ENNIO
Pasadena Playhouse
Reviewed by Carol Kaufman Segal

 He doesn't sing, he doesn't talk, but what he does do is present one of the most innovative, creative and funny shows I've had the pleasure of seeing. He is Ennio Marchetto who created his own one-man show using the art of origami to become just about anyone he wishes to become on stage. He uses the soundtrack of well-known celebrities. He lip-syncs to the soundtracks, but the real enchantment is in his paper costumes that he magically uses to portray his characters. His mannerisms, along with his costumes and his lip-syncing bring these people to life, funny as they may be!

Some of his hilarious portrayals include Barbara Streisand, Dolly Parton, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, The Three Tenors (all at once), even the Mona Lisa. It is said that "no celebrity or public figures is safe from the imagination of Ennio!" With his rubber- like body movements, his facial expressions, his quick folding or unfolding of a portion of his cardboard costumes, or a piece ejected from one, his changes are extremely fast-paced as he transforms himself from one person to another.

And though he doesn't talk and he doesn't sing, he does dance! One of the most hilarious shows I've had the pleasure of seeing. Ennio opened at the Pasadena Playhouse Tuesday, August 23, for a special showing only through Sunday, August 28. Go online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org  or call (626) 356-7529 for further information.

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