The Laros Theatre Company’s My Ghosts Provides a Fine Haunt at The Manifestival

It’s not easy to create when your inner critics are Christopher (Kit) Marlowe, Jack Wilson, and William Shakespeare. Such is the fate of Cab Curio (Dave Laros), a sequin-jacketed scribe living in his family’s clocktower, and sabotaged by a case of operatic anxiety. His other ever-looming enemy is time itself, a character that is unseen but casts a shadow over us all, and is felt most intensely by the artists who are desperately trying to get their creations seen and appreciated before the curtain falls. And for Curio, we soon learn the urgency is particularly great.

The arrogant Shakespeare (Mundo Ballejos) is fittingly the leader of the tormentors, leading Curio to wonder why he should bother when he could never compete with the output of this particular voice in his head. The bard’s infamous rival Marlowe (Jessie Grimaldo) sports an eyepatch and a tongue of acid. Jack Wilson (Justin Anthony) is a manifestation of the musical component of Curio’s artistry; as Curio is torn between completing his book and pursuing his musical passions (another relatable conundrum for the typical suffering artist).

Another ghost, Lenore (Jillian Soares) also has a strong presence in his psyche, as she is apparently Curio’s mother; she advises him while literally peering from a portrait frame. Sean Andrews expertly accompanies the cast as musical director.

My Ghosts is quite surreal and comedic in all the right places, but also incredibly relatable for any (or maybe every) artist tormented by Imposter Syndrome. The layout of the Paradise Factory theatre allowed one to keenly observe the reactions of the audience to what was happening on stage, and it was clear in their eyes how much they both related to Cab’s dilemma and enjoyed the whimsical way it was dealt with.

In addition to the universal themes, My Ghosts is notable for its tremendous musical performances. Soares is particularly astonishing, hitting high notes that would break the glass of the frame her character constantly holds. The entire cast performs with a precision and passion that beautifully exemplifies the mantra of the opening song, “Don’t die with your music inside you.”

Dave Laros (music and lyrics), Erica Elsa Laros (Book Writer, Producer, and Costumes) and Rebecca Frazier (Director, Choreographer, Costumes, Lighting) are a team to watch, and those of us with lots of music to share are grateful for the shoutout.

Learn more at https://www.myghostsareinme.com.