Have you ever really held or watched a squirrel? No matter how much scientific rationale or logic you apply to observing one, you basically feel that this mammal embodies the definition of ADHD. Much like the frenetic and hyperactive squirrel, this play twitches and turns from topic to topic with little regard to sense, science, or the rational world of Charles Darwin.
The premise is not real clear, but the topics are humorous and laugh-aloud absurd. A squirrel, yes of the American Grey variety (be very clear – not English) and Charles Darwin establish a working?/loving? relationship. Time, history, philosophy, relationships, pop culture, and Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development have nothing on these mammals. Is there a premise? Who knows!
Powerful and humorous to hysterical vignettes are played out before a packed house. Much of the hilarity and success of the production are that of Carlos Bustamante (Squirrel) and Ian LeValley (Charles Darwin) who’s kinetic romps between a light and abbreviated history of Darwin, issues of the start and denouement of a close partnership, the premise of a Rolling Stones song, the Neptune Ceremony of Sailors crossing the equator, and the noted wildlife characteristics of American Grey Squirrel are interesting and engaging.
Ssince the play involves one of the leading scientific innovators of modern times, who generated one of the most innovative and controversial scientific hypotheses (hence based on logic and in essence making a point), perhaps the playwright could create a few strands of a story or thoughts to hang one’s evolutionary or squirrely hat upon (you’ll get it if you see the show).
Running time: 65 minutes.
Squirrel, or The Origin of a Species information and tickets.
