Theater Reviews

Jul 24, 2008 - Cashing in (or out) with Sara Juli's "The Money Conversation" at Reno is Artown

By Jack Neal

Sara Juli brings her curious stage presentation, “The Money Conversation,” to Reno for a Thursday-through-Saturday (7/22-26/08) run at the Redfield Studio Theater.

Beginning and ending with a look-me-straight-in-the-eye stare-down with the audience, Juli launches into a 65-minute show that wallows in money. Her money to be exact (approximately $5000 per show).

The positive aspects of the show are the conversations Juli has with members of the audience about money. To her credit, she remembers those comments, which become part of her closing commentary.

The negative aspect of the show, is that there is no defining moment in which “The Money Conversation” transcends into “Ah, that’s what this conversation is about!” Without that defining moment, and they’re hard to come by (I know, I’m a long-time educator who always struggles with defining moments), “The Money Conversation” has its charms, but leaves an audience wondering what Juli’s exercise in stage craft is about.

Beyond the audience stare down, Juli rolls in money, she gives money away (“Take it, it’s for you!”), she places money between her toes (“Take it, it’s for you!”), she hides money in her bra and underpants (“Take it, it’s for you!”). Several declined to invade Juli’s more personal repositories. Others did not. Perhaps, that’s what “The Money Conversation” is about? What people will do to get money.

In addition to cash, the show offers other rewards. A kind of non-threatening lap dancing and hugging. All well and good, except such touching can make people uncomfortable. The people, for example, who resist taking money from Juli’s bra and underpanties – especially in a warm theater - covering sweaty private parts. Is discomfort an integral part of “The Money Conversation” experience?

And, oh yes, the printed programs contain deposit slips so that people receiving money can return the favor via the deposit box near the exit door. “It IS more blessed to give, than to receive.” Is that what “The Money Conversation” is about? Juli’s gesture near the end of her show asking for pennies (“Does anyone have any cents?”), and then once collected methodically returning the pennies to their owners as in a “Pennies from Heaven” moment. Is a higher calling what “The Money Conversation” is about?

Fortunately (for her), Ms. Juli did not give me her remaining stash of $2800 (out of the original $5000) as her show’s grand finale. Presumably, no one is required to give the money back. Obviously, Ms. Juli took one look at me (that opening stare) and decided I wasn’t worth the risk.

What is worth the risk is Sara Juli’s intelligence and natural charm, Michael Fernbach’s technical direction and a short show. What is iffy is the Redfield Studio Theater’s air conditioning. Global warming meets Governor Gibbons’s no-new-taxes pledge for a hot time in the old town each night.

The Money Conversation with Sara Juli, sponsored by Reno is Artown, can be experienced at the Redfield Studio Theatre July 22 (the performance reviewed), 23, 24, 25, 26 (2008) at 8 p.m. (tickets are incorrectly marked 7:30 p.m.). Cost is $20. For information call 775-322-1538.