I started off day three of Fringe by catching a screening of
the little-seen documentary, “Muddy Track” at the Dryden Theatre — the
only Fringe event held at that venue this year. Scheduled as part of the
Dryden’s series on the films of Bernard Shakey (the
pseudonym used by musician Neil Young in his little-known career as an
independent film director), the screening was retrofitted to fit the Fringe
lineup and the film makes a great addition.
Shot largely by Young himself on cheap analogue video using a
camera the musician nicknames “Otto,” “Muddy Track” documents Young’s 1986-87
European tour with the band Crazy Horse, capturing the DIY aesthetic of the
film and the tour itself. Presented in snippets and fragments, the film
captures the chaotic life of an artist on the road — from rioting fans to hotel
jam sessions — with ramshackle charm.
Unfortunately, “Muddy Track” won’t be screened again
during this year’s Fringe.
International celebrity housewife Mrs. Kasha Davis took to
the TheatreROCS stage for her popular Las Vegas revue-style show alongside Miss Darienne
Lake (filling in for Davis’s usual co-host Aggy
Dune). Mixing bawdy humor, quick costume changes, and plenty of singing — both
live and lip-synced — they each pulled out the best of their stable of diva
impersonations, from Tina Turner to Bjork.
The queens are undeniably good at what they do, and the
result is a masterclass in good old fashioned drag entertainment that Sunday
night’s audience lapped up with a spoon. Just be sure you bring along some cash
to show your appreciation in its proper form: tips.
“Big Wigs” will be performed again on Thursday, September 22
at 9 p.m.; Friday, September 23 at 6 p.m.; and Saturday, September 24, at 10
p.m. on the TheatreROCS Main Stage. $15. Appropriate
for ages 13 and older.
This article appears in Sep 14-20, 2016.
