Threads review, mnfringe show 12, Transmasculine Cabaret starring Vulva Va-Voom: so much queerness in one show, singing, jokes, interactive sound cues, arias, truths both hard and soft, my mind is still spinning - 5 stars (my Fringe Top 20 write-up)
“Initiating Heckler Protocol Delta.”
If you’re looking for a show that has a vocalist with an amazing singing voice, the award-winning Transmasculine Cabaret is your show. I almost wrote “may be your show” there because, well, Transmasculine Cabaret isn’t an easy show. But then, Fringe-goers aren’t your average theatergoers either, are they? We’re up for a challenge. And the challenge Transmasculine Cabaret lays down is, “We dare you NOT to find the humanity in this performer.”
“Ask your doctor if being put in the hospital by bigots is right for you.”
A Fringe show where the performer spends time at the beginning with a fluorescent dildo strapped to the front of their costume, jiggling around as they dance, well… that might test some people. Transmasculine Cabaret isn’t interested in confronting its audience, but neither does it have much patience for holding its hand. This is me, it seems to say. Trans people exist. Non-binary and gender fluid people exist. And you should learn to deal with your discomfort about that, because they are people and they are here and they are not going anywhere.
“I have to simplify my queerness - less John Wayne, more Frasier Crane.”
The show doesn’t explicitly ever state that. It’s just implicit in everything that happens onstage. Because there is no apology, there is no Trans 101 going on here. If you’re here to see Vulva Va-Voom perform, this is the package that comes in. This is a show that includes a box on stage labeled Extra Dildos and they will all be dumped out on the floor at some point during the proceedings, so just shake off that prudish shudder and just roll with it.
“My butthole is like a Waffle House.”
Vulva Va-Voom is a natural performer. They’re “on” from the moment the house is open and the audience begins to file in. They’re setting up all the details of their “obviously metaphorical dressing table.” They’re laying out all the elements of the show from which they’ll be picking as the performance rolls along. They’re also warming up their voice and singing during the pre-show. Their voice is clear and pure as a bell, and as powerful as a whole cathedral’s bell tower. They can sing a parody song to a pre-recorded track. They can sing and accompany themselves on guitar. They can sing high opera. There is nothing outside of their range and skill.
“Politeness is a polite word for conditioning bullied people not to fight back.”
Vulva Va-Voom is also a gifted comic with impeccable timing. And that’s really saying something here because the partner off of which they have to play is a series of pre-recorded sound cues. Whether it be the show’s built-in heckler, or the European toughs who are bunking in Vulva’s guest room, or the inner voice of their own neuroses, Vulva has to play off of a near constant stream of sound cues (Kudos to the Fringe techs, by the way. This show must keep them on their toes from start to finish.) Acting opposite non-human acting partners is among the toughest kinds of acting, but Vulva Va-Voom does it with flair, as if it’s the easiest thing in the world.
“What year did you figure out Liberace?!”
Transmasculine Cabaret, staring Vulva Va-Voom is funny, informative, and moving. Those who take up the challenge of seeing it will be rewarded many times over for their effort. This isn’t the kind (or quality) of Fringe show we see everyday. We’re very lucky it came to town. It’s hard to describe (though I’ve given it a go). This is another one you really just need to see for yourself. Go. You’ll be glad you did.
5 Stars - Very Highly Recommended
Here's some handy links to coverage of shows I've seen in the Fringe this year getting 5 and 4.5 Stars (Very Highly Recommended), 4 and 3.5 Stars (Highly Recommended) as well as the shows ranking 3 stars or less; also links to this year's Top 10 list and Top 11-20 list, also a full list of all returning favorites to this year's Fringe, plus a link to ALL the 2024 Minnesota Fringe Festival coverage.
While I have your attention, please VOTE :)
Minnesota is currently in the early voting period
for our Congressional and local primaries (I had the U.S. Senate,
Congress, and the Minneapolis school board on my ballot) - final day to
vote in the primary is Tuesday, August 13th, but you don't have to wait
until Fringe is over, go vote right now :)
Early voting for the Presidential Election itself in Minnesota starts on Friday, September 20th.
We're lucky to have a lot of time to get our voices heard, so cast your
vote, and then make sure everyone you know and love is registered and
gets to the polls to vote. Election Day, your final date to vote, is Tuesday, November 5th.
As a queer playwright and theater maker, I want a government that's compassionate and competent enough to keep us all safe and healthy, keep theaters open and running, and personally, I'd just like to be legal myself and keep the weirdos out of government and out of my personal business (and the things I post on this blog, for instance). We all have our reasons, so let's make sure we get the leaders we need and deserve, and get our friends, family and co-workers to raise their voices, too.
Find where to vote and what's on your ballot (with links to candidate websites) and other resources at the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.
For other resources on how to register, volunteer or donate, locally or nationally, check out Vote Save America.
Vote. Raise your voice. We're not going back.
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