IndyFringe

IndyFringe: Drankspeare

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By John Lyle Belden

Just the concept is enough to drive ticket sales: Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” done as a comedy and a drinking game — with the cast drinking as well.

The actors got started on their cans of local Sun King brew even before all the audience were seated. Then, whenever a couplet rhymed, someone would shout, “Drink!” And all did.

It’s a credit to the Eclectic Pond players that they are so fully familiar with the Bard that they mostly remembered the lines of the play, and even went off-script in Shakespearean style — with a few modern idioms thrown in for comic effect.

The show even ends in the manner of a Shakespearean comedy.

Fortunately, the ComedySportz venue has plenty of drinks (with and without alcohol) for the crowd to play along. Whether or not you wet your whistle, this hilarious show is a must-see. Remaining performances are Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26-27, both at 6 p.m. Get info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Clown Bar

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By John Lyle Belden

The first rule of Clown Bar is that there are no rules — except for The Rules.

This contradiction is emblematic of the juxtaposition of the dark shades of film noir and garish colors of the clown world presented in this comedy-thriller.

Some aspects were more hard-edged than I had expected: for instance, these characters play for keeps when the funny pop-guns come out (but then, the plot is driven by a clown-turned-cop investigating the murder of his brother, a clown in trouble). Also, it’s not clear what drugs are running rampant in the clown underground to “make them funny,” but it seems to be hard narcotics rather than a silly in-world drug like balloon helium or pixie stix.

The overall result is still entertaining and amusing, and the answer of who the killer is wasn’t too easy to guess, so it works as a whodunit as well as a comedy.

Funhouse Productions encourages all to wear their clown or gangster best to the remaining performances, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: The Circus of Joy

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By John Lyle Belden

Here’s how the show opens (note adult language)

From there things get even sillier and more bizarre.

Jason Adams (of “…is a Goddamn Mind Reader” and “Face Your Fears” fame) is Bongo the Blockhead, and with bearded lady Erin Grievances they perform comic feats that include so-fake-they’re-funny bits along with omigod-I-can’t-watch actual stunts. Yes, the concrete block and bed of nails are real.

Having a rowdy bunch of friends in the audience helped with the atmosphere and did lead to the tongue-in-cheek hashtag of #jasonadamsisdead. But actually, everyone is more likely to die laughing, provided your sense of humor embraces the silly and a tad crude.

And you saw correctly, Erin does distribute a few cocktails to lucky audience members. A few may also be brought onto the stage — but don’t worry, all volunteers survived (at least the show I saw).

Remaining performances of The Circus of Joy are Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening, Aug. 27-28. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: A Third Live Here in the High Court

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By Wendy Carson

Each and every Fringe, there is that one show. The one that makes you leave it wondering what you just witnessed.

Well, folks, this show is certainly it.

It is a tale told through quotes and factoids more than actual dialogue. The semblance of story is woven in a mobius strip of time, place and reason. It is abstract impressionism acted out. While the performance is interesting, compelling, and extremely thought-provoking, it is definitely not for everyone.

So, if you feel like a challenge or are just curious as to what this is all about, check out Khaos company’s show.

Performances Aug. 25, 27 and 28 at the Phoenix Underground. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Terror on the High Seas

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By Wendy Carson

In-laws. We all have dealt with them or heard horror stories from friends about theirs at some point in time. Now, imagine being stuck on a 10-day cruise with them, in Alaska of all places. Thus begins Les Kurkendaal’s tale.

Being a liberal, gay, black man from L.A. was hard for his partner’s conservative, gun-toting, Trump-supporting, Bakersfield family to accept, but they have repeatedly made some effort. They brought him along on this cruise to celebrate the patriarch’s 70th birthday. Their original destination was the Mediterranean, but it was deemed to be “too hot!” by his brother-in-law. Therefore, since they’ve all wanted to see Sarah Palin’s home state, Alaska was decided on.

From taking every excursion offered in order to escape them, to making some hilarious new friends on the boat, Kurkendaal’s tale swings from one crazy situation to another. However, even among all of the zany people he meets, and the crazy antics of the family, some sobering situations are also encountered.

The storytelling skill it takes to maneuver all of these issues while still keeping everything compelling is impressive, and Kurkendaal does not fail. Every show he brings here is so much better than the last. In fact, my biggest annoyance was that I wished the show had been longer.

Whether you have seen one of Kurkendaal’s shows before, or are experiencing him and his family for the first time, you should really do yourself a favor and come aboard for some laughs.

