Year: 2015

Fringe review: Velour

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By John Lyle Belden

Vinnie Velour, former Driver to the Stars, tells of his transition to Vinnie Velour, Professional Lounge Singer, in the one-man (and a woman) variety show, “VELOUR,” by Schedule C Productions, at the Marrott Center.

In a performance dedicated to the late great Mel Torme, Velour covers everything from Bryan Adams to Mr. Rogers. And at three points in the narrative, the audience gets to vote on what act he will bring to the stage next – the plate-spinning is very popular, and I personally recommend the sword-swallowing.

This story of love and redemption has just a hint of cheese, but it’s all in good taste. Velour is a true talent.

Fringe review: Orange is the New Black Keys

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By Wendy Carson

From the group that brought you last year’s “Shame of Thrones,” this year’s offering, “Orange is the New Black Keys” by host ComedySportz Indianapolis, is a zany send-up of a certain Netflix sensation.

However, since the actors are taking their cues from and utilizing lines provided by the audience, this show is exactly as funny as you make it. If you’re planning on going, start thinking up outrageous things for them to say. Some of the highlights from my show were, “Kiss me like I’m Greg Brady and you’re Florence Henderson,” and a soulful ballad about Jon Benet Ramsey. Also, it would seem that at least one of the cast has no idea of how to perform an Irish accent, much to the delight of everyone in attendance.

Whether you are a fan of the parodied series or not, the show will have you laughing hysterically the entire time. The show is a welcome respite from some of the darker offerings available and highly recommended as a “palate cleanser” to keep you going throughout the week.

Fringe review: “Mom?”

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By John Lyle Belden

Before you turn up your non-ruby nose at this “clown show,” do consider that missing this could mean passing up one of the funniest, most entertaining offerings of IndyFringe.

“’Mom?’ A Comedy of Mourners” is presented by Box of Clowns, which is more than a clever name for this trio. As the show opens we are presented with a small table of a stage and a trunk that turns out to contain, within its bottomless void, our three clown siblings. Victoria is kinda smart; Frank is kinda brave; and Mango is… well… unique.

They arrive to honor their deceased mother and scatter her ashes. This may seem a bit morbid for a comedy, but laughter is the perfect medicine for this occasion, and these characters deliver abundantly. Their acrobatic antics have them never leave the platform upon which they stand – except to disappear into and pop out of the box from time to time. Yet with these confines, they even manage a chase scene.

This hilarious hour is definitely a must-see. I’m sure Mom would have approved.

Fringe review: Ca-Ching

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By John Lyle Belden

As you enter the Theatre on the Square main stage for “Ca-Ching: A Modern American Religious Drama” by Nomads Collective, the actors are already on stage bantering. Yes, this is one of those truly “Fringe” shows where things get kind of odd.

In between the dance breaks, we get the stories of various characters affected by today’s economic struggles: a minimum-wage worker fixated on and frustrated by how little he makes for his constant labor; a couple faced with the choice of a leaky roof or no home at all, but the man has a talent he doesn’t realize could save them; Father Jobs, an idealistic innovator dismayed at how his world-changing inventions aren’t necessarily changing things for the better; an artist who discovers Jobs’ latest device, but she finds it easier to cash in than create; and Big Spender, who seems to embody the evils of capitalism in a single man. The big guy will get you ahead in life, but you might have to debase yourself.

The presentation is unusual – maybe not for everyone – but give it a chance. In the hours afterward, as I considered what I had seen, the message and meanings started coming through. And as another Fringer told me, if the show makes you think, isn’t that what this festival is about?

Fringe review: Bromance

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By Wendy Carson

“Bromance,” by Farewell Tour Productions at Theatre on the Square Stage Two, is the story of how Kurt Fitzpatrick and Tommy (Reverend) Nugent came together to make this show. Apparently their main goal is to sell-out and/or win an award at the Orlando Fringe Festival. While Nugent is wanting to quit acting and considering a career change in Truck Driving School.

Self-depreciation, crappy Photoshop, video parodies, A literary dissection of the book “Eat, Pray, Love” are merely the tip of the iceberg. Plus, since Kurt has a microscopic scene in “Law & Order: SVU”, expect to see those 2 seconds replayed, ad infinitum.

