This Orlando International Fringe solo show by trombonist/dancer/actor C. Neil Parsons from Somerville, Massachusetts, was a variety act that was indeed not about long monologues. His trombone performances were on the abstract side treating the instrument as more of a folly device for making sound. The music was more of form of communication rather than a defined tune and the other form of communication was physical movement.
Neil did utilize speech and vocal play as well by describing the inner jumble of his thoughts at night.
I decided to try and sketch Neil doing his dance number. The stage felt so huge for the solo performer.
In one act, Neil played trombone while 3 volunteers walked around the stage looking at their iPhones. There was something very poetic in that musical number where the volunteers never looked up from their digital devices until the moment they came to rest.
This show was very avaunt guard and experimental. The acts were as varied as the thoughts in the performers’ mind. I was entertained and intrigued. I didn’t need to make sense of all that happened, I enjoyed it for what it was. What was it? You might ask. I am not always certain.
The show was well-received by reviewers and drew sold-out crowds.