We’re back for the second half of our day of shows on Saturday. You can find part 1 here.
TITLE OF SHOW: How to be a Rock Star
VENUE: The Complex (OMR Theater)
REVIEW: As a music critic for the past 30 years, I went to this show expecting a musical, as advertised on his Fringe page. Instead, the audience was “treated” to one of the most bizarre shows I have ever encountered at the Fringe. While the public stands up and praises the Emperor’s new clothes, even though he is naked, this critic will call this show what it truly is – an absurdist vanity project that needs to be labelled as such, If you like this kind of comedy, then have at it. If you are looking for a serious musical show, then avoid this one like the plague. Next to this turkey, Night of the Root Beer looks like a Tony-worthy Broadway hit.
RECOMMENDATION: Most definitely SKIP this one, unless you like absurdist vanity projects.
TITLE OF SHOW: Pockets
VENUE: The Broadwater (Main Stage)
REVIEW: Thank God for Robot Teammate. Not only do they consistently present amazing musicals, but they were there to take the stink of “Rock Star” out of my mouth. After creating the amazing musicals Turbulence and Thug Tunnel, they have truly knocked it out of the park with a walk off, two-out grand slam in the bottom of the ninth. They still rely on their “core” crew, but this time around have added an entire company of worthy performers to the mix. Hats off to Kat Primeau (Duchess), Chris Bramante (Veegan), Molly Dworsky (Bellamina “Pockets”) and Dave Reynolds (Rob Cryer/ Barkley St. Piggins/Jim Val Jim) for their incredible work on this show. We also congratulate and thank the rest of the cast for their great support and breathtaking performances. Last but not least, three cheers to Branson NeJame and the rest of his amazing band for their incredible live accompaniment. If you love great musicals, this one is a definite contender for this year’s Best Musical.
RECOMMENDATION: This is definitely a don’t miss show, so get your tickets before it sells out. Remaining performances are June 18 at 10 p.m., June 22 at 1 p.m, June 26 at 5 p.m, June 28 at 8 p.m. and June 29 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.
TITLE OF SHOW: Hell’s Finest
VENUE: The Complex (Ruby Theater)
REVIEW: Normally I shy away from immersive theater, and didn’t really know that this show was immersive. I came based on the recommendation of Chambers Stevens. The show is well written by Ashlynn Judy, with an amazing cast of characters, including my favorite, “S,” played by the effervescent Melissa Cindric. It felt like a mash-up of Riverdale and Sabrina, and was a huge hit for the millennials in the audience. Hats off to the entire cast for putting forth an extremely fun and immersive way to end my day.
RECOMMENDATION: This one is definitely worth your time, especially if you love the supernatural and the immersive experience. Remaining performances are June 22 and 28 at 30 minutes past midnight. Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.