The Ballad Of Frank Allen

Weeping Spoon Productions—MTC Up the Alley

There is no mention that this is a reprisal from 2017. It has been finely honed and though I loved it then, it is magnificent now. The concept is, a tiny man who was a custodian, has shrunk to become a “tongue janitor“ to his friend Frank, as he now lives in his beard. Their relationship is pure ridiculousness, as tiny Shane Adamczak has remarkable control over his gargantuan (to him) buddy. He controls him by pulling nose hairs and other methods, and unfortunately his diet consists of whatever Frank (Al Lafrance) misses getting into his mouth- yech! This is a musical comedy with extremely vulgar and witty lyrics (rhyming vagina with recliner!) Frank is laid back as he relates his sad love story of Heather, who engages in every kind of sex act with all his friends, but not him! In contrast, skinny Shane throws himself around the stage, contorting his rubber body and producing wickedly funny sound effects. A clever concept done to perfection.

I can’t recommend this clever, amusing journey enough and would strongly advise you to see this zany Australian duo while you can. If you don’t laugh your ass off, your sense of humour is broken. I bought their CD and enjoyed it on the way home.

Lisa Campbell