KC FRINGE FESTIVAL 2025
Performances July 17-27
Visual Art July 06-26
Film July 18-20
KC FRINGE FESTIVAL 2025
Performances July 17-27
Visual Art July 06-26
Film July 18-20
Click on the venue name above for information on parking and amenities.
Show Description
Back by popular demand, Godzilla’s Not a Dinosaur is Abby Bland’s genre-bending solo show and coming out story set against the backdrop of the world’s most iconic kaiju. In the midst of touring the country, it returns to KC revamped with new poems, more Godzilla, and even sharper wit. It’s a love letter to nerds, the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone who’s ever screamed into the void about being misunderstood.
“Abby’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious! The audience was swept up by quips and poems and tangents about Godzilla, gender exploration, and feminism. Abby is fun and the show is very fun and endearing.” – Molly M. Minnesota Fringe goer
Abby Bland is an award-winning writer and performer based here in the Kansas City Metro. She is a 2 time Best Spoken Word Artist in the Pitch, a Best of Venue winner at KC Fringe, and a 2025 Heartland Arts KC Fellow. This is her 4th year with the Kansas City Fringe!
Cast and Crew
Artist & Show Details:
This is my 4th year, writer/producer/performer every year
Andrea –
Abby Bland “Godzilla’s not a Dinosaur” was fun, insightful and highly entertaining! Bad girl boss, brave, fun-sized but not, non-binary, nuclear, mega kaiju reteric monstrous wonderfulness. #abbyblandpoetry. #kcfringe
Nicole –
This was such a fun show! Definitely catch it if you can. Very cool mix of comedy and poetry.
Imogen –
This was a fun show! I didn’t know what to expect, but it was humorous and heartfelt. I have some awareness of the OG Godzilla (primarily through the lens of MST3K), but it’s definitely not a requirement.
As someone who also has an unusual experience in a woman’s body, I certainly appreciate the sentiment behind some of the poems and bits.
Jackson –
If you love reptilian creatures of any sort or size, including your own scaly self, you’ll love this show! It is a mix of fun, witty commentary and thoughtful poetry…about Godzilla.
Ryan S –
I never knew there was so much to know about Godzilla until this show. Abby goes in deep and I loved the blend of pop culture, poetry, and comedy. The “Clever” poem was worth the price of admission alone.
Camille –
Much of Abby’s poetry felt like a hug I could relax into, a safe space where being “other” is the norm despite having never seen a single Godzilla movie. The show is honest, endearing, and solicited many laughs.
Susanne Neely –
Excellent show! My daughter and I attended on July 23 and loved it. We laughed and cried, and learned a thing or two about Godzilla. Highly recommend.
David –
Abby is an engaging poet and comedian who has crafted a wonderful narrative through the lens of their love of Godzilla. The show is full of introspection and charm that really lets Abby’s personality shine. Definitely check out this show!
Abby’s mom –
This show is very funny, no prior Godzilla knowledge required.
JT –
What a great show. As a Godzilla fan, I was eager to see how Abby worked Godzilla in to tell their story. I was not disappointed at all. Seventy-five percent standup, with 25 percent poetry, this artist takes you on a great journey. Hilarious with great poignant moments, I was sad when they said this was probably the last time they would perform this show for a while. I’m really glad I got to catch it before it was too late. Oh, and Abby’s 100 percent right. King Kong would stand no chance against Godzilla.
David Luby –
Unique way of combining slam poetry and stand-up comedy. Their poetry was moving at times and hilarious at other times. Comedy was funny well done a few labs transitions were rough sometimes but she’s doing something and I’ve never seen before so I give her credit for that. Shows were saying go see it before she goes and takes it to the rest of the country. You don’t have to know anything about Godzilla to enjoy it. Though being a fan of Godzilla, it was I thought it was well done. The main criticism and I have is King Kong is better.