FRINGE: Rappings is Spooky, Sad, and Really Good
InBocca Performance wraps up my Fringe experience with a professional and polished production.
Supernatural stories make for good theatre, I’m finding, and “Rappings” from inBocca Performance is a solid offering in that genre. This show tells the historical story of The Fox Sisters, spiritualists who rose to fame in the 19th century for their seances, which toured all across the country.
Caroline Stine waxes eloquently in her Directors Notes that the company aspires to “support telling stories that desperately need to be told, especially ones that explore the darker side of what it means to be human.” Incorporating movement, dance, and spoken word, this is a professional piece with great technical elements and solid acting performances from all four of the female ensemble. (Derek Snow provides voice-overs, bringing his unique and riveting presence to the production, as well.)
Kelsey Schwarber (who also choreographed the main dance number) plays Kate, while Brandi Botkin plays Maggie. Ashley Olivia Morton plays the oldest sister, Leah, who knows how to make money from this gift - or skillset - depending upon your perspective. Katie Scarlett rounds out the cast as a spirit among other characters. I was pleasantly surprised at the competence of the cast, the sophisticated writing, and the overall pace of the performance.
What a way to cap off the end of my Fringe reviews for 2023. This has been an amazing festival, and I am sad to see it end!
There are three productions with an Encore performance on Saturday. Tickets and more information can be found here. Then, it’ll be the wrap-up party and Awards Ceremony in the Know Theatre Underground. I hope to see you there!