theaters. Maybe it would be better to present a two-series package instead. Written by Jack Thorne and directed by Joe Murphy, Rosie Wyatt stars in this one-woman show about an 18-year-old who goes on a wild ride with "an asian guy, a black guy, and a white guy... the start of a joke I won't tell" to avenge her boyfriend's gruesome street attack. An intelligent girl from a middle-class family, Katie gets caught up in adult situations that force her to grow up a bit too quickly, all the while, however, maintaining, "I know what I'm doing."
Although an edgy script by Jack Thorne that has glimpses of humor in a play loaded with sexually mature content, the material fails to pull the audience inward and we are left with no hero or practical, relatable story. The sets, costume design, video, and illustrations by Hannah Clark, Ian William Galloway, and Jenny Turner, respectively, are very simple to keep the audience focused on the story being told. However, we would probably be better served WITH more set and design distractions. The black and white moving illustrations on a projection screen seem to be the only sense of movement that keeps this long monologue rolling along.
On the bright side, however, Rosie Wyatt is sensational as Katie, playing the tough, but fidgety, vulnerable girl who is fraught with self-doubt and anxiety. She handles herself with extreme confidence and poise, and remains in the moment as each line is exhaustingly delivered. It would serve everyone well, however, if she took a couple steps back so as not to be too invasive with the front of the audience.
While Bunny attempts to be edgy and compelling, it unfortunately falls short and instead, we are begging for this Bunny to crawl down the rabbit hole.
Bunny is part of Three British Solos, three solo shows performed in rep, at Brits Off Broadway. Single tickets are $25 ($17.50 for 59E59 Members). A three-show package is available for $50; a two show package is $35. To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or go to www.52e52.org. For more information, visit www.britsoffbroadway.com.
