Tag: Parody

The question I have after seeing Theatre GUMBO‘s wacky kabuki style show, “Are You Lovin’ It?” concern who is worse, fast-food chains or the big box stores? Both operations use visual and well-known word slogans that are familiar to pop culture iconography, and the show crafts them well, whether or not they can be used ironically.

And as far as consumerism is concerned, just what’s presented in an hour ranges from everything kids enjoy from local Japanese television game shows and for us adults, maybe Squid Games? I am sure the Icelandic show Lazytown is as much of an influence because of the costume designs. Ultimately, after the show, I was still asking myself WTF did I see?

This performance is a satire on everything folks worldwide may despise about Western globalisation. McDonald’s is everywhere, and it’s easier to poke fun at them than Walmart. Some folks get brainwashed by their ideals, and with the clowns ready to fight back, the finale packs a welcoming wallop to things people don’t like. That gets symbolised into a ball that we can throw away!

I hope we can have the same level of certainty for understanding what goes into preserving the freshness of those hamburgers and french fries from the factory. We still don’t know, and the news can create false information to satisfy concerns. They’re fast food for a reason, but as for where the ingredients came from, even I shuddered at this play’s suggestion. The fact the goop is “pink” says it all.

But what’s more front and centre is the iconography used. I won’t spoil too much, but when Ronald MacDonald was the frontman for the chain, everyone loved this operation. When I was younger, I didn’t care. Over time, I disliked how this restaurant’s french fries taste. Once I learned how to double dip fries properly and sprinkle them with freshly ground lake salt, and perhaps garnish them with chives and pepper on top, there was no turning back!

Anyone who loves surreal comedies will double over in laughter in everything this Fringe show represents. This troupe hasn’t lined up where they’ll perform next. I suspect they’ll need a break after this local show, as I thought they’d continue in Vancouver’s event, but apparently not. As for what they’ll dream up next year, I’m sure it’ll be gonzo. I’ll gladly watch anything they offer since they’re more than ready to truly be Fringy to close my theatre experience with.

Theatre Gumbo Teaser Trailer