Directed by Sam Blumenfield
Review by Eve Nugent
With their shining tickets for Haus of Dy-lan in hand, the audience step into the bright yellow storage bunker in the Pleasance Courtyard, not quite sure what to expect at 19:30 on a Thursday evening. The eye-catching flyer promises a “musical-comedy”, but what classically-trained-pianist-turned-musical-comic Dylan Adler provides is so much more. This is a show with truly everything: unbelievable vocals, zany Generation Z humour, and even a sprinkle of impressive acrobatics. At the wacky Edinburgh Fringe, what more could you want?
During this whirlwind, energy-filled hour, Adler shares snapshots of his interesting life: growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, enduring homophobic childhood bullying, and navigating unusual family antics. He reflects on being bi-racial – with a Japanese mother and a Jewish American father – and offers some outrageous racial comments, largely handled with facetiousness although at times erring on the side of discomfort.
Growing up as one of two gay twin boys is another strong thread running through the narrative, sharing hysterical anecdotes with light-hearted self-mockery – within the first five minutes, he describes his mother’s womb as a Dua Lipa concert, immediately setting the campest of tones for this glorious debut show.
Above all, what shines through and strongly carries Adler’s show to the very end is his professional musical talent. The beautiful piano playing is injected with fun and an immense lack of seriousness, combined with his creative lyrics and physicality. A spontaneous backflip adds a further layer of folly, pushing the boundaries in this incredibly queer and upbeat set. An outstanding spot-on Lin Manuel Miranda impression is certainly a highlight.
This show is extremely energetic, directed with pace by Sam Blumenfield, even if at times the delivery became inaudible due to such a high speed. Overall, however, Adler remains wholly charismatic and irresistibly charming, holding the room in the palm of his hand from the first note to the final bow. It is undeniable – Dylan Adler is a star.
Wholly Charismatic
Haus of Dy-Lan runs at Pleasance Courtyard
Running time: Sixty minutes without interval
Review by Eve Nugent (contact@corrblimey.uk)
An undergraduate French student at the University of Edinburgh, Eve has a diverse interest in theatre and performance. Her primary devotion is acting, predominantly at Bedlam Theatre with her fellow students, but also with French group ‘Les Escogriffes’ who perform annually at the French Institute of Scotland.
Her creative attention stretches also to classical music, as she enjoys playing the flute, piano and guitar. She thus looks forward to watching whatever the Fringe has to offer, irrespective of genre!
