Upbeat, recession-era pop music blast from the sound system at Kansas City Oasis as I entered the crowded auditorium for the opening night of “Peg!” – a confessional variety show created and performed by Kylie Westerbeck of New York. I unassumingly sat a seat away from a woman wearing sunglasses even though it was 9:30pm and fully dark outside. It should have been obvious but I didn’t think anything of it. The upbeat crowd fell into a hushed silence as the tech team struggled to play the preshow announcement and just as things were about to get real awkward the woman in the sunglasses quietly “booed.” The crowd laughed and Peg stood up, unveiling the brightly colored costume underneath her Slim Shady disguise.
Kylie Westerbeck was effervescent as Peg – Great comedic timing and instincts kept the audience laughing and involved with the performance. Peg’s goal for her trip to Kansas City is to live out her dream of completing a bucket list and she’s come prepared with a powerpoint and a literal bucket full of fun props that guide her way through the show. From hosting an ASMR podcast to a breakout flashmob with audience – this show contains plenty of laughter and heart. As Peg makes her way to the end of her bucket list she realizes that being present and enjoying every moment is her real bucket list item.
Lots of audience participation is involved in this sweet and funny show, so have some drinks to loosen up before you arrive, and prepare for a rollicking good time.
