| Los Angeles Times Friday, December 16, 2004 'Russians' provides 100-proof laughter Somewhere in Russia, unfazed by the Ukranian election fracas, a farmer named Ilia only thinks of America. Although devoted to his lactose-free cow and latke-voiced mother, this sweet-natured Slav longs for the capitalistic opportunities he sees depicted in his favorite American films such as "Striptease" and "Free-Willy." After 72 tries, Ilia's immigration-minded letter to an invented California address connects with a local who finds the synchronicity, like, awesome. This spurs Ilia to leave mooing Marta and keening Mama and head for the United States, protected by a talismanic potato in his pants. His American dream quest forms the vodka-soaked core of "The Russians Are Here!" at Theatre 40. Creators David Laird Scott and Ilia Volok turn their politically incorrect two-hander into something more promising. Volok's endearing naif maintains his persona even while engaging in wild physical clowning and groaning verbal puns. Scott plays everyone whom Ilia encounters with ripe farcical chops. When these two comic finds hit their stride, as in the farewell party, or Ilia's romance with a Los Angeles Zoo official's daughter, "Russians" is flat-out funny. What this "Kids in the Hall"-flavored showcase now needs is directorial oversight. Though resourceful, the video segments require better integration, while the script could easily lose 15 minutes of extraneous business and stand-up vulgarity. Yet, as the final twist reveals, "The Russians Are Here!" is essentially a wacky, warm-hearted parable, and both its talented stars are going places. David C. Nichols |