Artists played to a full house at last night’s midnight cabaret. Miss (Matthew) McGee hosted a variety show of epic proportions. There was song, there was dance, there was comedy. Each of the 10 acts brought something unique to the stage, starting with Ladell Thomas, aka Mr. Ocean, who danced to Rick James’s “Give It to Me Baby” with a little comic relief thrown in.
Ryan Adam Wells of Beers About Songs performed yet another catchy original tune. This one was an anthem for single people.
Terry G (Who Touched My Lemons?) decided to share a different story last night. Touching on the comedy of life experience, Terry spoke of her gift for “scaring the shit out of people.” It was both an interesting and comical introduction to haunt acting.
Comedian Rob Lloyd narrated a story about two mice in a maze trying to diffuse a bomb. The ridiculous plot, combined with volunteer-provided sound effects, made for a good laugh.
Tim Mooney (Breakneck Julius Caesar) momentarily parted from Shakespeare to read some original “sexy poetry.” I especially loved the moments when he used Dr. Seuss-style rhymes to describe adult topics.
Next up was burlesque performer Nilla Bean of St. Petersburg — by far the sexiest performance of the night.
Folksinger Willi Carlisle (There Ain’t No More: Death of a Folksinger) performed an original song on the guitar. I’m a fan.
Nancy Kenny and Wes of Broken Turtle Productions borrowed Willi to play a mannequin in their performance. Unlike Kenny’s Roller Derby Saved My Soul, this sketch was a political satire. Kenny’s performance made me laugh, as always. Willi’s inability to keep a straight face made it even funnier.
Fringe producer Trish Parry hit the stage next. Her unique way of storytelling leaves you wondering what is true and what is just amusing fabrication.
Really Spicy Opera was the final act of the night. Artistic director Basil Considine prepared something special for the evening: a Broadway classic that morphed into a song about the Tampa Fringe with the refrain (apt for both Les Miz and the penultimate day of the Fringe) “One Day More.”
This article appears in May 11-18, 2017.