While all of the above might sound like the show is skip-able, it’s absolutely hilarious. The laughs are nonstop and their chemistry is sheer perfection. For a solid hour of laughs and silliness, check out these guys and revel in their infamy.

Fringe review: 4.48 Psychosis

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By Wendy Carson

“4.48 Psychosis,” by Savage at Last at Theatre on the Square Stage Two, is one of those edgy, artistic shows that makes the Fringe what it is. The performance is created to give you an insight to the constant suffering of psychotics. Aparently the 4.48 of the title is a reference to the 1 hour and 12 minutes of clarity that she experiences.

My best take on the production was, What if William Shakespeare wrote “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”?

While the show’s disjointed narrative is necessary to drive whatever story that exists here, difficult and challenging are the best descriptors I can come up with. Plus, it has the strangest, most awkward ending I’ve ever experienced.

This show is not for everyone, but it is a powerful experience for anyone who attends. If you do add this to your schedule, I strongly suggest that you schedule a light comedy afterwards to keep our brain from being overwhelmed.

Fringe reviews: Thursday, Aug. 13

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Reviews of IndyFringe 2015 performances by John Lyle Belden and Wendy C. Carson. Includes: “Auditioning for Swan Lake” by Lou Ann Homan (Maggie Mae Productions); “Home Grown Original” by Band O’ Leers; “Mr. Boniface, the Wise” by KT Peterson; “My Sister Diane: A Story of Hope, Humor and Hospice” by Jim May, Storyteller; “Not My Baby!” by Dreadmelon Productions; “Tipped & Tipsy” by Jill Vice. All but “Tipped…” are at the IndyFringe Theatre.

Auditioning for Swan Lake (review by John)

Storyteller Lou Ann Homan starts us off with an Estonian fairy tale, which alone is nearly worth the price of admission, and helps set the theme of this story of stories about dance.

Homan always wanted to be a dancer, but she grew up Baptist. When an AARP bulletin says that the three ways to preserve memory as you age are learning a new language (took that in high school), learn an instrument (piano, got that covered) and learn to dance (oops!), she seeks to express her inner ballerina. She finds an adult class, and after a few months has the desire to try out for a local production of “Swan Lake.” Where lack of raw talent or actual ability might fail her, she’s sure to persevere with her knack for telling stories – right?

No matter what her ballet judges thought, Homan wins us over with her true tales of how she “almost danced” on skates, how a Saturday night dance helped save her son’s life, and how sometimes what you need isn’t in the flash cards. If you’re in the mood for stories spun with heart and humor, this is definitely a show to check out. Wearing a tutu is optional, but she’ll have hers on.

Home Grown Originals (review by John)

Let us simplify your expectations. Ironically, this show stretches the concept of a “Fringe show” by not being edgy or avant garde or having some odd agenda. It’s straightforward a group of eight friends playing some really good Hoosier-made music.

Alex “Tunesmith” Murphy recently wrote a bunch of songs, then recorded them with his ensemble, the Band O’Leers. Now he presents these rockabilly-country-blues tunes on the IndyFringe Basile stage, featuring vocals by Murphy, Tim Spradlin and Lori Ecker.

It’s an entertaining crowd-pleasing set, featuring oughta-be-hits like “Kiss Me Like You Mean it,” “Future Ex-Wife” (feel free to sing along on the chorus) and “You’re only Human if you Try.” If guitars and a corny joke or two are your bag, head on over and give them a listen.

The CD of the songs will also be available, featuring vocals by local legend Karen Irwin.

Mr. Boniface, the Wise (review by Wendy)

Zany doesn’t even begin to describe the characters in this play. In fact, the titular character, Mr. Boniface — a goat-man who lives in the youngest child’s wallpaper and tells her what to do – is the most normal one on display.

We have: the aforementioned youngest child, Gerty, who may be either schizophrenic or just a clairvoyant genius; Angora, a certified scientific genius, who is so bored with the level of education at her school, she has been expelled for her little pranks against the other students; Inga, their harried, narcoleptic mother who is determined that Angora get back into school so that she can succeed at fulfilling her scientific potential; and Mr. Capshaw, Angora’s science teacher, who is madly in love with her and her brain – so much so, that they plan to fake their own deaths and run of to Wisconsin so that she can be part of a pig-cloning team.