One performance left during this Fringe: 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at ComedySportz. Get tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: What is this Place?

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By Wendy Carson

Four women are trapped somewhere.

Exactly who they are, where they are, why they are here and if they can escape is the driving force behind this show. While all of these questions will be answered, though not always directly, the quest for and revelations of this information are what makes the story so compelling.

Unfortunately, this also makes reviewing the production quite difficult because to really discuss and critique the performances would give away too much of the plot and spoil the experience for the audience. Suffice it to say that every one of the performances was sheer perfection. Each actress deftly crafted her character’s story into an amazing tale. Since many of the situations they experience are drawn from true experiences of the playwright and others, the audience can’t help but understand and identify with their stories.

“What is this Place” is a beautiful tale of love, family, loss, hope and sorrow that really should not be missed.

Performances are Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28, in the Indyfringe Basile Theatre. Get info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Beyond Ballet

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By Wendy Carson

Whether you are an avid fan of ballet, casual observer or complete novice to the art, this show will captivate you with its style and variations.

From traditional dances to inventive takes – as well as a small preview of an upcoming offering – this show highlights what ballet is and can be. The performers here are still young students, yet their style and grace shows that they have honed their talents well.

The most inventive number presented is a solo dance to John Lennon’s classic song, “Imagine,” in which tap and ballet are combined to make something that is breathtakingly beautiful.

This is a perfect showcase for the Indianapolis School of Ballet to introduce new audiences to their program as well as the beauty and dynamics of its performance. It is definitely a must-see performance that will inspire and delight.

Performances on the Theatre on the Square main stage Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26-27. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Class, Grass and Ass

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By Wendy Carson

It is clear from the onset that Debra Mullins aspires to be Bette Midler. This crazy tribute to the style and sassiness of “The Divine Miss M” is her attempt to do so. From her back-up group, The Debutants (think Indy’s version of Midler’s “Harlettes”) to her choice of songs, she does her best to invoke the diva.

While some of her attempts do fall a bit flat, the show is still entertaining. The comedy bits are great, the costuming and choreography work well, but she seems to miss some steps here and there.

For instance, the Who song, “Squeezebox” was written as “Momma’s got a Squeezebox” to help hammer home the double entendre. Her change of the lyrics to “Daddy’s got a Squeezebox” removes the main thing that makes this number so naughty.

Still, the show is a very good cabaret review that showcases several talents from around town that are rarely seen on these stages. So, get the girls together, grab a glass of wine, sit back and have a good time.

Performances at the Theatre on the Square main stage Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-28. Get info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Little Butchie Sings

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By Wendy Carson

The show begins with a stunning spoken-word poem about the prejudices faced throughout life; race, religion, sexuality, etc. It then launches into an autobiographical Cabaret retrospective of James Solomon Benn, aka “Little Butchie”.

We see his early beginnings as a precocious, bratty singer in his dad’s church. His family suspects his effete tendencies even at a young age, yet still pressure him to worship a beautiful, blond, European Jesus with buns of steel.

The songs he chooses for his story are mostly familiar pop songs and show tunes but presented in delightfully original interpretations. For example, the aforementioned Jesus is accepted as his lord to “I Will Follow Him,” and the number “Happy Talk,” from South Pacific, is sung as an Etta James scat song.

For a delightful evening of laughs, love, self-acceptance, song, and general sassiness, look no further than spending it with the Divalicious Little Butchie.

Performances at the Indyfringe Basile Theatre, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

 

IndyFringe: Harrison!

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By Wendy Carson

Hip-hop musicals are all the rage currently. However, acquiring tickets to them is nearly impossible. Currently, you have the chance to see a hilarious improv version of one dripping in Hoosier history.

When you get your ticket you are given a slip of paper prompting you to list a book, musical, TV show, movie, or fairy tale. These suggestions are put in a hat and one is given to each actor prior to the show. They use these as touchstones for their individual characters’ dialogue and motivations during the show. As an example, the actor portraying William Henry Harrison – the general-turned-President of the title – was given “Cinderella” and his “Bobbity Boo-ing” of others during the show was very inflammatory.

Expect dance battles, rap battles, and some twisted historical events intertwining to some epic beats. While the show is ever-changing and never too serious, the final song echoes a strong truth that should be noted: “History forgets, but Death remembers!”

Performances are Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Aug. 27 and 28 at the Indyfringe Basile Theatre. Get info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.