The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In The Universe

It makes sense to cast one of SNL's beloved cast members Cecily Strong in The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life in The Universe, because she is a master of human and celebrity impersonators. In many of the past Saturday Night Life shows, Strong has portrayed Sofia Vergara, Ariana Grande, Kate Middleton and others to a tee.

When I attended the show a few nights after its September 21, 2022 opening night at the CTGLA'S Mark Taper Forum, I was surprised there were empty seats in the theatre. It was a Tuesday night and I was so excited to sit in the smaller venue to watch Strong in a one-woman show. No other actors would distract me from taking my eyes off of her as she shared the interweaving story about some quirky women and aliens from outer space.

The show opens with a minimal black stage designed by Mary Hamrick and Christine Jones with two movable black boxes. Director Leigh Silverman has Strong walk out into an arc of lights by Lighting designer Lap Chi Chu. It resembles possibly a time machine or space capsule. The audience applauds seeing Strong first as a character named Trudy who lives on the streets. She tries to explain the difference between a can of Campbell soup and Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup art to her alien friends. Wearing a trench coat lined with Post It notes of facts she wants to share, she recites the title of the show within the first two minutes.

Each character Strong plays isn't that much different in vocals and mannerisms. She does a better job with her distinctive characters on Saturday Night Live. She becomes an annoyed teenager, a sad socialite, two sex workers who share their life story, and a concert violinist who chooses marriage and a family over living out her dream.

Wagner in an interview said “I have long been fascinated by the mystical implications of quantum theory, In truth, my dream was to get the audience to experience the universality of the deep interconnectedness of all living things – with Trudy as the guide… I wanted us to flash on just that thought – that we’re all connected.” Sadly my husband and I didn't experience that connection while watching the show.

What did steal a scene at times were the sound effects by Sound Designer Jeff Gardner. They helped wake up those who were nodding off and provided laughter while watching a scene.

When this show debuted in 1985 starring Lily Tomlin, it won the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience, and was successful enough to be turned into a film in 1991, starring Tomlin again. Today it is still unique, however the writing seems dated. Someone said "Hey let's throw in an iCloud and Elon Musk reference" but that didn't help.

The show ends with color and confetti, unfortunately there was no standing ovation, just people standing up eager to get into their cars and drive home.

“The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe” is playing at the Mark Taper Forum at the Music Center through Oct. 23. Tickets are currently on sale and start at $35. They are available through CenterTheatreGroup.org, audience Services at (213) 628-2772 or in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Offices (at the Ahmanson Theatre) at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012. Performances run Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets.