The following article is reprinted from the January 14, 2001 issue of the Valley Breeze Paper; it is a review of our appearance at Charlie Hall's Stage in Providence.

"EXOTIC HYPNOTICS" / CHARLIE HALL'S STAGE / REVIEW

          Her soft red hair cascades over her sequin bedecked shoulders. She looks deep into his eyes, whispering seductively, "How'd you like to sleep with me tonight?"

          The start of a new Harlequin romance?

          Hardly. It's the start of a brand-new act at Charlie Hall's stage in downtown Providence.

          MeetRichard Anthony & Genie Trefz, the Exotic Hypnotics.

          Richard, a native of the Boston area, has been a stage hypnotist since the age of 19 — he's not saying how long ago that was. Genie joined the act seven years ago, making them the world's only HypnoDuo (my word, not theirs). They call Atlantic City home, but they perform regularly all over the country. Their wedding is scheduled for later this year.

          Last Saturday night was their first show in Providence. They've worked Boston and the Cape — in fact, some of their Cape fans made the trek to Providence to see them.

          Right away, they pay homage to the "other" hypnotist in town, Frank Santos. "We're among the few hypnotists in the country who can call each other friends," says Richard. "When we got the call to come up here, before we agreed to anything, the first thing we did was to call Frank."

          Because Santos works Friday nights at The Comedy Connection in East Providence, Richard & Genie would agree to Saturday night appearances only.

          And if this Saturday is any indication, Richard & Genie will be appearing on Saturday nights for a good long time to come.

          As with all hypnosis shows, this one starts out a little slow. Part of that is due to some of the stories Richard shares with the audience up front — like the tribute to Santos. Chalk that up, however, to first night jitters, and a need to mark his territory.

          Then, the show moves on to getting volunteers on the stage, and getting them to go under. From the 150 people present, a dozen — roughly half men, half women — take seats on stage. The lights dim, and the club's disco ball gets put into action. "I knew I'd find a use for that thing!" jokes club owner Charlie Hall.

          With their deep monotones, Richard and Genie take turns guiding the volunteers into a hypnotic state. When all is said and done, four people return to their tables, leaving eight people on stage.

          And that's when the fun begins. Richard suggests that each of the volunteers is now in the screening room at the Playboy Mansion, watching the world's funniest X-rated movie. When they awaken, the eight stare and laugh at the "movie" they see before them. A few suggestions later, they are actually in the movie.

          If you've ever seen a hypnotist show, there's really nothing new here as far as the bits go. The person next to you has the world's worst body odor, you've forgotten your ABC's, you need to go to the bathroom but your "equipment" is missing. The fun is in the reaction of the people on stage to these things that are "happening" to them.

          By the mid-point of the show, Richard and Genie are left with four volunteers — Michelle, Jeremy, Jaime and Mark. At this point, they introduce the Star Trek/Alien Sex bit. Michelle is an alien creature, unable to speak English. She is describing the sexual habits of her planet to the hypnotists, and the starship personnel — Captain Picard, Dr. Crusher and Lieutenant Ryker — have to interpret. This part is downright hilarious, because the players are making it up as they go, with very little coaching or stimulation from the hypnotists.

          The show is risqué, without a doubt, with references that might make Dr. Ruth blush. But, Richard and Genie are careful to keep control of the show.

          It's their pairing that makes this show different from the rest. Richard tends to pick on the female participants, and Genie is quick to rise to their defense, and vice-versa. They have an interesting chemistry on stage, and that adds a different sort of spice to the show.

          Richard & Genie — The Exotic Hypnotics. Whether you're there to participate or simply to watch, you're going to enjoy this show.

-30-

by: Frank O'Donnell // January 14, 2001