IndyFringe

IndyFringe: An Alien of Extraordinary Ability

PWJW_Indy IndyFringe, Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , ,

By Wendy Carson

This is one of the most interesting takes on a magic show I’ve seen in a while. Simon Coronel not only shows you a simple trick, he shows you how it is done. However, this is immediately followed up by a similar illusion that is vastly more complex to help further amaze you at his level of skill.

His interactions with various audience members (yes, there is audience participation, but he does practice “consensual magic”) is a delight and even when you know what is going to happen or how the trick is done, his deft use of misdirection will always surprise you.

This is a great evening of magic for the whole family that will keep you laughing no matter whether you are seeking the truth or reveling in the wonder of it all.

Performances are Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26-27, on the Phoenix Theatre underground stage. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: The Rhythm Chronicles

PWJW_Indy IndyFringe, Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , ,

By Wendy Carson

The Rhythm Chronicles strives to give the viewer a history lesson on the evolution of tap dancing in America. However, much of this is done through the use of a pre-recorded “conversation” between two disembodied voices. Not only is this device sluggish and often condescending, it greatly detracts from the dancing itself, which is the whole point of the show. Also, it doesn’t help that the voices speak over a dark empty stage, further making the show feel disjointed.

That said, let’s talk about the dancing. From the opening Irish step-dancer and African tribal performer, the dance numbers highlighted are wonderful. The skill, athleticism as well as the style are all excellent and the dancers are all a joy to watch. Each number builds upon the previous, leading up to a grand finale that is worth the whole ticket price alone.

Hopefully, Circle City Tap Company will find a way to rework this show with a better narrative tool so it can be the fully realized gem that the show should be.

And a note for hoofers of any skill: all in the audience are invited down to the stage at the end to join in the Shim-Sham Shimmy.

Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-28, on the Phoenix Theatre main stage. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Haul & Oatz

PWJW_Indy IndyFringe, Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , ,

By Wendy Carson

Let me start by saying this, there is nothing serious to see here. No deep message, no political agenda, nothing to reflect on. “Haul & Oatz: Time-Traveling Detectives” is just sheer fun and silliness for its own sake: A reflection on the tragic clothes, music and tropes that defined the ’80s music scene, as well as a terrific send-up of ’40s detective movies.

That said, if you are looking for a lot of laughs, this is the show for you. From the opening number (“The Exposition Song” done in the B-52s style) the show lets you know that nothing is safe nor taken seriously. The double entrees fly fast and freely as do the song lyrics (example: the police officer keeps saying, “Don’t stand so close to me”).

As I said after I first saw it, this is a strong contender for the funniest show of this year’s fringe. Miss out on it at your own peril.

Performances are Friday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 28, on the Phoenix Theatre main stage. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Journey from Johannesburg

PWJW_Indy IndyFringe, Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By Wendy Carson

For a white child growing up in South Africa, the word Apartheid was never spoken about. Even so, it was ever present. While the privilege of his race afforded him much that others lacked, Toby Tobias still felt a deep love and connection to his homeland and only begrudgingly left it rather than serve the mandatory two-year term in the army enforcing its hateful policies.

Being the son of a Polish Jew, Tobias migrated to Jerusalem. During his time there, his life was again, idyllic. Even though tensions were rising among the Muslims and Jews, it was never evident in the daily life most of the country. He fell in love with the country as well as his future wife and felt he had found his homeland paradise. However, the Arab uprising of 1987 changed the country forever and he was forced to once again leave the land he loved, and this time move to America.

His life here has been challenging on many levels, but still satisfying. He still struggles to promote racial harmony and coherence as a society in order that we may all live together in peace.

His story is punctuated by hauntingly beautiful songs he has written to help convey his message. These pieces not only echo the political messages of singers such as Sting, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, his voice sounds so much like them you will feel that you are actually listening the them perform.

So, if “Graceland” is among your favorite albums, do not miss this poignant tribute to love, understanding, and true harmony amongst all peoples.

Also, CDs of his music will be available for sale after the show.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 28, in the Phoenix Theatre underground stage. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Prodigal Hoosier

PWJW_Indy IndyFringe, Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , ,

 

By Wendy Carson

“Prodigal Hoosier” is a time-traveling trip told mainly through song.

We begin with a tender look back at Kevin Kelso’s music teacher and the lessons learned, far beyond just piano skills. The show then moves from tributes to famous mathematicians, his loving wife, his obsession with goals and plans to a “Fight Song” for the mythical Farmers Insurance University.

Kelso’s musical skills showcased are quite impressive. The song for his father, “You can take the boy out of Brown County, but you can’t take Brown County out of the boy” is a tender delight. Although my personal favorite number was his musical version of Shelley’s poem “Ozymandias,” simply because I love the source material.

Also, if you’re lucky, he might come out and do an encore song. Truly a delightful evening of joy and music for young and old alike.

