What I liked
The acting was superb. Good melodrama requires a deft ability to meld humor and physicality with just a ‘taste’ of corniness. It’s actually quite hard to do (as someone who has done quite a bit of it myself over the years). This cast had all of it to perfection and it’s quite a blast to see a crew that is so good at teasing its audience (both literally and figuratively in one case) into enjoying the hell out of itself.
Speaking of which—the stamp scene is worth the price of admission. One of the best bits of comedy I’ve seen in a long time.
What I didn't like
This is partially an issue with Fringe in general but it was hard to hear the performers’ voices when they were singing because the instruments were overriding them. I sometimes think that the art of projection has been completely lost in the modern era (because of mikes AND because, in Los Angeles, so many people are used to camera acting instead). It’s not a big room—I feel like the actors should be able to be heard easily. And it wasn’t the case (and I was in the front row).
My overall impression
There is something incredibly joyful about a well-presented melodrama and this show is exactly that. A lot of fun from beginning to end, Four Clowns has returned with a show that has just enough fun for kids and just enough adult-humor to feel a ‘little bit’ dirty. It’s a nice combination that’s well acted and just a good ole’ time.
