The Search for Signs...

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, Sept. 21-Oct. 21, $12-$34, Walnut Street Theatre, Independence Studio 3, 825 Walnut St., 215-592-9560, www.1812productions.org.

by Deni Kasrel

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"To talk while doing jumping jacks is a lot harder than you would think," says Jennifer Childs, as she notes just one of the challenges she's encountered while rehearsing The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe. The one-woman play, originally performed by Lily Tomlin, requires Childs to portray 16 seemingly disparate characters, both female and male, for a two-hour stretch. "I've had to train my body and train my voice just to have the endurance required," she says. "I'm usually the character actress, the quirky sidekick who comes on for a short burst of energy."

A hit on Broadway in 1985, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe offered a comedic yet highly perceptive look at topics of the times, so there's a risk the show could seem dated. However, Childs says its assorted ruminations remain relevant: "It's a different era, so perhaps the music is different, but the same stuff is going on." Though the format of one person portraying multiple characters has since been employed by many others — including Whoopi Goldberg and John Leguizamo — The Search remains one-of-a-kind. "I doesn't get any better than this," says Childs. "It's a tour de force."

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, Sept. 21-Oct. 21, $12-$34, Walnut Street Theatre, Independence Studio 3, 825 Walnut St., 215-592-9560, www.1812productions.org.