FREEDOM FANTASIA

"A liberty encrusted, justice soaked, apple pie scented pagaent of patriotism." This is the tag line for Freedom Fantasia, a DeLaRue production, playing for just one more show at West Hall, Oddefellows Building.  As the tag line suggests it is a spectacle of glitter, rhinestones, American flags, and more... so much more.

Burlesque as art, not in it's highest form but in it's most important one. That's is my heart felt response to this show. As entertainment it is superb, and if that's all you want out of it, you will love it.  It is campy, gay, and energetic with fun, upbeat choreography excelently executed by a star spangled cast.  But art does more than entertain, it makes a statement, it forces us to think, it challenges us. Like a fun house mirror held up before self importance, Freedom Fantasia distorts our view of history; showing us the truth behind the myth but doing so in such a way as to hide it from conscious perception.  Okay, so maybe I'm letting my words get carried away, but it's true.

Producers BenDeLaCreme and Kitten LaRue have filled this funny, sexy, glittery show with stinging commentary.  It pokes fun at the "blind patriotism" so often endorsed by the media, and clung to by much of America.  It laughs at the concept of a "united" country, even calling out civil rights activists who want "their people" liberated but not necessarily "those people."  It reminds us of the sad truth that all men (and women) are not yet equal in the eyes of the State.  Finally it makes the statement that the true American spirit is that of the rebel, that as 'patriots' we should continue to be ourselves and live the ideals of equality and liberty, even when they aren't given to us... if that fails, we can always blow stuff up.  (That song is going to be stuck in my head all night.)

BenDeLaCreme is witty, charming and bubbly; a hostess who just wants to wave Old Glory, and see life through star-spangled lenses.  LaRue's character brings a biting cynicism, that adds a bitter note to the fluff, and her act at the end made me cringe in all the right ways.  Cherdonna and Lou, Lucky Penny, Jim Kent, and Markeith Wiley are equal parts hilarious and impressive, showing off some mad dance skills.  Major Scales, and Jinxk Monsoon ramp up the camp with their musical numbers.  Furthermore, I have to say that Jinxk Monsoon... oh my God, girl, I think I'm in love.  Those pipes are ... meep.

I truly wish this show was going on for another weekend, at least, because this is a MUST SEE in my book.  It says what needs to be said, and it says it in the most fun way that it can think of.  Laughter is a powerful medicine, and everyone needs a dose of this one.

Loves, Fosse Jack