Needless to say, hilarity ensues throughout the show as everyone tries to get what they want, and it seems that only Mr. Boniface will persevere.

While Mr. Boniface’s Presidential bid was never revealed to any of us during the play (the actors are distributing campaign stickers around the festival), I hope to eventually hear more of his platform as he seems to be one of the more reasonable possibilities for the 2016 ticket.

So, for a wacky, fun time enjoy this little insight into a family that will make yours look totally normal.

My Sister Diane (review by John)

Jim May warms us up with a little about his Catholic boyhood (including how “genuflecting” spelled backwards is pronounced) and his life as a professional storyteller.

Then he relates the story of an autumn 14 years ago, when, while working on a new telling of “Noah’s Ark” he is struck by a flood of another sort, no less devastating: His sister, the sibling he had been closest to growing up, has cancer. He and other family members fly out to see her, and talk with doctors who reveal that there is little to no hope for remission or cure. Then, the tale turns to the soothing miracle of hospice, as Diane gets to fade away in comfort with the people she loved.

A story that should have left us all in weeping puddles on the floor instead becomes uplifting and inspiring in May’s masterful hands. Instead of mourning, we celebrate the passing of a beautiful soul with one who truly loved and admired her. And for those with end-of-life decisions on their minds, the narrative provides an excellent overview of hospice care.

Not My Baby! (review by Wendy)

A man is on death row for killing a police officer. He and his family are doing everything they can to get his sentence overturned. The twist: The police officer in question was a K-9 who looked like just another dog and was attacking the man’s sister. The simplest solution would be for his sentence to be commuted to life with no parole, but since the Governor is eyeing a run for the Presidency, his “Hard on Crime” platform prevents him from showing any compassion to this man’s plight. While the helplessness of all involved overweighs the plot, the family dynamic is what this show is really about.

G-maw adds some much needed comic relief as the matriarch of the clan. However, the true standout of the bunch is little Adeesa. With her Jester’s hat of a hairstyle and idiot-savant shifts from utter nonsense to brilliant clarity, she provides insight on the true path of salvation for all the characters in this comic drama.

While it’s true that the specter of death and tragedy hangs solidly over everyone, the overall love and hope displayed by this troubled group makes the whole story resonate with everyone. Despite the dour subject matter, there is a good amount of comic relief to prevent the audience from being overwhelmed.

While I will admit that this show had not been one of my first choices to see at the Fringe this year, I am grateful to no end that it made it onto my schedule. I look forward to seeing more productions from this group and expect them all to be gracing more of our community stages in the future.

Tipped & Tipsy (review by Wendy)

Jill Vice puts on a whirlwind one-woman performance in the story of Candy, the bartender at Happy’s Bar, and her regular customers.

Among the patrons we meet Pat, the homeless, alcoholic ex-boxer; Ace, the muscle-headed, tough guy who has a crush on her; and Rico, the disco ladies-man, who is also “The owner of this place.”

She shifts from one person to another with such ease you almost forget that she is alone onstage inhabiting these characters. Everyone’s stories are woven together into a rich tapestry portraying the family dynamic that comes from people habitually sharing the same space.

Like a shot of tequila, the results are more bitter than sweet, but the brutal honesty of these lives and their reasons for seeking out alcohol to help numb them to their failures is a revelation to behold.

The show is certain to be a buzz-worthy crowdpleaser. However, while the intimate venue of Theatre on the Square’s second stage highlights the story perfectly, once the word gets out, you might not be able to get a table, so reserve your seats quickly.

Oh, and don’t forget to always TIP YOUR BARTENDER.

Our Fringe Schedule

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Last night’s preview round-up of IndyFringe shows was bittersweet as there are only so many time slots in the opening weekend for us to go and see the shows (our press passes only work through Sunday), will be missing out on so many amazing offerings that we both really wanted to see.

