Mary Beth Kuhns, Paula Nicewanger, C.J. Woods III and I hit IndyFringe 17 hard from Aug. 17-20, posting short reviews of the shows we’ve seen on our Facebook page, which you’lll find if you search for Eastside Voice. Here’s our highest-rated, must see shows:
• Stewart Huff’s “Sense Ain’t Common” at ComedySportz may offend you but he’ll make you think about who the real heroes are in this messed up world. Huff is outspoken when he sees the hypocrisy of religions that build tourist trap “museums” and then want tax breaks, and politicians who won’t tell you the truth even if their (and your) life depended on it. He also talks about those among us who stand up for what’s decent, who help strangers, and see a much larger picture. You may not agree with everything he says, but that’s actually the point of his show: listen, question everything, and act accordingly. This is an adults-only show. See his last show on the 26th at 3 p.m.
• “110 Stories” by Sarah Tuft, performed by the Carmel High School students at TOTS Mainstage, is an emotional journey that everyone must see. Most of the people in the U.S. have a story to tell about the events of 9/11, but the Carmel High School Theatre and Film students give life and weight to the tragedies and triumph of a city set afire. The stories that playwright Sarah Tuft collected through e-mails and interviews are richly rendered, from the NY police and fire departments to the iron workers and volunteer nurses, the survivors who made it out of the burning buildings and the worker who was too late to die. This drama, with its depiction of “graciousness and camaraderie” amidst unimaginable misery, will move everyone with a heart. Go see this the 26th at 1:30 p.m., or 27 at 6 p.m.
• “Josephine, a burlesque cabaret dream play” at the Phoenix Mainstage, is the story of Josephine Baker’s magical arc across history told in bold musical detail by the compelling performance of Tymisha Harris. From her birth in St. Louis in 1906 through her success as a dancer in France, Harris’ voice and presence demand attention and highlight details of the story. Baker’s rise to riches and stardom in France, her rejection by her own country, her wartime heroics, as well as her many dalliances with the arts and artists are rendered in this masterpiece that should not be missed. Performances have been selling out; get tix online to avoid disappointment. Next performances are Aug. 25 at 9 p.m., and 26 at 7:30 p.m.
• EclecticPond’s “Drankspeare: To Beer or Not to Beer” at ComedySportz is a fast-paced telling of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” with a cast steeped in deep knowledge of the text, and lots of beer. Pop culture references zoom in and out of this madcap telling of the sad Dane who isn’t quite sure if he’s nuts or not. You’ll have to listen fast as characters chug beer during high-speed renderings of the most well-known soliloquies in the English language.You’re encouraged to chug along, too — and tip your servers! Great show that sells out fast. See it Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m., or 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Another generating a lot of great word on the street is “Fairy Tales for Grown-Ups” at ComedySportz. Storyteller Laura Packer gives a deeper and darker take on fairy tales for adults only. Catch it Aug. 24 at 6 p.m., 25 at 7:30 p.m., 26 at 4:30 p.m.
Lots more shows out there, and this is the last weekend. Visit www.indyfringe.org for shows, times and tickets.