Chase Padgett embodies six musical styles and creates six completely different characters to explore what these genres have in common. The most amazing part is that he does it using only his voice, face and guitar.
Should you see it?
Let me just state this off the bat: 6 Guitars is one of the best one-man shows I’ve seen in a Fringe context. Chase Padgett is not only enormously skilled at the guitar, he’s also a great actor. He becomes six characters, each associated with their own style of music; blues, jazz, classical, heavy metal, folk and country. Using these people, Padgett explores each musical style and essentially explains why people like music. 6 Guitars is hilarious, touching, charming and feels really personal. It made me want to go home after the show, pick up my own guitar and give a style of music I’d never played before a try.
Padgett disappears into each of his characters, from the 87-year-old bluesman who’s seen everything to the young metal head who still lives with his mom. Each has their unique voice, attributes, mannerisms and personality. It’s amazing that you can tell which character Padgett is becoming based solely on his facial expression, even before he starts speaking. And, of course, it helps that he can play a mean guitar, in any style.
6 Guitars is one production I would definitely love to see again. Next time, I’ll make sure to sit at the front so I can observe and admire Padgett’s fancy picking.
But that’s just my opinion and I’d love to know what you think. Were you as impressed by Chase Padgett as I was? Let me know in the comments below!
6 Guitars runs June 23rd, 26th, 28th and 29th. For more information, check out our preview article.
Photos in this article provided by Michael Cairns via The Ottawa Fringe.
[...] VALERIE’S REVIEW: 6 Guitars (Valerie Cardinal, Production Ottawa) [...]