Fringe Festival "US & THEM Reunion" review by mapppik

Are You One of  US or THEM?

Rating: 5

The US & THEM Reunion- A Musical Battle of the Culture War

KC Fringe Festival

Maybe a little of both? In this witty and clever musical satire, written by Jack Phillips and directed by Kate Sinnett we are privy to a "reunion" of the 2 oldest factions known to mankind, US and THEM. Hosted by Mistress of Ceremonies Ambrosia Cantore [well-played by Ruth Baum Bigus] we are introduced first to US, who, through interviews and song, inform the audience of their (true and correct) version of life and how it should be lived. Dominasia Savage [snobbily performed by Pat Scantlin] (a political operative) states "We've Got to Have Someone to Blame", Rex Usman [rightously portrayed by Joe Warner] (advocate for world domination via capitalism) tells us to "Give War a Chance". Tiffany Clench [ditzily done by Amy Young] (a pageant winner turned spokes-model) sings "I've Taken a Vow of Obstinance" while Joe Troop [Bob Linebarger, scarily accurate] (an NRA member) explains how things would have been "If Jesus Had a Gun". We are next introduced to THEM and their views. Fr!
 ank Benjamin [Kyle Landau, PETA would be proud] (animal rights advocate) pleads to "Stop the Slaughter at the Grocery", JoAnne Rainbow (cross-dressing gay man) asks "Could You Choose Not To Be Straight" and Leticia Contraire [a scholarly-looking Arrika Brazil] proclaims "I Am a Heretic". The reunion culminates in "The Battle of US and THEM" where many secrets and much hilarity ensues. I attended this musical with an 18 year old and an 82 year old (I'm 49) and we all enjoyed the performance immensely. The venue is intimate enough that you feel you are interacting with the cast. If you get an opportunity to see the Saturday (July 31) performance at 6:30 at the Arts Incubator, 3rd Floor you wont be disappointed. Doors open at 6:00 so arrive early so you can sit close and get a good view of all the expressions and actions that take place.

read the review at KC Stage