Scotland

Crispr! The Musical – Roman Eagle Lodge, Edinburgh

And so it begins, the 78^th Edinburgh Festival Fringe! The ethos of the Fringe, which dates back to 1947, dictates that anyone can take part, with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them, and (of course!) pockets deep enough to afford it!

So here, first up, a musical about gene editing technology! Haha!, well this is perfect for Edinburgh!

The EdFringe programme blurb provides a description of the show – Two struggling genetics researchers are determined to create the world’s first super-soybean, but a rival lab will stop at nothing to defeat them. Featuring original songs, dance, action-packed battles and shocking twists, Crispr! the Musical is a high-energy romp……..Duane Stanford and Lina Zikas, portray three pairs of characters whose stories converge into a climactic battle of epic – and hilarious – proportions.

I was always going to be interested in catching a musical called Crispr because I already have an interest in gene editing. What I really wanted to know was if this serious and niche subject could be transformed into a musical? In short, I was intrigued.

As with most shows there was the good and there was the bad. Firstly, the good. There are a host of clever and catchy songs riven throughout the show, some performed multiple times to make sure they stick. Zikas and Stanford sing crisply and sweetly enough and clearly know what they are doing as entertainers, their physicality and in particular their acting and clowning skills are excellent. Zikas also showcases her superior contemporary dance moves. The general enthusiasm and chemistry between the two shines brightly. Lyrically, Bill Gates, Microchips in vaccines and Purdue Pharma all get a battering, often to hilarious effect. The venue is decent and very centrally located and the 50-seater space is nicely set up for the show, there is even a level change to aid the viewing experience. Lighting and sound are also surprisingly good for what is essentially a ‘shoestring show’.

This production for all its enthusiasm and energy does suffer from a general lack of direction and it is certainly difficult to know exactly where the storyline is going at times. There is a bit too much fumbling behind curtains and swopping of glasses and jumping around trying to get into white lab coats. As Mies once famously stated, ‘Less Is More’. Take heed.

An entertaining and at times educational show which did not overstay it’s welcome.

I was inspired to research if the writers / actors were actually scientist working in the field of gene editing. So I asked ChatGPT if they really were. This is what it told me:

Lina Zikas is not primarily known as a scientist. She is a NYC-based writer and producer. Her work includes a variety of creative projects, such as the short film “Start Over,” which was featured at the Cannes International Film Festival, and the musical “Superlike” which debuted at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective. She also co-produces and hosts a monthly variety show called Hottie Bop in the East Village. However, Zikas does have a background in science, holding a degree in Materials Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. This blend of technical and creative expertise is reflected in her projects, such as “CRISPR! The Musical,” which she co-wrote and performed.

Duane Stanford, the co-producer of the variety show “Hottie Bop” along with Lina Zikas, is not primarily known as a scientist. He is a performer, writer, and digital media specialist based in New York City. While his professional background is centered around creative and media projects, there is no public information indicating that he has a scientific background or career in science (Chat GPT)

The dual talents of Zikas and Stanford are in plain sight, they have great energy and enthusiasm, and no shortage of clever ideas. This show deserves an audience, even in its current raw state. After all, great musicals are not created overnight, but from tiny seeds….

Playing till Sunday 25^th August 2024, https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22Crispr!%20The%20Musical%22

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 1^st August 2024

North West End UK Rating: