My overall impression
Thenardier’s Inn is everything I wanted and more in a Fringe Show. It was Hilarious, campy, and had some amazing vocals to boot. You even get a revolutionary pin to take home after you’ve survived the revolution! Nick Rubando’s clever script is a great retelling of Les Mis, but #notlesmis. If you know the show it helps, you are more in tune with the jokes and ponderings running about. But, if you know nothing about Les Mis you will still have a romping good time. Definitely grab a drink at the bar beforehand, because there is a running drinking game going on throughout the show. Also, there are tons of cast interactions in this show, so be prepared for that as well. cough cough don’t sit in the front if you don’t want to participate. The cast encompasses the audience at all times so there’s not a place to hide from some sort of exchange with at least one of the actors. Oh, and watch your purses! Thenardier may catch you off guard. Phenomenal comedic timing and stellar vocals abound throughout the entire cast, however the stand out performances come from the Master of the House, Nathan Ondracek and the sexually confused constable, Lee Marshall. Nathan guides the audience through the story with ease while making sure we patrons don’t get too out of hand. When we went, there were a few audience members who were especially bawdy. Nathan skillfully turned their foibles into pure entertainment for us all. Lee Marshall is just flat out pitch perfect in both acting and singing. His powerful haunting voice was never difficult to hear over the orchestration without the use of a mic and his funny, yet honest, portrayal of Javert was my favorite of the evening. Lastly, I’m married so I’m definitely not into this sort of thing (insert awkward sarcastic laughter here) BUT there are tons of cute boys with bare chests to make the evening extra special for the so inclined. wink wink The show is sold out for the extent of their run at Fringe, but if you can buy a ticket in a back alley somewhere DO IT! You will not be disappointed. If not, don’t worry, they will definitely continue on…so where do I sign up? Vive La France!
