AT THE ST, LOU FRINGE - DEAR EVAN HANSEN

Dear Evan Hansen is  a musical that ran on Broadway for almost six years. I won't summarize the story here; you can find out at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Evan_Hansen . It was performed by a group of top-of-the line local theater kids. The production, acting and singing was terrific. I didn't like the show itself at all (and I may be seriously in the minority about this). I thought the plot was, well, awkward, and the music completely forgettable. - and where did the title character get that awful wig? By contrast, we saw a professional production of Guys And Dolls a couple of days ago, and the brilliance of the music blew me away. Each to their own taste.

 

                    

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - THE DOCTOR SHOW

Something different. Jared Schwartz is a real licensed physician. He finds it convenient to wear two stethoscopes over his lab coat, over his scrubs. The premise is a game show hosted by St. Louis Magazine executive editor Sarah Fenske. Odd medical questions were projected on the back wall. Dr. Schwartz would comment on them and state whether, in his opinion, the premise was true or false. A panel of two comics and Fringe executive director Matthew Kerns discussed the matter and voted on whether the doctor was right or wrong. The question on the wall behind the first photo shows the tone.

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - THE CONFLUENCERS

For us, the confluence refers to the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. I assume that the name of this very funny comedy group is a play on the modern horde of online influencers. The premise was that a wire over the stage held cards numbered 1 to 20. Each corresponded to a mini skit. The audience was given a slip of paper with the numbers and a short title. People called out a number while the group attempted to perform all 20 in an hour.

These are four examples. First, a sacrilegious version of the central Catholic ceremony, using Oreos and milk for the sacrament. Next, the very flamboyant professional wrestler Macho Man Randy Savage leading a meditation session. Third, a variation on charades where a game contestant places wet spaghetti on a board, while the others try to guess the subject. Last, two sisters billed as international classical music stars go onstage with cheap plastic recorders and play Hot Cross Buns.     

              

      

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - WOMEN IN COMEDY

Mollie Amburgey, seen first, put together a show with four women who are veterans of the local comedy club circuit.  I didn't bring a notebook and I regret that I didn't get the names of the other three. If someone can help me I'll modify the text.

The lighting was hard to work with and the acts were on the raunchy side. Since I am well into the old coot phase of my life it's no wonder that some of the stuff got by me. The younger members of the audience thought it was hilarious.       

           

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - MORE OZ(ES)

 A few final pictures from The Wizard of Oz(es) at The Fringe. Since I am out of touch with popular culture, I'm sure there were many references I didn't get. Towards the end of the show there were three Dorothys on stage, although I never understood the purpose of the last one. At the very end, there was a cameo by Dorothy Parker, which I thought was terribly witty. You have to be of a certain age and literary bent to notice.

 

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - THE WIZARD OF OZ(ES)

Didn't get a post done yesterday. I photographed 20 of 40 shows in six days and this old body runs low on gas sooner than it used to. Anyway, this was my favorite show of The Fringe, The Wizard Of Oz(es), a mash up of all the movies and stage shows on the theme. I've only seen the original Judy Garland film so I'm sure I missed references. Eight pictures is enough for one post. I'll probably have more tomorrow.                    

 

 

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - THE MOVEMENT(S)

 

Dance, drama and a bit of comedy. Na’ilah Majeed and K. Gloria Mwez, performing as That Untitled Project, spoke to friendship, community organizing, standing up for your needs against political indifference and just having fun.