Imagine our surprise, when one of our writers contacted us after reading the Norma Doesmen item on NiteLifeExchange.com. Apparently, in support of Tommy Femia, he went to see the show and offered to write a review. Since he does write for us, and had already been to the show, how could we turn down his offer. The following is Gregg Micheals' review of Norma Doesmen.   --  Scott Barbarino, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Last time Norma Doesmen was mentioned on this site, it was stated that the reviewer had been blocked at the door and refused entry... 

I would have been blessed to have had the same experience.  I went to this event agog, because I have the utmost respect for Tommy Femia, I love Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard and the combination of Tommy Femia (a 7-time MAC Award winner) and the subject matter seemed like a wonderful combination.  The idea is wonderful, yes. However, anything positive about this production begins and ends with the idea of it.

On the Norma Doesmen homepage (www.normadoesmen.com), out of context quotes from other reviewers would lead one to believe that this is a good show.  It is NOT!!! Please read those other reviews in their entirety, and do not be mislead by the well-spun marketing. The overused sexual innuendo would make even the greediest whore want a respite into celibacy. Stephen Stahl, the writer/director, was overly ambitious in attempting a parody of Wilder. His bilge would better be left in the privacy of his personal diary, than to pollute the professional stage. The experience of witnessing such juvenile debauchery should be limited to summer camp and lunch room cafeterias. The audacity to charge money to hear such rubbish is extraordinary. The tip of the tongue shows the back of the mind. Mr. Stahl’s mind is stuck somewhere in the hormone-driven conversations of adolescence.

The show is at best, two hours of tedium. From mispronunciation of common words to the misunderstanding of words’ definitions, Stahl’s diminutive grasp of the English language is appalling for someone who considers himself a playwright. Studs are worn on the chest of the tuxedo shirt, Mr. Director, in lieu of buttons.  Cufflinks are the items at the end of the sleeves. Your character has buttons and cufflinks on his shirt. Using the word “stud” to get a cheap laugh is one thing, but at least put your character in the correct attire to sell your joke! Speaking of the costumes, they are loutish. Linda Bee Stockton, the costume designer, presents an array of ill-fitting, historically inaccurate apparel.  Historical accuracy is obviously not of concern to this director, with the show being set in the late 40’s and 50’s, and the script being peppered with references to Sarah Palin, Anita Bryant and Beyonce.  Succinctly put: I suddenly had more room around me after the intermission; several people left when they had the opportunity, and they did so with good reason. My admiration of Femia and my hopes that the second act would be better, forced me to stay. Unfortunately, the codswallop did not improve. This is worse than a community theatre production, on the lowest level. If you want to lose two hours of your life that you can never regain, then see this production.