Performances are 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28, on the Phoenix Theatre underground stage. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Bad Brother: Religion and Politics in ‘69

PWJW_Indy IndyFringe, Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , ,

By Wendy Carson

With all of the current political discord in our country, there can be no better time to look back to the events of the late sixties and early seventies to see what can be learned from the successes and failures of those early radicals to change history.

Enter Loren Niemi, a former novitiate of the Christian Brothers, liberal thinker, political idealist and fighter on the front lines of history. He presents the tales of his life trying to balance his religious beliefs with his radical agendas and the fallout from those struggles.

These are stories of history that you won’t learn in school, yet are vital to be aware of, lest the social changes made are lost. Being such an engaging storyteller, Niemi not only holds your attention, he submerges you totally in the narrative.

So whether you lived through these times, were too young to have been aware of them, or are hoping to learn a thing or two, make sure you come out and follow Niemi down his patch to a sort of salvation.

Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-28, at the Phoenix underground stage. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Indiana Squirrel Stampede

PWJW_Indy IndyFringe, Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , ,

By Wendy Carson

This is the story of the Great Indiana Squirrel Stampede of 1822 (not to be confused with the Great Ohio Squirrel Stampede of 1819). As zany as this musical is, it is inspired by actual historical events.

What is believed to have led up to this catastrophe is a combination of the migratory paths of black squirrels, the encroachment of humans into their territories and these humans’ alteration of the land from forests to farmland, leaving the squirrels without access to their natural food sources.

While the above explanation was nigh on impossible for those affected to wrap their head around, many crazy theories arose as to what caused this disaster. These theories are mined for gold by playwright and star Julie Lyn Barber and the other actors to your sheer delight. Especially the younger actors, Sophia and Sage Barber Murrell. Their performances are worth the whole ticket price to see.

Biblical lore, Native prophecies, cautionary tales, even weresquirrels are included for your amusement. Just remember that natural events like those shown here are possible and cyclic — it is entirely possible that another such uprising could occur. So, watch, laugh, and maybe even learn a thing or two so we may be prepared for their next attack.

Performances are Friday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 28, at the Indy Eleven Theatre. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: A Darkly Humorous Evening with Stephen Vincent Giles

PWJW_Indy IndyFringe, Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , ,

By Wendy Carson

I know we’ve all heard “The Raven,” and it’s hard to imagine anyone in Indiana not being familiar with “Little Orphant Annie” or the poems of Edward Gorey. However, most people have never really seen them fully enacted in the masterful was that Stephen Vincent Giles presents.

He skillfully interprets these works as well as many others, into a night of slightly spooky fun. Much like the ghost tales spun around a campfire, Giles keeps the lighting low and lulls you into a sense of wonderful whimsy just before shocking you with a scare. Utilizing minimal costumes and props he cleverly portrays the tellers of many of these tales in a wonderfully enigmatic light.

While none of the material presented is inappropriate for children, younger or more sensitive souls might be wary. Still, if aren’t afraid of the dark, have someone’s hand to hold when you get nervous, and like your humor on the darker side, this show is definitely for you.

Last performance is 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Phoenix underground. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Uberview from the Heartland

PWJW_Indy IndyFringe, Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , ,

By Wendy Carson

It’s sometimes surprising how much a passenger will open up to a driver and the stories that they reveal in such a short time. D Paul Turner has been driving for the ride-share company for over three years and during that time, has been privy to many a curious and interesting tale.

He has religiously collected the stories into a personal journal. He then regales the audience with several highlights from within. The stories range from silly, disconcerting, uplifting and all points in between. He has met some truly remarkable people who have all touched him in one way or another.

So, buckle up your seat belt, and settle in for a slightly bumpy, but always enjoyable ride. Who knows, you might even end up with a free trip from Uber.

Performances are Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28, at the Indy Eleven Theatre. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Barking Signals (Badly) During Goldwater

PWJW_Indy IndyFringe, Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , ,

By John Lyle Belden

Life in rural America was fairly simple in the 1960s. And in most towns, one of the most important things going on in the fall was high school football.

That was the case in a small Virginia coal country town, where a coach is having trouble fielding a team, so he will accept anyone who shows up — including three very different boys who barely know the rules of the game.

One student is desperate to leave the backwoods town behind, and feels having sports on his list of extra-curriculars will help him get into college. His best friend would rather read than play a physical game, but to his joy (and the coach’s) finds that there are whole volumes on the strategies of the gridiron. The third walk-on has to balance school and practice with his shifts at the mine; he has a very personal reason for joining the team.

One would think this little drama with comic touches is about football. But it’s not, just as for the coach, not even football is all about football. It’s about life and growing up and understanding the people you find yourself on a team with. And on that field, this show scores a victory.

It suits up Saturday and Sunday afternoon, Aug. 27-28, at the Theatre on the Square second stage. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.