“Variations on a Theme” a Proven Fringe Formula – Teresa Leggard, Fringe Reviewer

There are those who create theater and produce it during KC Fringe, and then there are those who create theater for KC Fringe—Tara Varney is clearly the latter. The crafty festival veteran is back this year with “Variations on a Theme” at Musical Theatre Heritage in Crown Center.

In 50 minutes, 4 actors perform 9 scenes exploring communication—the many ways and opportunities we have to [mis]understand each other. The cast is a well-oiled machine with polished performances and smooth transitions.

Each actor gives solid performances: Parry Luellen as a recently divorced father trying to connect, and Amy Hurrelbrink brings freshness to a scenario that feels a little too “Who’s on First” but with feathers. Marcie Ramirez is affecting as a friend grappling with guilt and depression.

Variations… is really a showcase of Mike Ott’s versatility. First as an awkward blind date, then a sophomoric man-child with a penchant for toilet humor. But his turn as a husband trying to confide in his half-sleeping wife is the scene that makes Ott stand out from the ensemble.

Of course some scenes were stronger than others, but that’s the beauty of vignettes. Even if every scene isn’t exactly working, Varney and her crew knew how to work it.