Cheeky Monkey Sideshow Presents: CMSS X 3D, OK? is an affectionate collection of extreme performances and biological oddities that makes you cringe and cheer. It is utterly unlike any other show you are likely to see at the Capitol Fringe Festival.
Cheeky Monkey conjures up the charm of an old-time carnival show in every detail from the projection backdrop to the ragged goth-like costumes. It is an irreverent homage to an era when human freaks fascinated a less jaded populace.
Cheeky Monkey Sideshow founder Stephon Walker, in his persona as Swami YoMahmi, serves as emcee. The remaining members of the company’s striking sextet of performers are:
- Sally the Cinch, a contortionist and dancer who owns her unusual physical condition;
- Mab (Just Mab), a multi-talented sideshow charmer;
- The Amazing Trinket (Lisa Oberg), a beauty with unusual consumption skills;
- Eon the Magician (Steve Wannall); and,
- Damien Blade (Danny Snyder), the most Dangerous Man in the World.
The seasoned performances include contortionism, burlesque dancing, fire eating, puppetry, magic and mentalism, often flavored with clever clowning and occasional ad libs.
Cheeky Monkey Sideshow Presents: CMSS X 3D, OK?
Conceived by Stephon Walker
Directed by Thomas Plott
Details and tickets
Any description of the acts could not do full justice to the eccentric spins and outsized personalities each performer brings to their specialty.
That said, Damien Blade’s world-class sword swallowing performance is a fine choice for an outstanding finale. This act perhaps best exemplifies the combination of bizarre skill and offbeat humor that is the heart of the Cheeky Monkey Sideshow experience.
If you have ever been a fan of the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! franchise in any of its forms (e.g., cartoons, museums, TV shows, or the Internet site), this show is for you. If you have seen too many Capitol Fringe shows that seem to blur together, Cheeky Monkey Sideshow Presents: CMSS X 3D, OK? will be the one that stands out.
The cheekymonkeysideshow.com website says is best: “You’ll be amazed. You’ll be amused. You’ll be Just a Little Grossed Out.”
Take me back to the DC Capital Fringe Guide
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