Raw, Beautiful, Buoyant!!!

What a fantastic kick-off show for FRINGE WORLD! If you have ever seen performances by Alexas Armstrong, Karl Kayoss, Kinetica Circus, Kings of Boylesque, etc. over the years at FRINGE WORLD, MX Burlesque, or elsewhere, the Boy from Ballajura (aka Sam) is the genius behind them.

At his 14th FRINGE WORLD season this year, he pulls back the curtain, telling his story in song, dance, acrobatics, and a poignant narrative. He was supported by members of his family in the front row, including his grandmother, and overall it was a happy occasion with a buoyant, supportive audience. It was an honour to be there because of the hard truths, beautiful moments, and glorious successes he shared with us in this action-packed show.

You see what a journey life is, not just for him, but for anyone, and that you just don’t become a star or a top professional overnight or without any obstacles. In fact, the hardships one deals with become the building blocks of what develops into a love-filled life, like his. Approaching the pinnacle of his career and personal life, Sam relayed and enacted stories about growing up in Ballajura, his family history and difficulties, being gay in a generally conservative place and time, and his skills in gymnastics and of course dressing up! He said there would be tears (and there were!) but also howls of laughter and gleeful screams when he presented us with the singing, dancing, and gymnastics by Alexas, Karl, and also himself.

An integral part of the show were the incredible dancers and supporting performers who filled out the stage with sexy dance routines and helped with the costume changes and metamorphous from “The Skinny White Boy” to Drag Queen Alexas Armstrong, Burlesque Superstar Karl Kayoss, and the original Oh-So-Talented! Sam. This was the last night for this performance, but catch Alexas and Karl in The Kayoss Factory’s other FRINGE WORLD shows – “Kings of Boylesque: Next Level,” “Britney: Live at Fringe,” and “FILTHY: 4u2.”