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IndyFringe: Haul & Oatz

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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: 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.