The Spooky Sh*t Show 2 - Derek Trautwein

A fan favorite of the 2022 KC Fringe Festival, the comedy horror variety show returns with both familiar and new concoctions crafted by writer and director Derek Trautwein. The high macabre and slapstick energy was maintained throughout the show by the ensemble; the ever deranged and unnerved Nicole Hal as returning host Jan, and Matt McCann as her slowly degrading co-host Stan, replacing his tragically eviscerated brother Dan from the first show. Spencer Thompson, Brent Custer, Alice Pollack, Shawn Murphy, Bryson Kenworthy, and Alisa Lynn play a multitude of monsters, victims, murderers, cannibals, and some of the most horrifying creatures of all: censors and studio producers.

The show worked best with pieces that stayed right between the lanes of horror and comedy: a classic horror story ruined by last minute corrections, a pair of brothers bonding over the family’s secret recipes, and a world-wide conspiracy that sheds a terrifying new light on a beloved figure. There was one piece that tried to completely shift into horror territory, but due to the tone established in previous scenes, the audience seemed initially confused by the subversion. Nervous laughter diffused the tension the actors were trying to build, and some heavier dialogue lost its impact.

While “The Spooky Sh*t Show 2” improves upon the original in many ways, the main thing that was lost was more even transitions from horror to comedy between scenes. However, the show finished with a strong, hilarious finale.

This “Hellraiser” meets “Hee-Haw” kept the audience laughing, even during some grotesque scenes and concepts. Sets, lighting, and action were all a fast-paced spectacle that kept everyone on their toes, even when body parts were being torn off. While this show bemoans celebrating Christmas in July, there’s nothing wrong with putting a little Halloween in your summer.