Tangi Colombel at Elgin Fringe Festival

In a Fringe World of queer-positive art, it's refreshing to see an act that dares to trip your trigger with old school humor, piano bar classics and a necktie.

Tangi Colombel is l'Amiricain en Miami in "Pardon my French," an hour-long cabaret show filled with music, light comedy and a captivating French accent that reminds you of everything you've ever seen in a movie set in a 1960's Parisian bar, complete with piano accompaniment.

Colombel is sweet and funny, and seems honest in his patter poking fun of French stereotypes. He might trample a little on your wokeness, but you'll forgive him because he's so cute and well, he's French!

Vraiment il se vend ... mais il est une bonne affaire ... pour seulement dix dollars!

This show is Frenchie and Fringey as hell. Come laugh and sing along with l'Amiricain!  Saturday at 6pm or Sunday at 4:30pm upstairs at Elgin Public House.

Night Moose at 2018 Elgin Fringe Festival

Comedy improv is really the truest expression of "whatever happens happens," as actors tag in and out of a play that is literally made up one line at a time. The crew of Night Moose seem to have no fear as they riff off each other like a jazz combo, while the audience and the cast shout prompts and challenges from offstage.

Like the story you invent during a traffic stop (wait, did I just write that?), sometimes they talk themselves into trouble. But as they ad lib each other out of creative jams again and again, the trust and respect for the art is evident. And then the one-liners start.

"Sex with Patrick is like a plunger. It's something you pick up at Home Depot."

There's very little unfunny about this troupe, and you might be tempted to jump in and join them.