The Fallout Fringe Fest Is A Blast! Part Two

By Erik Engman

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

IG: ErikReviewsVegas

Nothing can prepare you for protests and police outside your theater when you’re watching a parody show about Luigi Mangione. My eyes still sting a little from the dissipated remnants of the tear gas when I made my way back to my car. But I’m okay. Anyway, here is the second batch of reviews from the Fallout Fringe. These two shows are at Cheapshot on Fremont. You can access the full schedule at www.falloutfringe.org/schedule.

I Am My Father’s Son by Carole Montgomery  ★★★★ Scrumptious

Stand-up comic Carole Montgomery (Funny Women of a Certain Age on Showtime) brings to us the premiere of her new one-woman show. I've got to tell you, I really like Carole. You will, too, when she starts her tale. We get an hour of jokes and stories about aging, growing up from tomboy into woman, becoming a stand-up, and interacting with her family. I especially liked her stories about her and her father. It’s all so good, mainly because Carole is honest and doesn’t care about being a “lady”. I couldn’t help smiling the entire time.

@ Cheapshot: June 12

Take Your Shot: Luigi Mangione by Ernest Hemmings. Conceived by INDECLINE.  ★★★ ½  Satisfying

Welcome to the seminar (sponsored by Ramco) where your host, Luigi Mangione (the infamous killer of the United HealthCare CEO), inspires you to “Take Your Shot” and “Target Your Potential” If the notion of this motivational seminar offends you, well, then this show isn’t for you. If, on the other hand, you just laughed out loud at the concept, then you should definitely check this out. It’s dark humor, for sure. Joshua Berg kills it (no pun intended) with his charismatic, over-the-top portrayal of Mangione, fearlessly running and jumping all over the place while he interacts with the audience. To the show’s credit, it doesn’t delve into the shooting but takes the motivations and plays with them. And just when the joke runs its course, reality gets weirdly serious. The video goes awry, and a ski-masked Ramco Rep (Ernest Hemmings) authoritatively keeps Mangione in line. Add to that the bubbly Summer Sinclair as the Cheerleader who adds to the ridiculousness. It got a bit wobbly in places where it looked like Berg lost his place, but that could have been part of the show, or because of the protests outside. It was a weird night. This pairs nicely with The Holy Church of Bezos.

@ Cheapshot: June 12 and 13

What: Fallout Fringe Fest

When: Through June 25, times vary

Where: Cheapshot on Fremont

Tickets: $10-$15, https://www.falloutfringe.org/