What is now becoming one of my favorite Fringe traditions, after having a delightful order of cheese curds on the Fringe lawn, I gathered my things and headed to the Silver Venue for the latest installment of Aaron Malkin and Alastair Knowles’ James & Jamesy series. This year they are shining brightly in “James & Jamesy In The Dark.”
It is difficult to attempt explaining a James & Jamesy show. First, these comical geniuses interact with the audience so much that no two shows are ever alike. Secondly, one of the greatest joys in watching a James & Jamesy show is not knowing what to expect when you enter the venue. What I will provide you is the set up.
“James & Jamesy In The Dark” begins, as the title suggests, in the dark. James and Jamesy are strangers, both with the same job of entering the stage, placing a chair and leaving. They both have been doing this job for some time now but entering the stage at separate times. As the show gets started James and Jamesy end up on stage together. Both dressed the same in black, white and gray attire with large spotlights on their heads that resemble lampshades. The rest of the show is better seen (at least when the lights are on) and not explained.
With the limited lighting and the costume color choices, watching “James & Jamesy In The Dark” looks like you are watching an old black and white TV show… but live, which is fitting since James & Jamesy are like the classic comedians from back in the day, cut from the same cloth as Mel Brooks, Monty Python and the Marx Brothers. Malkin and Knowles play off each other brilliantly and bring the audience on a hysterical adventure that makes this 75-minute show fly by and leaves you wanting more.
Until next year my dear James & Jamesy. I will be the first in line for whatever your bring to Fringe next, cheese curd-filled belly and all, yelling READYYYYYYY!
“James & Jamesy In The Dark” plays in the Silver Venue through May 27. For more information visit OrlandoFringe.org.
