It was only a matter of time before someone capitalized on the Hunger Games book and movie series, made it into a musical then brought it to Fringe. And that’s exactly what the crew at Mad Madame Payne productions has done! This is MMPP’s first show at the Fringe Festival, and they take the stage in the Brown Venue.
The show, written by Terri Giannoutsos, opens with the narrator setting up the story till he’s rudely interrupted – then a grand opening with the classic song Kung-Fu Fighting, where you’re introduced to the entire cast as they high kick their way on to the stage like a scene from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers! This high energy, action-packed Jukebox style musical is loaded with a talented youthful group with a lot of 3 Stooges-inspired fights and seemingly expert level of stage combat.
The story wasn’t as easy to follow if you’re not too familiar with the books/movies, but this spoof is taken from the first in the series and follows Katniss (Pam Stone) as she volunteers herself as a representative for her district in this epic food fight; the Hungry Games, a fight to the death where there can only be one survivor. She’s joined by her flamboyant love interest Peeta (Dee Jay Clinton) who owns his persona.
They’re assisted by drunken Hammich, (Jason Skinner ) and lead by beautiful, graceful and statuesque Effie (Nick Kroger) – Effie’s version of Radio Head’s Creep was a nice touch to the hodge podge music that made up this fast paced show.
Expect action! Expect Death! But don’t expect indigestion!
Happy Hunger Games and may Fringe ever be in you favor!
