I’ve been familiar with Frigid New York for the last two years, but this was my first year in attendance. Always a bit hesitant of these free-for-all festivals, I carefully chose my picks of a long list of options– Petunia & Chicken by Animal Engine and Basic Help by StrangeDog Theatre. My choices were easy ones; I knew of Petunia & Chicken from their hugely popular, sold-out summer showcase during last summer’s miniFRIDGE, and I have long been familiar with the excellent writing and humor of StrangeDog since seeing Bootstraps last fall.
Karim Muasher and Carrie Brown of Animal Engine
Thankfully, both of my choices were excellent. If the only association I had to “clowning” was Animal Engine’s aesthetic, I’d strive to be a clown myself someday. Full of wit, impeccable timing, and the most creative uses of a shawl, a bowler hat, and two spoons I have ever witnessed, Petunia & Chicken is the ultimate American love story. Weaving together three classic novels by Americana author Willa Cather, Animal Engine’s sole members Karim Muasher and Carrie Brown prove themselves as masterful storytellers, embodying what feels like a dozen characters each (including a scarily believable senior Bloodhound). In less than 90 minutes, the range of emotions evoked feels true to a lifelong epic.
Gavin Earl Johnson and Megan Greener in “Basic Help”
Along a much more linear – yet still rewarding and provoking – emotional line, Basic Help is the story of two people caught in the “vast emptiness” of their lives. The story’s two characters collide during a customer service call over the case of a broken blender, forming an unusual relationship. With such a special show (that should be seen), I’d rather not give the details away. All that needs to be known is that with the help of two exceptional actors at the helm, StrangeDog has mastered the skill of approachable yet surprising theater, making it feel personal and insightful to our contemporary human condition.
With two great shows, my first year of Frigid was a rousing success, wishing I had the time to see more. If you have the chance, take it. Excellent theater at an excellent price, what could be better?
Petunia and Chicken continues at the Kraine Theater tonight at @ 8:40PM, and Saturday @ 3:40PM
Basic Help continues at UNDER St. Mark’s on Sunday, 3/9, @ 12:30PM
The Frigid Festival ends Sunday, 3/9. See the full schedule here.