Utterly Disappointing
Rating: 2
Hexing Hitler
KC Fringe Festival
As the description tells us, "Hexing Hitler" is based on true events of several individuals who gathered in order to put a hex on the famous dictator.
The team that brought you some critically-acclaimed shows in past KC Fringes returns with a show that pits itself in stark contrast with the previous shows.
The result?
Bleh.
Going in, I was unsure whether it was a comedy or a drama. In the beginning, (some semblance of) comedy seems to take the forefront. I hope to goodness none of the jokes was meant to incite a laugh, as each fell flat. Perhaps the intent of the writing was to create a calm environment for the ensuing drama, but that is where perhaps my biggest complaint rears its head:
The acting.
I've seen four shows this Fringe, and "Hexing" certainly had the weakest showing. In all fairness the lead, a seasoned Kipp Simmons, did a commendable job with the thoroughly okay script. His better half, Sara Mae Lamar, however, brought to the show a particularly mediocre performance -- especially near the end, when the show throws an arbitrary and rather lackluster curveball; that is, the show builds up a central point to the shenanigans taking place on stage, but the very end completely ignores all that had taken place prior and attempts to convey some powerful theme or message, but it falls flat in its quest. In layman's terms, the ending needs quite a lot of work.
The other actors are all okay for the most part. In all actors' defenses, I saw the show on opening night, so perhaps some first-night jitters took place, but I'd expect more from such a group. Doogin Brown was pretty good, but he disregards a certain...circle. To those who have seen the show, that may make sense.
Melody Butler is intent on stealing the show and putting in an astounding performance. She really does neither. Again, in her defense, it was opening night and she certainly had some potential. So perhaps in following shows she did just what was expected. Finally, Parry Luellen gives a very..hit-or-miss performance. At points, he was fine, at others, he seemed a little stiff.
All told, the show didn't really do much to grab the audience's attention, the acting left much to be desired, and an otherwise decent script tosses its foundation out of the window in favor of a "what the...?" ending.
Some will like it, others will not.
I am of the latter.
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