Peter vs. Chris

Peter n Chris—John Hirsch Mainstage

After beginning this show with a cinematic-like introduction featuring strongly accented music, lights that flash on and off, and the two approaching each other at center stage repeatedly, popular fringe duo Peter and Chris begin their show proper rather casually. They argue about whether they have been performing together for 8 or 10 years, talk about how their creative process, and remind the audience that there are no refunds. Furthermore, they joke that this new show was prepared last weekend, unlike previous shows that required six months of work, and they invite questions from the audience.

Soon this devolves into an argument between the two as to why Peter appears before Chris in their company name, and a competition to see who is best, with scores kept on a whiteboard. They try to one-up each other with increasingly crazy antics, which sometimes include dancing or skits. Eventually they have a big fight and Chris exits, leaving Peter to draft an audience member as a replacement. A reconciliation soon follows, as expected, with them rediscovering that they need one other.

Peter and Chris joke at one point that all their shows from year to year are the same, and I say I would agree, to a degree, especially with their arc of competing with one another, having conflict, breaking up, and then making up. Their earlier joke about this show being created last weekend feels like it might not be too far from the truth as well. They are still funny but their sketches are not as sharp or deep as I remember them being in previous shows.

Konrad Antony