Fringe 2011 - Top 20 - #19 - YARRRH! The Lusty, Busty Pirate Musical

If you removed the gun from my head and I could see an additional ten Fringe shows, what would they be and why?

#19 - YARRRH! The Lusty, Busty Pirate Musical

Fortune's Fool Theatre

I suppose I could be sneaky and just grandfather this one in, since playwright Dan Pinkerton and I produced the short play showcase Fast Fringe together along with Roy Close back in the 2004 Fringe, but that showcase didn't really put Dan's work on full display. We were mostly showcasing the work of other writers.

Plus, this is a musical written with fellow friend, composer Chris Gennaula (husband of intrepid fellow blogger Wendy). These guys deserve their own shout-out on the list. They are a must-see for Mom as well.

Normally I'm not into the lusty and the busty but this show is designed in such a way that it's almost daring you not to like it because the artists involved know it is impossible for you to resist...

"Swordfights! Buried treasure! Cleavage! Bawdy songs! Climb aboard the Golden Rack as three actresses play 10 characters:

Jake O'Reilly, a dashing pirate captain

Rosie Bustle, owner of the Inn & Out Cyril

Toadmoor, the loathsome, debauched governor of Jamaica

Cecily Toadmoor, his beautiful niece

Billy Silverhook, a vicious pirate with a secret

Desirée La Femme, a dangerous and beautiful pirate queen

--- and a host of others, plus all the extras!

This world premiere is a saucy, R-rated, gender-bending twist on classic pirate movies. It's a fast-paced blend of Hollywood kisses, wandering hands, quick changes, low necklines and lower puns. It's the female Irma Vep; it's the lost Marx brothers pirate movie; it's grand, outrageous, pansexual fun --- but leave the kids at home!"

Still think "But it's got a puppet, it must be OK for kids, right?"

Check out their preview of the opening number in last week's Fringe-For-All...

Fun, yes, but not for the whole family. I've seen enough of Dan's writing to know that when he lets loose on a fun idea like this, I'll be using the word "naughty" an awful lot in describing it afterward. The phrase "double entendre" is probably also in for a workout. And double may be understating the case.

I also know two of the lusty, busty pirates in question - Lisa Bol, and Dan's daughter Ariel Pinkerton Leaf. Both are big fans and supporters of Fringe and shoestring scrappy theater in general. Ariel's also a writer, director, lighting designer. Lisa constantly volunteers her time to help read and develop local playwrights' new work. How could I not support them in return, right?

Plus, there's an acordian!

See you there!

Real. Quality. Theatre.

2400 University Ave.

St. Paul, MN 55114

Phone: 

6512287008

http://www.gremlin-theatre.org

• Performing Arts