By Nate Brown
Little Man Theater Company created Quango Follies for the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival with silent films in mind, and the result is a goofy and heartwarming treasure. This show is inspired by beloved stories from Charlie Chaplin and silent films like The Red Balloon. Housed in a found-space theater in the Gateway Mall, it is the story of a loveable hobo and the many characters he meets as he seeks to fill his grumbling belly and yearning heart. This show is particularly enjoyable with children—especially if you sit in the front row to take advantage of the segments of audience participation!
Many times found-space theaters—that is, theaters created in an area that isn’t a traditional theater space—can be uncomfortable and it can be challenging to hear. This space on 51 South Rio Grande Street, however, serves its purpose commendably. While the black curtains separating the audience from the backstage area are slightly transparent in the setting sun, the shop space itself creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere that pulls the audience in. The sound, while perhaps not as critical in a silent play, is excellent, allowing even the actors’ breathing to be distinct and clear.
Noah Kershisnik plays the lead with endearing foppery and acrobatic grace. His interaction with the audience, especially with young children, is good-natured and loveable. As we watch his character learn and grow, it becomes clear why we once loved these silent works—when you take away the words, it becomes our hearts, not our heads, that relate the story to us.
Playing every other role in the show, from artistic snob to aggressively charming pooch, is Trevor Newsome. Newsome shows a considerable range of acting skill in contrasting these characters and also interacts with the audience admirably.
While the slapstick and physical comedy of this show are great, there are several occasions when the action seems forced and unchoreographed. Usually, this happens in the scenes where Newsome is portraying the good-natured but mischievous canine. The younger members of the audience didn’t seem as worried about these moments, however, and watched with rapt attention.
Quango Follies is appropriate for the whole family and will be especially easy to enjoy with children under twelve years old. At forty minutes, it can be a small piece of a more extensive evening.
Don’t miss Quango Follies. Let your heart and soul feel what words can’t express.
Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival presents Little Man Theater Company’s Quango Follies.
51 S Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
August 3-August 11, 2019, showtimes vary
Tickets: $10 (Requires $5 Fringe Festival Tattoo)
Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival Facebook Page
Quango Follies Facebook Event
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