Show reviewed:  The Bric-a-Brac Vintage Vagabond Variety Show

http://www.myspace.com/bricABracfrance
Date saw the show:  July 27, 2008
Place saw the show: Kansas City Fringe Festival,  Kansas City, Missouri
Principal Leads:  Rob Houle, Chris Gibson, Cami Alys Yankwitt, Martin Luecke, Jonathan Van Matre, Kate Arpke Houle, Agustin Frederic, Monica Gibson
Director:  Rocky Hopson   

Reviewed by:  Deborah Ground Buckner (Kansas City Correspondent - USA) 

Beth Marshall, Producer of the Orlando Fringe and former KC Theatre Artist, presents The Bric-A-Brac Vintage Vagabond Variety Show.  Set within the time of World War II and German-occupied France, a brave company presents its vaudeville show, despite the constant surveillance of a Nazi officer, Mr. Germany (Jonathan Van Matre), who tells a number of jokes (of the <groan> variety) about the French.

This truly is a show with a little bit of everything.  There is song, dance, comedy, and even puppetry, with a reenactment of a Punch and Judy show.  It is a highly talented ensemble cast, but there are a few standouts.  Cami Alys Yankwitt appears to be able to do anything and everything.  She tap dances (in a fun competition with the drummer), she sings a beautiful rendition of La Vie En Rose, she plays ukulele and mandolin, she performs in a comedy sketch, and she brings life to Punch and Judy.  That makes for a full plate in a one-hour show.  As master-of-ceremonies and accordionist, Rob Houle is delightful.  Kate Arpke Houle doubles as bass player and bear trainer, performing a fun tango with the "bear" (Martin Luecke) after a few earlier incidents of life-threatening training.

The show moves quickly from one segment to another with the high energy from the cast keeping the audience thoroughly engaged.  I caught the last performance of the festival, and there were several repeat customers in the audience.    

This was a wonderful way to close out coverage of the 2008 Kansas City Fringe Festival.  In one brief hour, we had a sweet reminder of the vast range of arts and entertainment.  A great fringe festival should always seek to broaden the horizons of the arts community, and acts like this one guarantee success.