Based in the “Fringe Lounge,” Teddy Bender (played by Ron Powlesland) connects with the audience in way that feels like a forever friendship. Over multiple toasts during the 75-minute cabaret, Bender shares stories of love and songs of heartbreak dressed in retro costumes (or lack thereof) during musical sets of retro country classics.
Accompanied by his cousin and bartender, Crash, who oftentimes was caught reading lines off of cue cards, it was easy to become distracted by Benders’s legs and handlebar moustache. With bejewelled rings on his fingers and a powerful voice in his throat, Bender compels the audience to join him in spreading peace and love during his last world tour. While some jokes were corny, Bender’s execution induced hoots and laughs from the audience whose ages suited the throwback content explored.
