Today I learned that Vaudeville has made a major comeback in theatre. Popular in the early 20th century, Vaudeville shows put together individual performances by actors, comedians, singers, musicians, acrobats and magicians to create light-hearted entertainment. Red (or black) velvet curtains, heightened exaggerations, silhouettes, shadows, short scripts and puns come to mind immediately when you think Vaudeville. It is a rich, tactile, simple yet highly creative, form of theatre steeped in old world nostalgia and simplicity. At least three shows at the Fringe this year employ the genre. We managed to catch two of them so far!
Spookeasy
I am going to have to do the unthinkable. I am going to have to go back on my word. Gasp! I laughed more in this Vaudevillian show than I did in “Peter N’ Chris”. Even though this show was a lot more unpolished and unfinished compared to the latter Fringe heavyweight. “Spookeasy” is half scripted and half improv. The blurb on the Fringe program guide did not do it justice at all. There was singing, dancing, an accordion, social commentary on technology, some amazing DIY props, mind-blowing puppetry, rope tricks and side-splitting action. The chemistry between the two actors was brilliant and I bet they change things up for every show. Their personalities are inherently funny. The cast took the wardrobe and technological malfunctions in their stride and created such an easy-going atmosphere on stage that it was hard not to get caught up in all the fun they clearly seemed to be having up there. The free form of the show exuded a relaxed vibe and made the jokes even funnier. Trust me, you will know what I mean when you see it. We went into the show with zero expectations and could not stop laughing even on our way out. The show built up momentum very slowly and then got hysterically funny all of a sudden. It was almost as if the actors wanted the audience to have low expectations so that they could raise them through the roof. On the surface the actors looked unprepared and their props appeared littered all over the stage. Later however it became extremely apparent how much painstaking efforts had been lovingly put into every detail of the visuals presented. The projections alone will put you in awe of these guys’ genius. “Spookeasy” is a wonderful surprise. A guaranteed good time!
The Birdmann In Momentous Timing
Birdmann has become the recipient of the Fringe’s best reviews so far. Performance Works was pretty much packed for the show that we attended. “Birdmann” is a one-man romantic comedy. Trent Baumann hails from Melbourne, Australia and he too explores the Vaudeville genre at the Fringe. Dressed like an 80s new wave pop star, in a tight-fitted suit, nail polish and eyeliner, Birdmann goes on a quest for love with a lot of help from emo-rock songs. Perhaps it was the weight of my expectations that reduced my appreciation for the show, but I did feel that I had already attended shows as good as Birdmann that did not get the same glorious reviews. Something seemed definitely amiss. Having said that “Birdmann” is a very entertaining show. There are circus tricks, quirky dance moves and Baumann’s monologue consists almost entirely of puns and one liners. He is also accompanied by “The Egg” who is his onstage DJ. Visually the show has a very unique and beautiful aesthetic- white, black, silver. The show is tight and everything is planned. This is definitely not an amateur performance. Birdmann is a high quality show that is a great choice for Fringe-goers who don’t want to be too shocked. Also there is an amazing song with a cupcake that I will remember forever. If you are looking for a show that is funny but not too, too crazy, “Birdmann” is for you!
For tickets and schedule information visit the Fringe Festival’s website!
-Prachi Kamble