Do You See What I See?

Tragedy + timing = comedy. So the saying goes, at least, and all three were here tonight — to varying degrees. Do You See What I See? is an unusual blend of sketch comedy, stand up, and (just a little) improv. Like many variety shows of its kind, its ensemble of aspiring comedians spend 70 minutes sticking their necks out for their audience. And like many variety shows, it made more than a few stumbles.

The show’s premise was interesting enough, and began promisingly. A “comedy therapy” open mic session — part comedy standard, part Freudian couch. The team played with whether or not comedy could be used as therapy….or, perhaps, whether or not comedians are some of the most in need of it! It did a wonderful job of priming the pieces, and highlighted the natural humor of its ensemble.

The rest of the show, unfortunately deviates from the conceit and never revisits it. The team break out into a narrated variety hour; the general structure is that one comedian begins with a short (sometimes very short) stand-up set up, which will usher in a sketch to compliment the story.

But with ten comedians over seventy minutes, the sketches were short and the stand up was shorter. Timing was off throughout; some skits could be cut, and others made longer, while the pacing of the action on a whole could have been increased. The arc of the sketches occasionally falls flat, and the piece as a whole lacked the cohesion that it promised from its exciting beginning.

There were a couple of rewarding moments — including an entertaining improvisational sketch comparing wedding planning to the division of Europe following World War II. And there were plenty of audience members who enjoyed themselves and responded accordingly.

And for all the seriousness at Fringe, Do You See What I See? is a show that offers some much needed, light-hearted relief. Or perhaps a little comedic therapy.
Take me to the DCTS 2014 Capital Fringe Guide