In Dr. Freeman’s Motivational Inspirational Pill of a Million Secrets, performer David Klinger is hawking his wares in multiple ways. With this site-specific performance at the Logan Fringe Art Space and the Brookland Metro, Klinger seeks to persuade the audience to get a magical pill. Unfortunately, his pitch isn’t quite refined enough to make the cut.
The situation is meant to invoke a kitschy, vintage idea of a street sales guy. That’s Klinger, who wants his audience to know that a single pill has saved his grandfather’s life – and it could change anyone’s, given that they purchase it. The pitch is filled with grandiose bravado, meaning to delight the audience by its ludicrousness.
Some parts of the performance live up to the absurdity promised. For one thing, secondary actor Sebastian Rousseau and Klinger are great at verbal sparring. Their moments together are fun, showing the natural chemistry between the two as collaborators.
Another highlight is clearly the sharp sound design, featuring an all-encompassing soundtrack composed by Klinger. This hits just the right notes of wackiness. If only all of the dialogue were the same, the tone of the show would have been more positive.
Dr. Freeman’s Motivational Inspirational Pill of a Million Secrets
Written, directed and performed by David Klinger
Choreography: Sebastian Rousseau
Details
Dr. Freeman’s Motivational Inspirational Pill of a Million Secrets is an ambitious concept. It would need a clear comic voice to work well, and Klinger sometimes becomes incomprehensible. There are moments that are interesting, while others don’t seem to connect to an inherent meaning. Perhaps, this is intentional on the part of Klinger. After all, as a public, non-ticketed performance, the audience can come and go as they wish. The show works better as something to walk by briefly than to stay and watch.
That said, it’s only 30 minutes in length and offered free to Capital Fringe audience members. Dr. Freeman’s Motivational Inspirational Pill of a Million Secrets may not convince one enough to buy what Klinger is selling, but it wouldn’t hurt to come by and take a quick look.
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