The Neon Man and Me
SF Weekly
Nathaniel Eaton
September 19, 2006
Two years ago performer Slash Coleman's best friend was electrocuted while  
hanging a neon sign. Frustrated while trying to put together a memento box for his
departed friend's new born son, Coleman wrote this solo show instead.

Billed as a "spiritual rock and roll comedy about best friends," the performance
plays out like a heartfelt living memorial to a relationship that offered Coleman a
sacred home in his ungrounded life. Careening between reenacting pivotal
moments of their friendship and philosophizing about his own life's direction,
Coleman has such manic pacing that he practically trips over his words wile
unnecessarily miming every physical action.

Although there are plenty of colorful characters and chuckles along the way, it's
when he slows down to reflect and picks up his acoustic guitar to sing to his
friend that his grief and sorrow are beautifully conveyed. When the acting is less
precious and hectic, The Neon Man and Me transcends this one particular
situation and becomes a rumination on the holes in the spirit that only a lifelong
friend can fill - as well as ode to home.
© Slash Coleman 2006