Ben Asaykwee is back again at the IndyFringe Basile Theatre as that charming hipster, Satan. Reprising the role created for last year’s cabaret as part of Indy Fringe Fest, Asaykwee’s Satan has a great vocal range, snappy repartee with the audience, and a few things to say about some people in the news.
Drink in hand, Satan’s opening number lists his latest, er, accomplishments that have been making headlines. He admits these are small potatoes compared to the seven sins he’s most famous for, discussing, through soul-inspired songs about lust, greed, gluttony, sloth, envy, and the rest. Satan also thinks the 10 Commandments are highly over-rated, pointing out how few people seem to keep them anyway, then lists some helpful suggestions about breaking a few of them. A tuneful tribute to murder-suicides (double Hades points) caps off an evening of songs and banter with His Evilness.
Asaykwee’s Satan is devilishly fun and raunchy — this is the Prince of Darkness after all. Asaykwee has a gift for creating characters that are darkly funny in other productions, and “Satan’s Back” is no exception. After seeing other Asaykwee shows, I’ve come to the conclusion that Ben’s vocal talents and creativity are going to take him places where the lights are a brighter and the stages are bigger.
Some people might be offended by the salty language and adult themes, and “Satan’s Back” is not suitable for children. Tickets for the final two performances on July 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. are available at indyfringe.org.
In addition, Q Artistry will be holding a “Q Couture” event, featuring a fashion show, costume and prop sale, and silent auction on July 21 at 3 p.m. at Q Artistry headquarters in the Irvington Lodge, 5515 E. Washington St. Admission is free.
