review

Fringe review: Drosselmeyer’s Magical Bedtime Story

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By Wendy Carson

One never knows what to expect when No Exit brings a show to the Fringe, except that it will be entertaining, to say the least. And this offering, “Drosselmeyer’s Magical Bedtime Story,” playing at the Marrott Center, does not fail to follow through on that promise.

Anyone who has seen the company’s amazing production of “The Nutcracker” will be familiar with the titular character, based on the magical toymaker in the holiday story. However, for those of you who have sadly missed the experience, suffice it to say that the word “character” cannot even begin to describe him.

His gypsy troupe enters the stage area and begins their bizarre performance in a manner reminiscent of the animal parade from “The Lion King.” Once he introduces himself and his somewhat simple-minded assistant, Sparkle, we all discover that she is now with child. Drosselmeyer has concerns about her parenting abilities, and enlists the help of various audience members to instruct her on parenting basics with the help of his new dancing troupe, The Mosquito Ladies. Needless to say, hilarity ensues.

This show is delightfully irreverent and managed to surpass my already high expectations of its content. A definite must-see for those looking for the lighter side of edgy and unique theatre.

Fringe review: Captain Ambivalent

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By Wendy Carson

If “Weird” Al Yankovic were more of a storyteller than just a comedy musician, this is the show that he would write. Instead, that duty falls to Captain Ambivalent in the “Not So Secret Origin of Captain Ambivalent,” playing at the Marrott Center.

The story of this legendary character is highlighted by some amazingly funny songs, wild costumes and wonderfully cheesy props. One of my favorite offerings was inspired by his 10-year old niece: “Let’s Bury Barbie in the Back Yard.”

The show is a sheer delight and very family-friendly. However, when I went, the parents were much more entertained by it all than their children.

Make sure you bring your camera for the photo-op at the end of the show, as well as some extra cash to purchase one or both of his CDs. You will surely want to share the songs with your friends.

Fringe review: A Little Business at the BIG TOP

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By Wendy Carson

What can one say to describe the sheer genius of David Gaines? He manages to convey rich stories and delightful characters without uttering a word. His use of sound and mime create more elaborate drama and comedy than you would believe possible.

That talent is on brilliant display in “A Little Business at the BIG TOP,” playing on the Theatre on the Square main stage, in which he plays all the characters at a circus.

If you saw the amazing whirlwind that was his past show, “7(x1) Samurai,” or even are new to his talents, do not miss this opportunity. It truly is a delight for all ages. The two young children sitting near me at Saturday’s performance were entirely rapt by the whole thing (and they had been hesitant to see it when they found out it was a mime show).

Again, see this amazing show! You might regret missing out on the experience.

Fringe review: The Yellow Wallpaper

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By John Lyle Belden

Based on an 1892 short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper,” presented by Earlham Theatre Department at the Marrott Center, tells of a woman confined for a “rest cure” in an upstairs room with bars on the windows and apparently a hideous pattern on the walls.

Our subject and narrator is presented by three actresses simultaneously, demonstrating her slowly fracturing mind. She starts to see odd, changing patterns in the wallpaper, eventually becoming sure that a woman is trapped within. At the back of the stage is a yellow wall, with subtle markings within its chaotic pattern that has us in the audience sharing in the growing madness.

The woman’s husband and physician, “John,” is a disembodied voice. This makes him seem at first godlike, but reveals him to be more distant and (despite or due to the state of 19th-century medicine) clueless until it is too late.

This haunting early classic of feminist literature, with elements reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft, clocks in at around 30 minutes, yet is intense enough to be worth your ticket. You could use the extra time to get something to eat before the next show – just, wherever you go, don’t look too closely at the walls.

Fringe review: Whisper in My Good Ear

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By Wendy Carson

“Whisper in My Good Ear,” by Vintage Players at the IndyFringe Basile Theatre, is the story of two old men overwhelmed with the hardships of their lives. Charlie’s wife has been institutionalized for 34 years and shows no signs of improvement or even any recognition of who he is. Max has lived a lonely life in which he would call random phone numbers just to hear another person say, “Hello” to him.

Since their outlooks are so bleak, they have made a pact to meet in this park and end their lives together. We are therefore witnessing the final conversation of their bleak existence.

In the hands of these two brilliant actors, this drama is uplifted into a level of brilliance that supersedes the dour subject matter. Lawrence Ripp brings a tender, joviality to Charlie and his hopefulness even in the face of his slow loss of everything that he loves in his life. Patrick O’Brian’s introspective take on Max and the unadulterated loneliness of his life makes his character’s sorrow even more poignant.

Watching these two seasoned actors bring this story to life is a delight that should really not be missed.

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.