Chase Padgett: Grab Bag Cabaret

Chase Padgett—PTE – Cherry Karpyshin Mainstage

Chase Padgett is another familiar figure to most Fringegoers at this point – he says this is his tenth time here. Most will know what to expect – multiple characters (despite his claim at the beginning to be eschewing that this year), brilliantly and hilariously brought to life, interspersed with equally brilliant guitar playing. This time is a little different, though; he’s using a deck of cards to determine which of numerous pieces to perform, and almost as importantly, in what order. Not all of them fit his usual mold – some, for example, more closely resemble standup comedy – and you might see a completely different show than I did. My personal favourite piece I saw was “Song Request Rant”, a half-standup, half-improv bit about what the songs people request from performers like him say about them personality, including suggestions from the audience. A close second is how he got CRABS! (it doesn’t mean what you think).

Jeff Heikkinen

Chase Padgett: Grab Bag Cabaret

Chase Padgett—PTE – Cherry Karpyshin Mainstage

I haven’t had a chance in previous years to see a performance by a man who’s reputation precedes him after hearing how 6 Guitars and Nashville Hurricane took previous Fringes by storm. I’ve finally had a chance and I am thrilled I did. This year’s show differs greatly from previous work of Padgett’s, as he has created it to include bits and pieces of ideas and projects he’s been working on that never quite fit together anywhere else. The audience gets to choose which parts he does by choosing a card, making the show different every night. The cabaret style shows allow for so much variety and creativity in what art is presented, and the parts shared in this show are extremely enjoyable. An hour filled with marvellous musicianship, heartfelt storytelling, and plenty of laughter, this is not a show to miss!

Calantha Jensen