Machine Gun America. A play with guns. And songs. (FringeNYC)
About the show
Part of FringeNYC: Star-crossed lovers tangle with well-armed toddlers, a powerful gun rights leader, and depressed gun safety mascot, Eddie Eagle, in this fact-is-stranger-than-fiction musical farce. Inspired by bizarre but real news stories, and America's enduring affair with firearms. More…
Categories: Comedy, Musical/Opera, Local. From Frack Theatre. Written by Joseph Huff-Hannon. Directed by Matt Renskers.
"A funny, engaging, and smart musical satire…Nearly everything about 'Machine Gun America' is spectacular. The pop-influenced musical numbers are catchy and hilarious...The acting is incredible, and the plot is well-constructed and easy to follow...Some of the singing could be stronger...And Charlie Johnson’s musical staging could be improved...Yet even with these minor issues, this brilliant anti-gun satire remains deeply enjoyable from beginning to end." Full Review
"'Machine Gun America' is a clever, funny, and scathing send-up of our gun-obsessed culture that navigates a topical issue with a sharp balance of reality and drama. When you start to feel that the musical has detached a bit too far from reality, a well-placed video projection reminds you how strange the truth of the topic can be...Makes you laugh, but it also channels the playwright's righteous anger, offering a forceful message on one of today's most sensitive political issues." Full Review
"A sly and smart musical…First-time playwright Joseph Huff-Hannon makes an impressive debut…Like the best political satire, the show avoids preaching and makes its case with exaggeration and deliciously silly humor. Sure, it could use some tightening here and there as there are some been there/done that bits that repeat with diminishing returns, but, by and large it’s entertaining and effective…The strong, well-aimed message of 'Machine Gun America' is bullet-proof." Full Review
"Joseph Huff-Hannon’s 'Machine Gun America' borrows its name from a real Florida shoot-’em-up attraction. This is topical satire with a shelf life, about American gun culture and the arming of children. With peppy music (by John Turner), playful direction (by Matt Renskers) and a talented cast, it’s less ambitious than it needs to be. Sharpened, it could fully hit its mark." Full Review
See it if you want to support a play with an important message that approaches gun violence/control in a satiric and outrageous farcical way.
Don't see it if you have to be somewhere in a hurry. It's long and a bit repetitive but its heart is certainly in the right place.
See it if like topical humor dealing with deadly subject matter, if you're the choir wanting to be preached to, enjoy a talented cast geeking out
Don't see it if see no humor in our toleration of children's access to weaponry & daily reports of "accidental" shooting deaths
See it if you believe like I do that musicals can be written about anything including children and guns. It is biting satire.
Don't see it if you don't like seeing a work in progress. The end needs work
See it if you like catchy music and want to smirk at silly gun nuts. Though, needs to push the absurd/crazy line even more. Fran is a standout actress
Don't see it if you are expecting some really profound or clever take on the gun debate. It's not there. It's just a mildly entertaining show.
See it if You're OK with a show satirizing children's access to guns and the deadly results.
Don't see it if You find the topic disturbing or disagree with the premise. The play itself was a bit long and uneven.
See it if You want to see a musical parody with substance.
Don't see it if You don't care about gun control.
See it if You love seeing the NRA mocked intelligently.
Don't see it if If you need absolute perfection. There are flaws here but they are small compared to the overall work.