The Neon Man and Me

Two years ago performer Slash Coleman's best friend was electrocuted while hanging a neon sign. Frustrated while trying to put together a memento box for his departed friend's newborn son, Coleman wrote this solo show instead. Billed as a "spiritual rock 'n' roll comedy about best friends," the performance plays out like a heartfelt living memorial to a relationship that offered Coleman a sacred home in his ungrounded life. Careening between reenacting pivotal moments of their friendship and philosophizing about his own life's direction, Coleman has such manic pacing that he practically trips over his words while unnecessarily miming every physical action. Although there are plenty of colorful characters and chuckles along the way, it's when he slows down to reflect and picks up his acoustic guitar to sing to his friend that his grief and sorrow are beautifully conveyed. When the acting is less precious and hectic, The Neon Man and Me transcends this one particular situation and becomes a rumination on the holes in the spirit that only a longtime friend can fill — as well as an ode to home.