What the playwright refers to in his title as “awkward” is also irresistibly sweet, adorable, and totally engaging. Scott Brieden is an absolute delight in the titular role of Brandon Monokian’s 30-minute charmer, THE MOST AWKWARD LOVE LIFE OF PEABODY MAGOO. Presented in a stand-up format and effectively punctuated by live guitar and narration (Michelle Lupo), Peabody’s lovable direct address monologue and re-enactments of painful, embarrassing, and funny memories of childhood relationships, failed dating, and sexual experiences are sure to steal your heart.
The excellent Katie Frazer and Caitlin Gutches play multiple supporting roles with humor and ease, using costume accessories, distinctive accents, and individualized characterizations to distinguish between the girlfriends, psychic, and other sundry personages from Peabody’s past. The ensemble’s expert storytelling is aided by a few simple but clever props, employing a bucket of yellow and blue crepe-paper streamers to represent the water and urine of a dripping clogged toilet and an off-kilter pair of eyeglass frames to evince the impact of an earthquake in New Jersey. The intimate show is witty and heartwarming, and while it posits that “some people are meant to be alone,” this is one Fringe production that is meant to be seen en masse! [William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street] September 4-19, 2015; fringearts.com/the-most-awkward-love-life-of-peabody-magoo.