REVIEW: MEN LOVE HORSIES: THE MUSICAL

Age Suitability: Parental Guidance (ages 13+)

Genre: Theatre—Comedy, Sketch Comedy/Improv

Run Time: 60 mins

Venue: The Staircase | Bright Room

Men only want one thing…and it’s thoroughbred. Devin Bateson is back again, clad in cowboy apparel and this year, his unique brand of comedic lunacy delves into the world of musicals with several increasingly ridiculous and original songs about men and their love for horses. 

Bateson’s unyielding charisma is a wonder to behold as he chronicles an admittedly barebones plot with increasingly wacky scenarios. The transitions are exceptionally well-timed, especially when audience participation is required, warning us: “these tracks are pre-recorded so you’re gonna have to.” No hiccup deters Bateson from continuing on, even laughing at the absurdity of it all which endears him to the audience. 

There’s something for everyone whether you love, hate or are indifferent to musicals. Bateson pays tribute to musical theatre tropes such as the “I Want” song with “Cool Horse City” and the Dr. Seuss-inspired villain song in which Bateson dons a cape and top hat and maniacally raps while wishing he knew more words that rhymed with “horses.”

The final song is the highlight of the production and will, no doubt, have your jaw drop as Bateson raps once again, naming several breeds of horses and educating the audience with a barrage of horse related facts. It has a recognizable Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cadence and the research and lyrical prowess here is truly impressive. 

Silly, original and weird, Men Love Horsies: The Musical showcases some of the best parts of a Fringe show. If you love sketch comedy and relentlessly energetic performances, then this show is well worth the ride. Don’t miss it!