I caught a dress rehearsal for Cocaine Bear the Opera which will be performed at this year’s Fringe festival. The show is written and produced by Eric Pinder.
If you have ever been to an opera or even seen some bugs bunny cartoons that use the classics, you will be familiar with the music, now with lyrics telling the tale of a cocaine crazed bear.
I know of the movie which this opera is built around, but I haven’t seen it. The opera holds its own as a hilarious romp.
The show begins with a drug runner dreaming of his future life filled with beautiful woman now that he is in possession of a stack of cocaine bricks. On the rear projection screen a plane on a stick bobs up and down before crashing into the forest.
A bear finds the mysterious substance which he calls “magic snow” and he lusts after it like Gollum after the ring.
There are lots of intestinal entrails when people find the magic snow and the bear defends his stash. I was entertained by a lustful scene between two park rangers who were then both disemboweled by the bear. Strangely a little girl in tears caused the bear to pause and take pity. Horrific chase scenes played out in delightful slow motion.
The glue holding this all together was classic operatic ballads that were so familiar that I found myself humming along. This is a strange quirky but absolutely delightful show. I give it five bloody bear paws.
The show will be in the Peach Venue inside the Orlando Family Theater. It is rated 18 and up for some language and suggestive situations. The run time is 50 minutes and Tickets are $15.
Show times:
- Wednesday May 15, 5:45pm
- Saturday May 18, 9:50pm
- Sunday May 19, 10:05pm
- Monday May 20, 9:35pm
- Tuesday May 21, 6:05pm
- Saturday May 25, 12:30pm
- Sunday May 26, 9:40pm