A couple observations: if I carry string cheese in a clear Ziploc, by the end of the evening it looks more than a little like I’ve got a baggie full of fingers. Second, the hardest part of writing reviews is finding ways to talk about shows that didn’t really do much for me. Murphy’s Law dictates that those shows will always include people I adore.
The other problem is that there’s nothing WRONG with the shows – the writing and/or acting can be really top notch. I was in a relationship once for about four years too long due to my inability to say anything bad about a situation that, on paper, SHOULD have been ideal. Great guy, we got along well, this was the best I could hope for, I should just count my blessings, right? Luckily for both us, he gave me an ultimatum that gave me a clear out. I still think he’s a great guy. But he wasn’t right for me.
The Tourist Trap at Theatre in the Round is a terrifically written and acted show that many people will really love. It’s a creepy story about a South Dakota tourist attraction, an old house previously occupied by a mass murderer that involves a leap of faith that I didn’t quite make. I still enjoyed the production very much – it also runs short, so you’ll have time to grab a bite to eat between this and your next show.
The Tiger in the Room at Illusion stars my pal Natalie Wass, who is appearing is three productions this year (that’s a lot!!). The house was packed, and this will be a home run for very many folks. But not for me. The story was fine, but a bit trite. Entirely forgettable. This would have been a significant slam a few years ago, but something is happening to my mental hard drive, and I don’t know if it’s reached capacity or if I’m losing folders or what, but I’m now capable of forgetting even momentous occasions. This is a very safe Fringe experience for Fringers who might not be ready for anything too adventurous.
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