Fringe Review

For anyone who has ever binged a Fringe, “Harry & Perry’s 100^th One-Man Show” is for you. A hilarious send up of Fringe Festivals in general – and KC Fringe in particular – this fast-paced, clever spoof of fringe contains more witty one-liners and punny satire than the best episode of any sketch comedy.

Cody Lindenberger plays Perry Carpenter and Jill Gillespie plays Harriet “Harry” St. Clair, two twenty-year Fringe veterans who have traveled the country presenting their ridiculous 1-person shows. From the start, the show reflexively deconstructs the very concept of Fringe from “how should we begin” to “the three themes of nearly every Fringe show” to “deep, heartfelt moments connecting with the audience”.  The projections of Harry and Perry’s show posters of the past provide some of the funniest moments.

Not only is the show well-written, but it is performed with razor-sharp timing and perfect delivery. The nonchalant arrogance of Lindenberger’s Perry contrasts with the understated desperation of Gillespie’s Harry like a classic comedy duo of the 1950s.  The jokes are smart and plentiful (and quite a few for adult eyes and ears only, such as the dildo puppet show). If you’re starting to feel the Fringe burnout, see “Harry & Perry’s 100^th One-Man show” to revitalize your funnybone and rekindle that love of your very first Fringe.