In Celebration of the Mysterious

Mysteriously Celebrated

I think this show would greatly benefit from a space that would allow for a set, and maybe a slightly expanded cast. The music is beautiful, but it's hard to imagine the worlds these characters are from only via small handprops. I am glad that the characters interact, and I know the Narrator has large chunks of monologues to memorize, but I thought he could have been better utilized if he could become a character within the story, and interact with the other two, rather than just being a passive observer off to one side. But for a first run of an original show, it was not half bad at all.

Fringe Benefits

With an original score and delightful performances, this show is as heartfelt as it is quirky. Delving into the meaning of life amidst the great unknowns, this charming musical is one you don’t want to miss.

Big questions during covid times

Reading the program before the show is very helpful/insightful, the show is examining the playwrites thoughts that came up during covid, big questions of death and meaning, through the lens of 2 different people: one magical and one steam punk-y. Beautiful costumes, beautiful blending of voices from the soloists, really cool sound and lighting design. And flutes!! Very cool venue as well, but freezing so bring a cozy sweater to stave off the a/c.

The edge of… something

This show had a lot of big ideas and not enough time to flesh them out. The movements of the characters and some dialogue felt unplanned and lacking intention. There were some really fun moments, but overall it felt like the actors were still trying to figure out what to do with the script, which itself only half-translated to the limited landscape of a Fringe show. Were it to be workshopped, expanded, directed with intention, and given more time on and off stage, I have no doubt it could be something really cool. Unfortunately, for me, it fell flat. The music also seemed random without much cohesion to the story or moment. Again, there are moments that feel like something cool is being introduced, but it fleets and doesn’t go anywhere. Both singers had beautiful voices, though they did not seem to mesh very well, as one was very folksy and the other had an evanescence-like quality. Perhaps I would have liked it better if the technical aspects had been different. The smoke machine burned my eyes and the rotating lights blinded me at times. The fire light was really cool. And the actors could have stepped in their spotlights more. There was also an incessant beeping from somewhere that I’m sure had nothing to do with the performance, but it really distracted and irritated me. There was a lot of visually interesting moments and I wished the actors would stand still a bit more so we could really take them in. I found myself wishing I could take photographs. This concept would make a stunning set of photographs. All in all, I think the breadth of the concept doesn’t lend itself well to the restrictions and short form of Fringe production, but if expanded and allowed the magnitude it begs for, it could be something really cool- and something I’d really like to see.

Folk Music Fantasy Play

I went to the opening night, and the crowd was very small. The show deserves a big audience. It's a 70 minute fantasy musical. The highlight being the five original musical numbers played by professional actor/musicians, starring actor/singer/guitarist Elliott and the playwright/songwriter/chanteuse/flutist Cherelle. It's a fantasy story of two souls lost in an unknown universe, contemplating questions of faith and magic and the uncertainty of the future. The dialog is smart, and the songs are beautiful folk duets with flute and guitar. There is a lot of talent on display. This is an independent Fringe production at the wonderful Hook and Ladder Theater. If you live in the area, you should pop in, it's worth the effort and parking is free and easy behind the building on the Raising Canes side. Or take the BLUE LINE to Lake St/Midtown station.