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Miriam Reviews Manhattan Monologue Slam

The monthly Manhattan Monologue Slam -"a high risk, low stakes game of masterpiece theatre" -is a chance for amateur and experienced actors alike to show their stuff. Hosted by the confetti-armed, boisterous Galinsky brothers, the slam is a good-natured competition open to anyone with a semi-prepared 30-second-long monologue and enough guts to take the stage.

By the 7:30 pm starting time, there is standing room only in the Bowery Poetry Club. After the upbeat music, the sign-up for the second set competition, and the introduction of the MM Slam, the Championship Set begins. During this set, eight actors, selected and rehearsed prior to the Slam, each perform a self-chosen three-minute-long monologue for a panel of judges and a lively audience. Robert Galinsky hosts, asking the crowd to "GIVE IT UP FOR THE NEXT THESPIAN!" before each performer.

During the July MM Slam, the monologues ranged in content from an African American man recalling how racist white men raped his mother, to a quirky girl pointing out that her date's chicken dinner was once a living creature with feelings and family. The variety of issues addressed and emotions evoked made the championship round not only entertaining, but also enriching. At each monologue's conclusion, judges shared their thoughts and criticisms, and Robert Galinsky gave a brief actor biography. Among the most recognizable actors was Sarah Scott, who guest starred on CSI: New York in 2005.

Last but not least, reigning champion Nikole Beckwith [Ed. Note: Check out this clip of Nikole in action] took the stage. Clearly well suited for comedy, Beckwith came out dressed in a bedroom sheet, ready to confess a certain complication to a first-time lover. She tried to explain that she doesn't know why it happens, that she isn't even a democrat -but that every time she is intimate with a man, she winds up screaming "Victory for the forces of democratic freedom!" It took an extraordinary actress to perform this extraordinary monologue. When the judge's point scores were released, Nikole was victorious. Scoring 105 out of 120 possible points, she remained the MM Slam Champion, and will be back next month to defend her title once again.

Among the treats of the night was a special performance by Pennel Bird, current monologue champion in Los Angeles. Manhattan and LA are the only two cities that host this unique kind of slam; it is interesting to have visiting actors show off the winning talent on the other side of the country.

Courageous audience members have another chance to sign up at intermissionƒand then, the 30-second performers begin. The Galinskys, clad in flashy, attention-getting garb, usher in the second set with confetti, bubble-makers, exciting music and Phillip's outrageous dance moves. One by one, the brave souls who want to break into the acting business (or just have some fun) are called to the stage. Audience members turned actors have a couple of seconds to unleash the characters within. In July, there was everyone from Kermit the Frog to a strict physical education teacher. Finally, Walter Simpson III, taking the stage as a driver who was pulled over by a policeman because of racial profiling, was cheered the loudest by the audience -and therefore declared the winner. He received a cash prize of $30.00 ($1.00 per second!) as well as sessions with an acting service, and a chance to perform a three-minute-monologue in August.

Held on the first Monday of every month, the Manhattan Monologue Slam is a chance to see some of the newest talent in this area...and to try one's own skills on the stage. It is hilarious, thanks to the comedic performances and the energetic Galinskys, but it is also thought provoking because of the more serious monologues and the actors' skills. The MM Slam is a must-see for anyone who loves theatre, acting, competition -or having fun.

After seeing The Manhattan Monologue Slam, at the Bowery Poetry Club, Miriam caught up with co-founder Phil Galinksy to talk about the show. Check out the Q & A here...