Here’s the list of shows we plan to review:
THURSDAY
6:00PM: Auditioning for Swan Lake… (John); Not My Baby! (Wendy)
7:30PM: My Sister Diane: A Story of Hope, Humor and Hospice (J.); Mr. Boniface, the Wise (W.)
9:00PM: Home Grown Original (J.); Tipped & Tipsy (W.)
FRIDAY
6:00PM: Mom? A Comedy of Mourners (J.); Bromance (W.)
7:30PM: VELOUR (J.); Orange is the New Black Keys (W.)
9:00PM: Ca-ching (J.); Men’s Room (W.)
10:30PM The Yellow Wallpaper (J.); 4.48 Psychosis (W.)
SATURDAY
1:30PM: Growing Up All Over Myself (J.); The Invisible Man (W.)
3:00PM: Cocooned in Kazan (J.); My Wildlife – Owl By Myself (W.)
4:30PM: The Secret Book of Jesus (J.); A Little Business at the Big Top (W.)
6:00PM: Interrupting the Sermon (J.); Ulysses Grant: a Fluxkit Opera (W.)
7:30PM: Shakespeare’s Ear (J.); Top Shelf … Our Last American Tour Again (W.)
9:00PM: Holy Ficus (J.); Working Titles (W.)
10:30PM: I’m Not Gay (J.); Ghost Story (W.)
SUNDAY
1:30PM: Whisper into My Good Ear (J.); The Shout (W.)
3:00PM: Camp Summer Camp (J.); Up Yours, Indianapolis (W.)
4:30PM: Who Run The World: A Madwomen’s Cabaret (J.); Drosselmeyer’s Magical Bedtime Story (W.)
6:00PM: Acting My Age (J.); ODDyssey (W.)
7:30PM: SARGE (J.); Not So Secret Origin of Captain Ambivilant (W.)
9:00PM: Kill the Column (J.); The Eulogy (W.)

Also, some of our friends are comping us into their shows, which will help increase our total, but we’re still going to miss out some we really wish we could see. The following we will see thanks to performer comps:
MONDAY
6:00PM: Hell’s Fourth Ring (The Mall Musical)
7:30PM: Laughing Sober
9:00PM: The Best of Indy Magic Monthly
TUESDAY
6:00PM: (Open)
7:30PM: Dancing in the Mist
9:00PM: (Open)
WEDNESDAY
6:00PM: (Open)
7:30PM: Jason Adams is a God Damn Mind Reader
9:00PM: (Open)
THURSDAY
6:00PM: Breakneck Hamlet
7:30PM: (Open)
9:00PM: (Open)

So, that’s our schedule. There will likely be a few revisions due to sell-outs and other unforeseen issues but this is it for now.

To performers, if you do not see your show listed, we would be more than willing to see it and post a review. You just need to put us on your comp list. We not only love seeing the shows, but more so helping promote the performers.

Fringe, Fair and Fava Beans

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The IndyFringe festival gets under way with the free preview today (Wednesday) and lots and lots of excellent little performances Thursday through Aug. 23. Watch this site, our Facebook page and our Twitters (@PenGwenity and @IndyBeldar) for reviews through at least the first weekend.

The Indiana State Fair continues, also through the 23rd.

Note that the Phoenix Theatre will not be participating in the Fringe this year. Instead, they open “Silence: The Musical.” This silly satire of “Silence of the Lambs” runs through Sept. 13.

– See you in the audience!

GenCon wrap-up

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By Wendy C. Carson

Here’s a look back at GenCon:

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

John went downtown to take part in some of the Trade Day panels and picked up his event tickets. Trade Day events were mainly for educators, librarians and games retailers.

After picking me up from work in the afternoon, we made our way back to the Indiana Convention Center so that I could pick up my event tickets. However, the line stretched the length of the building about three-wide and was moving extremely slowly, so I decided to try and get my tickets on Thursday.

THURSDAY, JULY 30

We got up early to get into the Press line and get our badges before going to a 9 a.m. writing seminar. While John held my place in line, I sauntered up to Will Call and got my tickets in a matter of minutes. We usually go straight to the Exhibit Hall, but since we decided to do things differently this year (and were both interested in the panel), we gave back our early entry tickets so someone else could take our places. Judging by the long line at the Press room, it really looked like they were going to run out or early passes this year.

The seminar was about the business of writing, and how to navigate through the obstacles and pitfalls that can befall a budding writer. We met some great people and were glad that we attended. We also went to a networking panel later that day. As with past networking panels we’d attended, they all really boil down to: “Don’t be a dick to other people.”

