Having last performed in 2005, The Oops Guys make a welcome return to Fringe with a musical revue that simply had to be done in Orlando. Bitches of the Kingdom is a meeting of classic storybook princesses who are mad as hell and they aren't going to take it anymore. What's got these damsels so distressed? The decades long exploitation â┚¬â€œ not to mention misrepresentation of character â┚¬â€œ they've suffered at the hands of one Walt Disney. As Orlandoans, with a love/hate relationship with the mouse, we can relate.
Fringe-goers have come to expect levity from The Oops Guys, Fiely Matias and Dennis Giacino; their past shows The Naked Guy, Asian Sings the Blues, and The Golden Guys kept audiences in stiches during past Fringes. What might be a bit of surprise this time around is The Oops Guys have a little something to say through the laughs.
It may seem unlikely for it to come from a couple of guys, but Bitches is no less than a musical feminist manifesto about the unrealistic expectations the depiction of Disney princesses gives young girls. Think starving yourself is the best way to a perfect figure? Ask Sleeping Beauty who is craving a Hot Pocket right about now. Think it's worth giving up who you are for that perfect prince? Ask The Little Mermaid, who changed her body for some cute guy.
Though The Oops Guys is clearly a collaborative effort, a lion's share of the credit must go to Giacino for the concept, catchy music and clever lyrics. (I doubt Sondheim himself could slip â┚¬Å”Kissimmeeâ┚¬Â into a song as subtly.) Director Matias, a man who is used to being on stage and turning audiences to amused putty with just an expression, makes his presence known in sure-fire bits. Their best achievement, however, may be the vibe they create: there is a palpable love and respect between the creative team, crew and cast â┚¬â€œ the preferred incubator for creating.
It's a challenge to single out performances in this ensemble cast: if you can find a weakest link, it's still a pretty damn strong link. Michelle Knight anchors the cast with her balls-of-brass Snow White. Sleeping Beauty Lisa Sleeper manages to have a charming face of rubber and not pull focus at the same time. Krista Miller gives the Secondary Princess (Esmeralda, Jasmine, and Tinker Bell) her due with bravado. Lulu Picart (Mulan) and Lois Sage (Rapunzel) elicit a delighted reaction just taking the stage.
Costumes designed by Jesse LeNoir (of Project Runway fame) are stylish but understated and the stage is bare except for Giacino way upstage center on piano. The stripped down production is not only wise for Fringe staging â┚¬â€œ keeping that budget down, facilitating a quick turn-around â┚¬â€œ it helps the audience focus on the words and the performances of a developing work. The effect is a workshop feel, and you can't help but feel that you are part of a show that is going places.
If you're short on cash (and who isn't these days?) or short on time, do yourself a favor: put Bitches of the Kingdom on your â┚¬Å”must seeâ┚¬Â list.
Show: Bitches of the Kingdom
Theatre Group: The Oops Guys â┚¬â€œ New York City, NY
Venue: Orange
Remaining Performances:
5/21 Sat. 8:10PM
5/22 Sun. 12:00PM
5/23 Mon. 5:30PM
5/25 Wed. 9:50PM
5/27 Fri. 9:05PM
5/28 Sat. 4:20PM
