Monday was a busy day, with 13 reviews to write, as well as three more shows to take in. The reviews took a while, but I still had time to make a stop at Tom’s for a world famous pastrami sandwich before heading down to Three Clubs for our first show.
TITLE OF SHOW: Night of the Rootbeer
VENUE: Three Clubs
REVIEW: Believe the hype – this is complete and utter nonsense. If you love shows that are a complete waste of time, then this one is for you. JJ Mayes gathers his best 20 best friends for a night of rootbeer, debauchery, posing and . . . who cares! It was massive fun to watch these gifted actors act like complete and utter fools, and consume massive amounts of rootbeer. At least one thing was accomplished . . . we finally know the source of Michael Shaw Fisher’s depravity – it’s the rootbeer!
RECOMMENDATION: If you have nothing better to do, then see this show, but you have to get down on your knees with Scott Golden to get an invitation. Two more shows on June 20 at 11:30 p.m. and June 23 at 2:30 p.m. Don’t forget to make a donation at the door so they will let you leave.
TITLE OF SHOW: From Toilet to Tinseltown
VENUE: The Hobgoblin Playhouse
REVIEW: If you are a hard-core Harry Potter fan, then this is definitely NOT the show for you. Moaning Myrtle takes us from the bathroom at Hogwarts and embarks on a journey culminating in the comedy clubs of Hollywood. FYI, Myrtle is a potty mouth, but she’s so damn funny. This was the perfect follow-up to the nuttiness that is Night of the Rootbeer. We laughed ourselves silly, and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The Hobgoblin may be out of the way, but in this case it was definitely worth the trip (and the parking charge).
RECOMMENDATION: This one should definitely be on your list. For a good time, call Myrtle. Don’t miss her final show on June 23 at 5:30 p.m. Get your tickets here.
TITLE OF SHOW: Blind Spots
VENUE: Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre
REVIEW: Finally, a true play that is s well-crafted drama. We were beginning to suspect that there was no true culture, and then we saw Blind Spots. Thank you Colette Freedman for creating such a moving and stirring play, and for daring to do it without a single male! Constance Dalton-Pawie has directed a masterpiece of theater, which is one of the best shows at HFF18. Her delightful cast (Tamara Burgess, Koni McCurdy, Lindsay McGee, Michelle Pedersen and Veronica Wylie) work well as an ensemble. The chemistry between these players is very evident, and makes the show seem like a documentary on free speech. It was the perfect way to end a day of Fringe craziness. We definitely see whatever this amazing team puts together next.
RECOMMENDATION: You don’t want to miss their final show on Friday, June 22 at 7 p.m. This one is the one that you will remember and treasure long after Fringe is over. Get your tickets here.
If you need a break from the Fringe, come join Indie Voice Blog as we celebrate the LA Music Critic Awards with a winner’s showcase at The Mint on Pico Boulevard. Doors open at 6 and there will be live music and awards all night, featuring the music of Lexie Rose, Pam Taylor, Alexis Keegan, Pi Jacobs, Great Willow, The Khourys, Rusty Young of Poco, Cindy Alexander, Ted Russell Kamp of CALICO the Band, Shiragirl and ROCKET. Tickets are only $13 at the door. Please join us.