FALLOUT FRINGE FESTIVAL 2026-Day 3

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: ErikReviewsVegas

After taking the day off for First Friday, the Fallout Fringe Fest continues with some amazing shows (and if you were lucky enough to catch the Cockroach Cabaret at Vegas Theatre Company on Friday night, you would have gotten a taste of some plays yet to come). I review two non-traditional shows that exemplify what the Fringe is all about. You can access the full schedule at www.falloutfringe.org/schedule.

Stinky & Bunny: Fallout by Darren Pitura and Derek Shipman   Scrumptious ★★★★

Part talk show. Part sketch shows. Part improv show. Stinky (Darren Pitura), who came across as a somewhat sleazy salesman from the 70s, and Bunny (Derek Shipman), a large pink bunny, reunite after five years apart to host their talk show. And over the next hour, we get songs, sketches, and interviews. That night, they had two sets of guests: Marylene Cameron from the upcoming show Surprise and the cast of Hysterics, which also opens soon. First of all, I love the set pieces, which were all “hand-crafted” with cardboard, as are the drinking mugs. The interviews were hilarious, riffing off of every comment. The songs were fantastic and funny. (I think I went to sleep with “It’s Gonna Be Great” playing in my head.) And the sketches were gold. You’ll never open a can of biscuit dough the same again. Pitura and Shipman are comic geniuses, and this was them at their best. This is Saturday Night Live-level comedy - from the good years. Definitely check this out if you get the chance. There’s one last show this afternoon. 

@ Vegas Theatre Company: June 7

Shoelaces in Paris by the ensemble Scrumptious ★★★★

Producer: Poor Richard’s Players

Thirty-one plays, 61 minutes. The stage is set with tables covered by all sorts of props and costumes. Above them is a clothesline with thirty-one numbers hung by clothespins, ranging from 10 to 40. The ensemble has prepared original plays to be performed: some personal, some goofy, and some beautiful. Once the timer goes off, the audience yells out a number, and the cast performs the corresponding play. It’s a fast-paced race, but each play also takes its time, so we experience each moment. Overall, I loved it. Sure, some plays were stronger than others, but if you didn’t like one, another one is minutes away. The cast is strong and fierce, all committed to doing every play before the timer runs out. And what I liked most is that everyone got their moment in the spotlight. This is a great experience you won’t regret seeing.

@ Vegas Theatre Company: June 12, 13, 16, and 20