After the networking panel, our stomachs were growling so we went out to the food truck area on Georgia Street for some grub. I got an amazing grilled cheese sandwich (barbequed meat, two kinds of cheese and caramelized onions) while John got a combo platter at the Jamaican truck. We shared our meals and then had a doughnut sandwich for dessert. This was one of the most delicious and decadent things I’ve ever eaten. It had a large scoop of Nutella gelato sandwiched between two halves of a chocolate yeast doughnut. Mmmmm…

We decided to tackle the Exhibit Hall by starting at the furthest end (row 3000) at “Entrepreneur’s Avenue,” which we were most interested in checking out. Not only is it nice to support new games and creators, but some of our favorite games have come from there. This year once again did not fail to impress. Watch for our reviews of the new hot games that everyone’s going to want to play.

There was one small drawback overall. Many companies throughout the room were advertising and demonstrating some amazing games, but they were merely prototypes to be Kickstarted or produced later. In fact, we had a major, “Shut Up and Take My Money” moment when we played World Champion Russian Roulette and weren’t able to buy it. We tried to get one of their demo copies, but to no avail. We did talk to them and they should send us a copy as soon as we can have one but we will still do a quickie write-up of it soon.

We then attended a seminar on researching for writers. It was quite helpful. I am slowly working on a story whose main character shares a life story very similar to an existing person, and I got advice on how to approach her, as well as friends and family, for interviews.

Anyway, after that, we hurried off to get ready for the Miskatonic University Graduation Ceremony. (We volunteer to be part of the Chaosium Games official H.P. Lovecraft-inspired event each year.) I was to be the “Dean of Women” but ended up being more of the “Mistress of Discipline.” The event was wonderful. Each year, not only do more and more people attend, but they come up with the most amazing material to add to the storyline that we really don’t have to do much besides give them a topic and let them go. Our Valedictorian won by “sacrificing” himself (almost literally). When he fell down, his head whacked a steel beam in the room with a resounding THUD. Once he assured us he was OK, another person said he “Majored in Necromancy” and brought him back from the dead. I really can’t wait to see next year’s “Cthulhu for President” rally. It’s going to be amazing.

FRIDAY, JULY 31

I had tickets to the 10 a.m. puppetry panel with guest of honor Trace Beaulieu, so we arrived around 9:15 or so because I expected a huge crowd. It turns out that there wasn’t, but being early allowed me to talk to Trace on and off for a bit and that was quite fun. He’s got a lot of great stories and is very easy to talk to. Since the staff seemed short-handed and were busy getting everything set up, I ended up organizing and controlling the line for the event, as well as the one next door which was also very popular.

There was some confusion over when the panel ended, so John ducked out around 11 to make it to the Gaymers (LTBTQ gamers) panel and I joined later after reminding those in charge that this was scheduled to be a 1 hour panel, not a 2 hour one like was occurring. The Gaymer panel was a nice discussion and it was good for us to be reassured that we are not alone in facing similar challenges.

Afterward, we headed off to the dealers room to play some Mayfair games to earn the “Knight of Catan” ribbon & the half-price coupon that goes with it. Frankly, the coupon is the only way we can afford to buy some of their games at all. I managed to get mine partly by running several demo games of Catan Dice, since they were short-handed and we own the game. John had to run off and attend a panel on podcasting during this time.

We then met up again and tried some more games. I had tickets to the 4 p.m. autograph session with Terry Brooks, but when I made it to the line there were about 40 people from the 3 p.m. line in addition to the hundred or so in the 4 p.m. line. Since I really don’t like his writing and was only there for the autograph in principle, I gave my tickets to someone else.

We eventually left at 6 p.m. when the Exhibit Hall closed and grabbed a quick bitr from Der Pretzel Wagon. While food-truck food can be a bit pricey – even though it’s often unique and a real treat — this place is a great bargain. You get a large sandwich, chips, drink and a huge pretzel for $11 (which is a pretty great deal compared to other trucks).

We then headed over to Union Station to check out the Gaymer gathering, which was supposed to be a sort of a mixer. However, even though the event sold out online, only a few people showed up. We did meet a few cool people, and won a copy of Cards against Humanity. We probably should have left early and gone to the Crossplay contest as I had signed up to compete. However, when I signed up, I wasn’t sure what my costume lineup for the weekend would be and was hoping to showcase my Minion outfit. Still, I was dressed as a female version of The Doctor, so I thought that might work but we just didn’t have the energy to schlep all the way over to the hotel where the event was being held.

