Thursday was a remarkable day at Fringe, as we had time to pick up a couple extra shows, bringing our current total to 74 on our way to 85. Tonight we close our show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey) with a final performance at 7 p.m. at Studio/Stage. Please come check us out, because we will not be extended. In the meantime, here is part 1 of our reviews from Thursday.
TITLE OF SHOW: Ed Goodman’s Ol’ Timey Brainwash
VENUE: The Broadwater (Studio)
REVIEW: Every once in a while you get lucky enough to see a master of improv at the top of his form. Unfortunately, that was not this show. The humor is dry, the timing was off, but it was still an interesting show, primarily for the M&Ms being passed around. It became quite obvious why he was such a perfect fit for Revenge of the Root Beer. Surprisingly enough, Goodman is a better musician than a talk show host. That being said, Mark Twain would have warned us, “This show is rated RFS.”
RECOMMENDATION: This one is an acquired taste. If your palate for comedy is not too refined, check out one of his two remaining performances on June 28 at 7:30 p.m. and June 29 at 4 p.m. Tickets are available on their project page.
TITLE OF SHOW: A Bit Much
VENUE: The Lounge Theatres
REVIEW: I met Stacy Dymalski last year when I saw her show The Other Side of that Razor Ribbon. This year’s show revealed an entirely different side of her amazing life. This one was more relatable, and filled with brilliant comedic moments. She held the audience in the palm of her hand, and we will forever be changed by her willingness to make herself vulnerable. The glaring lesson I learned was how stupid it is to try and hide who you are just to get people to like you. If they can’t take you at face value, then they don’t deserve to be a part of your life. Don’t sell yourself short.
RECOMMENDATION: There are currently no more performances of this show, but we recommend you check it out if and when she gets extended.
TITLE OF SHOW: Becoming Peace
VENUE: The Lounge Theatres
REVIEW: There have been quite a few politically charged shows at HFF19, but this one is unique among them. It tells the story of the nonviolence movement started by Mahatma Gandhi and perfected by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is told in story and song, and will stay with you long after the final bow. There is a lot of information contained in this show that will need to be properly digested, but suffice it to say that the knowledge gained may change your life or at least your outlook on life.
RECOMMENDATION: There are currently no more performances of this show, but we recommend you check it out if she gets extended.