Minnesota Fringe Festival 2012: "The Gay Banditos" at the U of M Rarig Center Thurst

One of the things that makes The Gay Banditos so great is that even though it's categorized as a drama (as it should be), what we're laughing at—and being able to laugh at—is the appauling ignorance of people when it comes to homosexuality. The Gay Banditos (told as a mockumentary) is based on the true events of a Pittsboro, NC family who recounts the trauma of being invaded by the gay gang known as The Gay Banditos. The interviews and journal entries retold on stage are real and honest, but in the context of this play the thoughts and concerns expressed by the ones assaulted are outrageously funny because they are so outrageously close minded.

The Mechanical Division seems to be doing just fine without my endorsement. I missed the first showing of this show on the first day and time slot of the Fringe (I made a last-minute wrong decision!). After reading the rave reviews coming in, I had to see what I missed out on. I'm glad I did ... and I'm glad I got a ticket too. The house was maybe a few seats short of capacity to see the show you "can't un-see," so if you're planning on going on Saturday or Sunday, show up early or reserve a ticket. 

Another great thing about this show is that all the profits are going to Minnesotans United for All Families ("Vote No" campaign).