My overall impression
I don’t know what show Loulou In_LA saw (or what the hell their problem is), but what I saw tonight was a beautifully put-together, and unique production featuring three very strong and endearing performances. And this is coming from someone that has no connection to the cast or crew, other than a passing familiarity with their previous productions (#Hashtag, Making Love Over There, and Spring Awakening).
(Okay, I know it’s rude to bag on another patron, but I am stunned not only by the unnecessarily mean nature of their critique, but the utter ignorance displayed by it, as well. It’s as if poor LouLou’d never seen highly-stylized piece of performance art before. And hey, if that is indeed the case, how sad for them that their first reaction is to shit all over it for not being more conventional, rather than embracing it for what it is, and appreciating its uniqueness and vision. I suppose it goes to show that some shows aren’t for everyone. And hey, it’s perfectly fine to not like a show. I’ve seen Fringe shows this year that have made me want to punch Theatre in the face because I’ve disliked them so much. But there’s absolutely no need to be a condescending asshole about a show you didn’t enjoy. Not to mention that it takes a real dipshit coward to attack the artists involved personally while using a fake account. …I digress. I should get back to what really matters right now. And what matters right now is the spectacular Lady Into Fox.)
I adored this show. This beautiful narrative on love and loss is presented in an immersive fashion, with the audience sitting on the floor, onstage, surrounding the artists. The acting is superb. This adaptation of the source text is engrossing and delightfully quirky, incorporating, among other conventions, narrative ‘asides’ as the actors comment on the scene and their own actions.
The lighting also eschewed tradition, foregoing normal stage lights, and instead employing practical table lamps standing on stacks of books, stationed in the four corners of the stage, and a gorgeous chandelier made of twigs hung over center. This created a lovely warm, comfortable atmosphere; like cozying up in your living room with a glass of scotch on the rocks and a copy of Shakespeare’s Complete Works after a long day.
The sound design was equally innovative and delightful. Between Spencer Howard’s spot on vocalizations of drinks being poured, cabinets opening/closing, etc., (some effects delivered with impeccable timing when he had no clear view of the action – quite a feat!), and the amusing, unconventional choices in music cues add to the production’s distinct feel.
Lady Into Fox marks the 40th show I’ve seen at the Fringe this year, and it is easily one of my favorites. Kudos and Bravo to Samuel, Spencer, Leland, Nathan and Claire on creating such a stirring piece of storytelling.
Oh and hey LouLou, if you’ve got a problem with anything I’ve said here, feel free to say so in person. It shouldn’t be too hard to find me. I post using my real name.
