UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History
Created by Mackenzie Langdon
Produced by MLangdonMusicals (Toronto, Canada)
60M | Musical
Content Notes: Violence
By Colin Noden
I liked this unique way of portraying historical events. For example, it was the Wahoo-Bum-Bum-Bum from the belly of the beast (horse) that broke the audience’s reserve. From that point on, the cast of UNSUNG could do anything and get instant laughter and applause. So much more fun than a TED Talk.
The performance successfully overcame the challenge of presenting a new work in a sound-dampening venue with diaphragm-strangling first-night jitters. The audience was peppered with fellow performers, parents(?), maybe a professor or two, and reviewers. All well-meaning, but a few tequila shots shy of being the perfect audience. The prelude musical number was confident and polished, so we were able to settle back in our seats and, at least mentally, say “bring it on!”
They did. And they were clever about it. I’m not going to spoil it for you by giving any details. Instead, let me just encourage you to be self-aware of your reactions during each musical segment. This is a multi-layered performance. It can appeal to any age and degree of sophistication.
Now that everyone could begin to breathe, energy began to build. Solos, harmonies, clever props, costume changes, musical style changes, all peaking at an impressive Wagnerian-strength solo being upstaged by a dancing dictator. By this time, the audience had been liberated by the Wahoo-Bum-Bum-Bum and were ready for another hour. But sadly, it was the end.
I’m obviously recommending this show. I think it’s important also to keep in mind that the shows must meet Fringe Production Rules, which put restrictions on these travelling shows. The little critic voice in my head started chirping about little production tweaks that would polish the show up. I finally wrapped its face in duct tape and enjoyed the show. I suggest you do the same. This is Fringe!
UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History is playing at LabO until June 24, 2023. Visit ottawafringe.com/fringe/ for the schedule and box office info. Read more reviews at https://apt613.ca/category/festival/fringe/.
