Fooling Buddha
Directed by Patrick New
Created by and starring David Kovac
At First Folio Theatre, Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, IL
Fooling Buddha is clever, intelligent, charming and entertaining!
I’d walk a million miles for one of those smiles! David Kovac enlightens us with his story telling and trickery. “A miracle is a tragedy with a happy ending.” Growing up in the 1970’s near Milwaukee, WI and being Buddhist seems like an oxymoron. Truth, wisdom, and compassion come into play for this young man especially when being faced with bullies. Whether the bully is young school mate Eddie Dunn or just the negativity within his mind that plays like a bad record over and over, Kovac uses his Buddhist ways to try and make sense of it all through magic while entertaining his audience with philosophical humor. People see what they want to see! Those who know do not say and those who say do not know. Are you following?
We have an up close and personal view of his outdated family kitchen, his school classroom and the magic shop that he frequented as a child thanks to the clever set design by Angela Weber Miller. Expect the unexpected and learn a few tricks during this 90 minute meditative adventure. Kovac is very talented and likable with sharp wit. There is magic, but this is not a magic show. This is more a journey down Zen Memory Lane and I really enjoyed it as did my 9 year old daughter. Amazing tricks, nice theatre and very funny were some of the notes from her list. I think it is worth the trip so check it out for yourself.
Recommended
Sally Jo Osborne
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2016
Tickets range from $29 – $39 and may be purchased by calling the box office at 630-986-8067 or online at www.firstfolio.com. For more information checkout the Fooling Buddha page at theatreinchicago.com
At the First Folio Theatre (Mayslake Peabody Estate) Oak Brook, IL (running time is 90 minutes –no intermission, through April 24, 2016