Fringe Fest 2014: Magic Unicorn Island's message of love goes deep

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      Fringe star Jayson McDonald takes on the pressing horrors of global warming and rampant militarism, and he does so with his heart open and imagination blazing. In his story, the kids of the world move en masse to an isolated island to protest their elders’ culture of hate. But the United Empire won’t tolerate dissent and aims its weapons at the young ones. McDonald’s characterizations and language are exhilarating. I loved the veteran of the Chinese Initiative who lost three of his limbs to a radiated war panda: “And it’s awkward ’cause they’re super cute and it makes you want to pet ’em.” The solo artist’s sense of theatricality is as powerful as it is freewheeling. Just wait till you see God creating planets, or have your heart touched by the image of a rescuer’s hand reaching through rubble. The script’s plot is its weakest element, which becomes more apparent the closer we get to the climax. Still, I’m grateful to McDonald for his message of love. It goes deep.

      At the Revue Stage on September 5 (5 p.m.), 7 (7:30 p.m.), 8 (5 p.m.), 10 (10:30 p.m.), 12 (8:45 p.m.), and 13 (1:45 p.m.)

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