Intrepid theatre warriors all, Paula, Mary Beth Kuhns, and I hit IndyFringe last week with pens in hand to cover IndyFringe 2019. Following are some of our reviews of shows we’ve viewed. (The reviewer initials follow the review.)
Madwomen’s Late Night Cabaret will have you laughing till you snort and guffaw; its the funniest show this theater goer has seen in forever. Madwomen features cabaret style performances by the most notorious fictional and real female icons across time, from Medusa singing “Hair” to Typhoid Mary singing “Fever,” with Lizzie Borden accompanying on the keyboard. This exceptionally gifted cast is full of wonderful performances from faces you will recognize if you frequent Indianapolis theater, our local super stars, including creator and manager Julie Lynn Barber (of Cabaret Poe fame). Shawnte Gaston (playing Eve and Medusa) might be the hardest working performer at this year’s Fringe, also performing in Yas, Twain, another very funny Fringe show playing at the District Theater. Don’t miss Madwomen’s Late Night Cabaret this Saturday evening (Aug .24 at 9 pm), or Sunday afternoon (Aug. 25, 1:30 pm) at the Basile Theatre (719 East St Clair). MBK
The Sopranos meet the 100 Acre Woods in the heist comedy Vinny the Pooh, written and directed by Christine Kruz of Approxima Productions. From Vinny the Pooh almost foiling the robbery because his tummy gets stuck in a window to Stagger (Tigger) bouncing around all coked up, the nostalgic and twisted parodies to Winnie the Pooh characters, coupled with adult themes (no mob story is complete without lots of creative use of the F-bomb) will have you laughing till you cry. Don’t miss Vinny the Pooh at the Basile Theatre (719 East St Clair) on Friday (Aug 23 at 10:30 pm) or Saturday night (Aug 24 7:30 pm). MBK
In Adventures While Black in Great Britain, comic storyteller Les Kurkendaal draws his audience in as he shares his experiences meeting his future husband’s family in the very white English countryside and selling his relationship to the immigration office. Once you warm up to him, you will want to share a cup of tea with Les and invite him to stay on your couch for next year’s Fringe. See Adventures While Black in Great Britain at Comedy Sportz (721 Mass Ave) on Friday or Saturday night (Aug 23 or 24) at 6 pm. MBK
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as the cast took their final bows at the end of And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank. Always delivering exceptional performances at Fringe, the Carmel High School Theater Department outdid themselves with their production of this multimedia play that combines video of holocost survivors with actors performing scenes from their lives. The young actors showed incredible talent and professionalism. On opening night, the production experienced some technical difficulties when the video’s audio cut out, but the live actors handled the issues flawlessly, not flinching for a second, and the audience (if they didn’t know there was supposed to be recorded audio in that small portion) was none the wiser. Don’t miss this incredibly moving performance on Saturday (Aug 24 at 10:30 pm) or Sunday night (Aug 25 at 6 pm) at the Basile Theatre (719 East St Clair). MBK
The ever-evolving Dance Kaleidoscope once again showcased the choreographic talents of their dancers in Our America on the District Theatre Mainstage. Inventive, thought-provoking pieces such as “The Boatman’s Dance” set to the music of Aaron Copland, and “A Home for All” set to Philip Glass are standouts, but the final piece, “Kaleidoscope” set to music by Peter Boyer was visually stunning. Get tickets early or you will not get a seat. See it Friday (Aug. 23) at 7:30 p.m., or Saturday at 4:30 p.m. EW
Fallen From the Toy Box is the latest offering from The Fourth Wall, which brought the memorable “Fruit Flies Like a Banana” a few years ago. The super-gifted three musician/dancers (playing instruments while you dance is NOT easy!), created a joyful childhood memory trip that makes you wonder why you gave up your sense of play. See is Friday at 9 p.m. or Saturday at 10:30 p.m. at the District Theatre Mainstage.
Beyond Ballet, presented by the Indianapolis Ballet, is a beautifully executed sampling of classical ballet. Watch for the exquisite rendering of the pas de deux from Don Quixote, and finale “Too Darn Hot,” which incorporates modern/boogie woogie, and just plain dancing joy. Get tickets early as they are likely to sell out. See them Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the District Theatre Mainstage. EW
Crossroads Dance Indy brings Generations to life by blending modern/contemporary dance and a touch of classical ballet. From “First Steps” to a “Fun(ale) 2019” mash-up of Top 50 pop songs, the connected pieces tell the story of the generations that make us who we are today. See it Saturday at 3 p.m. at the District Theatre Mainstage. EW
Les Chanteuses, from the people who brought us “Calder” and “Broadway’s Leading Ladies,” is a musical highlight Blessed with the voices of Bridgette Ludlow, Enjoli’ Desiree, and Rayanna Bibbs, the divas blow the doors of the Mainstage with renditions of everything from “Stormy Weather” to Beyonce. You’ll want to dance in the aisles and sing along, but let these ladies impress you with their range and mastery. Tickets may sell out, so order yours online early. See them Friday at 6:00 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m., or Sunday at 3 p.m. This is a kid friendly show. EW
Chris Parsons’ son C. Neil Parsons is the trombone section of The Fourth Wall, and the author of A Thousand Words, a telling of his dad’s harrowing journey as a combat photographer during the Vietnam War. Pictures and letters tell a powerful, frightening story that brings us to the present day. His is a moving story that looks like it is selling out performances. See it Friday at 6 p.m. or Saturday at 9 p.m. at the District Theatre Cabaret. EW
Today’s women owe a debt of gratitude to many unsung heroines of the suffragist movement. Thorn Productions gives us Jeanette Ranking: Champion of Persistence, who started as a pioneering suffragist activist, then went on to be the first Congresswoman elected in 1916. She remained in Congress, fighting for women’s rights, peace, and children’s rights into the early 70s. See this fascinating show at the District Theatre Cabaret on Satuday at 4:30 p.m. or Sunday at 1:30 p.m. EW
