A Day in the Life of Miss Hiccup knows exactly what it is: a hilarious, slapstick, pantomimic frolic through the imaginative lens of solo performer Yanomi Shoshinz. While constructing an engaging clown based physical comedy is no small task, Miss Hiccup makes this genre seem like an effortless extension of theatrical convention, delivering a product that would be just as at home on Nick Jr. As in Cirque du Soleil.
Does this mean that Yanomi Shoshinz spends her fifty minutes doing mind blowing acrobatics or condescendingly approaching her audience? Absolutely not, but what she provides is just as engaging and universally appealing in her near perfect execution of an often ignored art form. While there might not be much complexity or depth to reading a roll of toilet paper like a scroll of an opera score or deconstructing brushing teeth into a samba dance, there is undeniable talent and precise skill involved with performing in this manner. Beyond that, Miss Hiccup is simply entertaining. The fun never slows down and there isn’t a dull moment in the whole show. Yanomi has brilliant physical acting skills, but her control on her audience as she moves from bit to bit is mind-blowing.
Composer Shunji Nakamachi delivered a score that took on a life of its own. At times, it felt as if there were two performers onstage: the strange and quirky Miss Hiccup and the cheeky music taunting her. The show moved quickly and never dropped the audience’s attention, making the best of what this style of performance can be. This is a great Fringe show for all ages, breaking down any barriers in purely human movement and emotions expressed in captivating song and at times beautiful movement. A Day in the Life of Miss Hiccup is not to be missed!
A Day in the Life of Miss Hiccup plays through June 28, 2013 – 612 L Street, NW, in Washington DC. For ticket information, visit their Capital Fringe page.
