What I liked
By taking everything that evening’s specific audience detests about Fringe comedy and filtering it through some extremely skilled clowns, Welcome to Hell creates a failsafe formula that’s sure to amuse! Or…agonize? Same thing? This show feels like taking a dip in a dumpster, and I mean that very very positively. (You can find some cool stuff in there.) Be prepared to share…something when Satan comes by with that microphone. The Prince of Darkness does a pretty good job of making sure almost every audience member has a chance to confess their sins or talk about what they hate about Fringe comedy…nobody is safe. (I told a not-particulary-compelling story about pasta and got the honor of seeing Will McFadden play me as a baby, which I would like on my tombstone, please and thank you.) These performers (and the guy in the tech booth) are consummate professionals who will turn your theatrical nightmares into reality right before your eyes…and make you like it.
If you’re on the Fringe website, you’re probably headed to Hell anyway…why not get a preview?
What I didn't like
I hope they don’t improve. I hope they get worse.
[I suppose how game the audience is has a major effect on the show…hopefully there’s at least one funny person willing to play along in each audience. It’s probably not for you if you’re not willing to laugh at yourself. Also, a rotating cast means you can’t see everyone every night!]
My overall impression
Torturous, depraved, and nightmarish…I loved every second of it!
