Godzilla Never Dies...(Show Review)

In the pre-show patter for “Godzilla Never Dies,” the latest pop culture goof at the Rose Theatre Company.

Godzilla (Jon Smith) is a fearsome creature who destroys  cities and isn’t above using his tail to lash an opponent. In the context of the show, he’s also pretty darn funny, thanks to Smith’s body language. (Among the show’s lessons is the revelation that Godzilla has a weakness for the music of Taylor Swift.)

The show strings together plot points from various Godzilla tales as a panel of military authorities (Bobby G. Perkins and Darrell Scott) and medical researchers (Sonia Guerra and Lucas Collins) works to try to put a stop to the creature’s latest rampage. They are guided by the Japanese prime minister (Kaiya Look), who, of course, is somewhat of an authority on the topic.

The jokes don’t always completely land — a sequence involving karaoke, for instance, goes on much too long — but those that do are laugh-out-loud funny. The low-tech bits, including the use of Silly String, are a lot of fun. And Smith is a treat throughout.

“Godzilla Never Dies” can be seen at 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through Oct. 25 at the Rose Theatre Company, 11838 Wurzbach. Tickets range from $10 to $12.  Call 210-360-0004 for reservations.

 http://blog.mysanantonio.com/weekender/2014/10/review-godzilla-never-dies/