Feeling totally wiped out, we went home to get some rest. Remember, we’re not as young as we used to be and the schedule is starting to catch up to us. Still, we had a great time that day and even more the rest of the weekend.

SATURDAY, AUG. 1

We took it easy in the morning and had a nice breakfast before heading downtown. We hit the Exhibit Hall as it opened and John and I both played games to get him his Knights of Catan ribbon. Then we used our discounts and bought some fun games that we will review later on (after the official reviews are exhausted). I did notice that this year Mayfair made the “Wood” ribbon games much more time intensive. I’m not sure why.

After this we ran off to the “Cthulhu All-Stars” panel which promised a séance to contact H.P. Lovecraft as part of the event. The discussion of Lovecraft’s works and their endurance prior to the ceremony were quite interesting — and who could have predicted the outcome of the séance? NOTE: I shot video of this and it should be posted here soon.

We then returned to the Exhibit Hall (yes, we do spend most of our time there but it is HUGE and since our main objective is searching out new games to review and promote, it makes sense to be there most of the con).

I spent the day in my Minion outfit and it was a big hit. Sadly, the booth selling official Minion games sold out as soon as the room opened, so I couldn’t get my planned pic with that.

After the hall closed, we had gotten tickets for a few cosplay events but there was a Gaymer’s picnic at Greg’s (one of the local gay bars) that promised food and drink, so we swung by. While there was some food (yummy burgers and hot dogs), the event never really happened. If it hadn’t been for a sweet young “Drag Princess” coming by and talking to us, we might as well have been invisible. Plus, I was the only female (cis or trans) in the place.

We had hoped to make it to the Talbot Street drag show that evening (a special GenCon event) but we were so exhausted we just went home and crashed.

SUNDAY, AUG. 2

So there we were on the last day of the con. Unfortunately, we were not able to sleep in, because when we got home on Saturday night, I looked over our event tickets and realized that I had signed us up for an 8 a.m. game slot playtesting a new game. So, we somehow got out of bed and made it to the event.

Being a Sunday morning slot, many of those signed up to play as well as demo the games did not show. There was a wide variety of games available but only around half of them were actually available. John and I both picked different games to play (neither of us got our first choice and I ended up with my third one). However, I really enjoyed the game I chose. It was a gangster themed game in which each player tries to build up their resources and allies in order to be the top mob in town. You’ll hear more about it in a later post as I was given a preview copy to review. and it will be on Kickstarter soon.

Even though the playtesting slot was two hours and most if not all of the boardgames took an hour or less to play, they officially would not allow anyone to sign up for and play a second game, However, prior to my game ending. another game designer showed up and watched us play. After we were done, he sat and talked to one of the designers of the game I had played and the three of us ended up playing his card game and it was also very fun. I also ended up getting a copy of his game, too, and again, it will be reviewed in conjunction with his Kickstarter as well.

When we were done, we tackled the Exhibit Hall and gathered up all of the review copies of games we could. Adding in the games we bought not strictly for reviewing, we ended up with more than 30 new games to review. Plus, I got a new copy of Telestrations to replace my old dying first-edition set.

There are also about a dozen other games that sold out during the con that we should be getting mailed to us. So even though we do a lot of theater reviews here, expect a lot of game reviews to be in the mix, especially once the Fringe Festival ends.

After the convention ended, we headed out and grabbed some dinner then ran back to Mass Avenue to catch a special GenCon themed edition of Lou Harry’s “Going, Going, Gone”. This edition did not disappoint in the least. The actors were hilarious and the items up for bid were the usual eclectic mix. In fact, we ended up exhausting much of our hoard of leftover play money from the past editions and brought home a rather full box of fun items.

Once again, exhausted but elated, we packed it in and crawled back home to spend some time with our oft-neglected friend that we call bed. I hope you liked my little tale of our adventure and will look forward to all of the many game reviews coming your way soon.

—

Note: GenCon returns to the Indiana Convention Center Aug. 3-7, 2016.