This past television season, one of the things I looked
forward to as I watched “Detroiters” – the weekly sitcom created by Detroit improv
favorites Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson – was to see which familiar faces
would show up in each episode. Other than the very funny Mort Crim – yes, he
showed a side of himself local TV news viewers never knew existed - one face
appeared more than any other, that of improviser Quintin Hicks. I’ve been a fan
of his work, if my aging memory is correct, since his days with The Second
City, and to see him behind the bar interacting with his old pals at their
favorite watering hole always brought a smile to my face. And a wish: that he’d
return to the stage with yet another follow-up to “Fish Dinner,” his 2011
original show at Planet Ant Theatre that earned both him and director Dave
Davies a Wilde Award for their efforts.
In his review of the production, critic John Quinn wrote,
“'Fish Dinner' is a series of monologues by oddball characters sprung from
Hicks’s fertile imagination. But don’t be surprised if you run across someone
you know. The characters may be over the top, but they’re firmly anchored in
reality. The individuality Hicks brings to his ‘cast’ is deeper than just
changing a costume or donning a wig. The characters take on a life of their own
as the actor disappears – one of the best of experiences for audience and
performer alike. It’s one of the hallmarks of the genre.”
After seeing the production myself, I whole-heartedly
agreed with his assessment.
Sequels followed in 2013 and 2016, and when I heard that
a fourth was on the drawing board, I was thrilled. And so what did I think of “Fish
Dinner 4: Thanksgiving” that I attended this past Friday night at the Ant’s
Black Box Theatre?
Damn, Hicks knows how to serve a tasty evening of live
theater!
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| Quintin Hicks. Photo courtesy of Planet Ant |
Just like its predecessors, “Fish Dinner 4” is a series
of monologues delivered by what initially appear to be random, quirky characters.
But as the production flows along, the genius of Hicks’ creativity begins to
shine, as a detailed tapestry of seemingly unrelated people, objects and events
weave together to create an interconnected whole. Nothing happens by mere chance;
every action and every character is but part of a much bigger, more beautiful
picture – even that of a squirrel in search of its next meal.
What’s more, favorite characters from past shows make
return visits, as Hicks grows, expands, updates and possibly concludes their stories
(although I suspect aging wrestler The Mighty Quinn could make a come-back at some point).
And because of how carefully Hicks constructs his
characters, the audience comes to care about them. We can identify with them, or
laugh with them (and never at them). As critic Quinn said, Hicks
thrives at creating life’s oddball characters, but he imbues them with heart,
dignity and wisdom. And he does so with a gentleness that proves how much he
loves and respects them.
As a result, the audience does, too!
Not all of the show is scripted, however. Part of the
charm of the “Fish Dinner” series is how Hicks relates to and interacts with
his audience – right from the very start. With a wealth of improv experience,
Hicks is quite at home talking directly to individuals in the audience and
coaxing them into participating in a scene. And because anything can happen
under such circumstances – and generally will
– Hicks is adept at “going with the flow” and seeing where the interactions
take him. These are often among the highlights of the performance.
The Bottom Line: So while I absolutely loved every minute of “Fish Dinner 4” –
including the appearance of the angelic Mikey Brown in once scene and video cameos
of other familiar faces in another – I left with one regret. Rumors say that
this is the last in the “Fish Dinner” series. I, for one, certainly hope not,
as each and every visit is a warm reminder of how one uber-creative artist, one
insightful director and a team of talented technicians can create such a unique
and charming world the likes of which we rarely see.
Therefore, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Hicks and
Davies will return yet again to serve us another scrumptious meal – this time
including my favorite character of all, the Bear! (I just had to work that in there, Quintin!)
Unfortunately, “Fish Dinner 4: Thanksgiving” closes
Saturday, Nov. 24. The production is the second of two shows on the schedule.
The other is “Quickening,” an original comedy about the secret behind Detroit’s
most famous mortgage company. Show details can be found HERE:
