By Elise C. Barnett-Curran
EK’s mama would call him “silly.” I call him delightful. Both are true. This half-Filipino, half-Hawaiian (self-dubbed “Halipino”), comedian plays on his heritage and his background to bring about truly entertaining and endearing moments of performance. EK Kapo’o has a storied background in standup comedy, playing with the likes of Weird Al, George Lopez, Louie Anderson, and Ray Charles. He infuses these skills into his fun little show Open House: Room Service, a one-man show with a loose format in which Kapo’o pretty simply talks to the camera, lightly griping about life in quarantine and describing his new life in Utah being someone of Pacific Islander and Asian heritage.
Opening as an essential worker at an Air B&B, Kapo’o brings us into his life and goes through some funny bits including a prop comedy bit cooking burritos with cans that have had their labels peeled off. Acknowledging the gamble as to what will emerge from the cans, Kapo’o cheerfully cooks away while talking to the camera like addressing a new friend.
Kapo’o has the rare ability to draw one in and make you immediately like him. He is charismatic and breezy, never showing any effort in the manner in which he performs, which is a skill to be commended. I was reminded of family members I miss watching Kapo’o’s performance, and he made me hungry for more.
Open House: Room Service plays once more at The Fringe Festival on August 8th at 3:15 p.m. and tips can be sent to Venmo @Halipino.
The Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival Presents Open House: Room Service
Streaming at https://www.greatsaltlakefringe.org/attend August 8, 2020, 3:15 PM MDT – RSVP required
Tickets: Free, but suggested donation via Venmo: @Halipino
www.greatsaltlakefirnge.org
Salt Lake Fringe Festival Facebook Page
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