This is part of the annual Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival, a/k/a IndyFringe 2026, held Aug. 13-23 in venues around downtown Massachusetts Ave. Information at indyfringe.org.

By Wendy Carson

Jeff McKinney is no stranger to the IndyFringe stages, but he seems to have hit his stride with “I Came Out (Not Ahead): The Wheels of Misfortune,” in which good friend Kristi Zobel interviews his about his long, crazy – but fun – road to his current success..

Or, as he puts it, his “rags to paper towels and slightly better toilet paper” story.

We meet Uncle Pooder, Aunt Fizz and the others who shaped his childhood. Learn about the 4 D’s (dinner, drinks, drugs, and dicks) as well as the fact that he has earned a PhD and was a teacher for more than 20 years. There are so many stories he has to draw upon, and they will all keep you entertained.

McKinney’s Jeff Kidding Me Comedy presents shows from time to time at The District Theatre, and provides leadership and communications expertise through his talents. See jeffkiddingmecomedy.com.