Point Break may be one of those movies that everyone secretly loves and publicly scorns, but I for one am not afraid to admit my unabashed adoration of Bodhi, Johnny Utah and of the generally radical. Which is why, when I first heard about Point Break Live!, a touring production that puts on a stage adaptation of the 1991 film Point Break, I was one of the first folks in line for the experience. And that experience can only be described as all-encompassing, wet, interactive, loud, "extreme" and altogether awesome. It's performance art at its absolute fun-est. And of course I had to go back more than once.

The production begins with a visit from director Kathryn Bigelow, (played appropriately snarky by Lisa Renee), and a live casting call to the audience. It seems the production couldn't afford Keanu Reeves anymore, and will need a volunteer from the audience willing to audition for the role. In both of the productions I saw, classic Los Angeles wannabe Keanus race to the stage to perform their best impersonations. I was however pleased that in both cases a less "practiced" person was chosen, as is more appropriate for our spaced out action hero.

The newly chosen Keanu is then led through the production by Kathryn Bigelow's PA (the multi-talented, knee-pad sportin', hyper-ly energetic Christi Waldon). She cues Keanu his lines with a stack of laminated cards, gives him slight direction ("Stand here!", "Hold up your finger!", "Say this!", "Convince him!!), and acts as Keanu's "stunt double" in fight scenes. The rest of the cast playfully puts Keanu through the ringer as (s)he learns to surf, sky-drive and is schooled in all things by and large bad-ass.

The live production does take some liberty from the whole of the original script, and I suppose Point Break purists (is there such a thing?) may be saddened that War Child didn't make the cut. But the actors portraying Pappas (George Spielvogel), Roach (Thomas Blake) and Bodhi (Tobias Jelinek) are so right on, so gloriously appropriate to their characters' most cheesy, over-the-top natures, that their performances could only have been accomplished through a true appreciation for the 100% Pure Adrenaline of the original Point Break.

The most precious and celebrated Point Break moments are played up, including infamous Johnny Utah lines "Are we gonna jump, or jerk off?", "This is your wake-up call - I am an F-B-I Agent!" and the foot-chase between Bodhi (wearing the Reagan mask) and Johnny Utah, complete with dog throwing, knee-faulting, and the pointing of the gun up in the air and firing while yelling "Fuuuuuuuuuuck!" And how could it be a "live" action movie without some three dimensional effects? Be prepared to buy a meatball sub with Pappas, get hosed down during party and surf scenes and/or be thrown to the ground if caught up in the robbery. Things do get messy.

In short, both Point Break lovers as well as its haters will not be disappointed. The setting is perfect for the antics, (Charlie O's at the Alexandria Hotel, 501 S. Spring Street), the drinks are cheap, the action is high and you will laugh yourself silly. Go with a group, purchase "Survival Kits" for $1 (poncho, fake money, paper towel), and park easily in one of several near-by $5 Joe's lots.

Tickets are available online at Theater Mania.com: http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/section/synopsis/show/128881

But get them soon as every show sells out and performances are only scheduled through mid-December.

See Point Break Live! on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday nights at 7 p.m., November 30 - December 16, 2007.

Vaya con Dios!

-Mary McIlwain