My overall impression
The Peanuts are grown up and gathering for a funeral. Expertly written, expertly performed. Directed with inventiveness and honesty, this show is simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking. But mostly hilarious. Brendan Hunt, who also wrote, gives a true tour de force performance as Pig Pen- now crazy and homeless, but still incredibly human. Hunt amazingly manages the crazed rants, deadpan asides, and emotional outbursts all while hula-hooping. (It’s his cloud of dust, I believe). The entire ensemble is a knock out, especially Shannon Nelson, who is fantastic in every production I see her. Perhaps the end goes on a bit long (this was slated at 2 hours but ran 2.5 with a late start and intermission)- but I don’t care. I am nearly 50 shows deep at this Fringe, and Absolutely Filthy might be the best one I’ve seen. Not only is this must-see, it’s must-get-tickets-now- a previous run of this play sold out. DO IT. fringeblog.webs.com
