Returning favorites bring bugs, dance, a ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Jeopardy!’: Orlando Fringe Festival reviews

Today’s Orlando Fringe Festival reviews, all of which are highly recommended, are shows that have previously been staged at the festival: “Ain’t Done Bad,” “Bugged Lady,” “Generic Male: Just What We Need, Another Show About Men,” “I Lost on Jeopardy” and “Nashville Hurricane.”

What makes the 2021 Fringe Critics’ Choice best-show winner “Ain’t Done Bad” (Renaissance Theatre, 60 minutes, highly recommended) so darn good?

Creator Jakob Karr and his co-stars demonstrate impeccable technique in this enthralling dance work, but don’t let the technique steal the show. There’s a perfect balance between your brain comprehending just how good the dancing is while your heart is engrossed in the story of a young gay man coming of age in the shadow of a disapproving father.

The distinctive voice of Orville Peck fuels the country-pop soundtrack, which evokes the emotional state of the characters. The choreography is full of striking moments but what really makes this gem of a show sparkle is its beautiful heart.

In “Bugged Lady,” (Leu Gardens, 60 minutes, highly recommended), Professor Levi doesn’t take any nonsense. Played by Sandi Linn with a manner both entertainingly brusque and brooding, she shows off the creepy subjects of her Invertebrates 101 class — while students learn about some two-legged creeps.

Curiously a lot of the men who hindered her career are no longer around: “Every creature has the right to defend itself,” she says chillingly.

Linn, who also wrote the twisted tale, named best site-specific show at the 2022 Fringe, creates a deliciously seductive atmosphere of righteous vengeance.

Another best-show winner, “Generic Male” (Orange venue, 60 minutes, highly recommended), also takes aim at men. Darren Stevenson and Ashley Jones of Push Physical Theatre combine playfulness, theater of the absurd, social commentary, strength and grace to create a mesmerizing look at nothing less than the patriarchy. But this is no rant; this is true art.

In various skits, the pair examine masculinity through movement — a dance with their hands down their sweatpants in some kind of macho posing gone askew, or a game of Russian roulette with a balloon. This is the type of inventive, thought-provoking, relevant art the Fringe was made for.

George Buri’s “I Lost on Jeopardy” (Purple venue at 54 W. Church St., 60 minutes, highly recommended) is a treat for fans of the TV show, full of behind-the-scenes details. But more than that, it’s a guide map for life — about following dreams, the importance of challenging ourselves and especially how to react if the dream eludes us. And it’s funny, named best comedy solo show at the 2022 Fringe.

Buri elicits instant empathy — we all know the feeling of coming so close, right? — and creates a beautiful paradox that a show in which he proclaims “The only thing guaranteed in life is failure” is so hopeful.

Also hopeful: The title character of Chase Padgett’s “Nashville Hurricane” (Silver venue, 75 minutes, highly recommended). Winner of the critics’ best original work award in 2014, the play tells charming story of a shy boy turned country-music superstar.

Padgett, who wrote the show with Jay Hopkins, portrays all of the characters — including the Hurricane’s memorable low-class mama — and plays the music that accompanies the full-of-heart tale. The characters are sharply etched, very funny and most important, completely engaging.

It’s no surprise, coming from the star of Fringe favorite “6 Guitars,” that this is hugely entertaining and smart storytelling at its finest.

Orlando Fringe Festival

• Where: Shows at Loch Haven Park are in color-coded venues; off-campus locations are identified by name

• When: Through May 29

• Cost: $10 button required for ticketed shows, then individual performance tickets are no more than $15

• Schedule, tickets and more info: OrlandoFringe.org

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