"Fearless 5: Music" by Fearless Comedy Productions at the Historic Mounds Theatre

This was my first time seeing Fearless Comedy Productions' Fearless 5 show: "an evening of one act plays in which an ensemble of actors perform 5 original short plays, written by 5 different playwrights, and directed by 5 different directors." This year's theme is music, and combining music and theater is my favorite kind of storytelling, so I couldn't resist. In an era of jukebox musicals, movie adaptations, and repeated revivals (e.g., the upcoming Broadway touring season, which has not a single new original musical), it's exciting to see local playwrights explore the idea of music-theater, whether it's through full-blown musicals, or merely with music as an idea behind the story. Check it out at the cool (and possibly haunted) art deco-era renovated Historic Mounds Theatre in St. Paul's Dayton's Bluff neighborhood, Fridays and Saturdays through the end of the month (tickets just $10 - click here for details).

Fringe Festival 2016: "The ImproVoice"

Day: 4

Show: 16

Title: The ImproVoice

Category: Musical

By: Double-Blind Productions

Directed by: Eric Thompson

Location: Southern Theater

Summary: An improvised singing competitions between four contestants, with songs based on audience suggestions.

Highlights: Before the show, the audience is asked to fill out a short questionnaire, which is used as the basis of the songs. Host Eric Thompson introduces us to the four contestants (played by Molly Glover, Jeff Gyllen, Lauren Haven, and Aaron Cook), who go through four rounds of competition: solos, duets, a sing-off (group number), and the winner's solo. The talented and fast-thinking singers make up songs on the spot about such odd subjects as chainsaws, tweezers, and Monopoly. Chad Dutton ably and enthusiastically accompanies them on the keyboard with a variety of song styles. It's hard to believe this is improvised, the songs are so well done, but I guess the silly lyrics give it away. I'm always impressed by improv actors who can create a character out of nothing, but this group does that, plus writing songs as they're singing them! It's great fun to watch.

(Nerdy aside: I wonder if the company name, Double-Blind Productions, is a reference to clinical trials? Are there statisticians on the team?! #statsnerd)