All The Wrong Reasons: Guilty Pleasure

Think you've got guilt issues?  John Fugelsang is the son of a former nun and a former Franciscan brother who both broke their vows of chastity in order to get married and give birth to him.  On the one hand the story of how his dad waited ten years for the chance to marry this unattainable woman is awfully romantic.  On the other hand it brings up you-weren't-supposed-to-be-born issues that go way beyond broken condoms and crazy drunken nights.  ("My parents weren't just uncomfortable talking about S.E.X.; they had both once promised God they would never do it.")

But although his one man show All The Wrong Reasons: a True Story of Neo-Nazis, Drug Smuggling and Undying Love is filled with sharp observations about American morals ("Don't forget – this country was founded by people so uptight they were kicked out of England.") and the way some may interpret the Bible for their own benefit ("I have come to view Jesus the way I view Elvis.  I love the guy, but a lot of the fan clubs really freak me out.") the author/star readily admits the piece is not "a proper piece of solo theatre.  The stories here are not brave, the stakes are very low, my arc is flimsy at best, I'm not a heroic character; I don't come out of the closet, go to Iraq or kick drugs; and the only time I mention Palestine is in this sentence."

Most of the show is simply a really funny guy doing ninety minutes of really funny stand-up comedy to be enjoyed by anyone who wants all American troops immediately withdrawn from Iraq, believes in the separation of church and state, supports the medicinal use of marijuana and is not a Klansman.  But there's also a strong emotional foundation that evolves from a Thanksgiving visit to his parent's home in Florida where his mother asks him to marry his girlfriend of 11 years while his father, stricken with a second heart attack, is still alive to see it.  Bouncing back and forth from this intimate little scene (Fugelsang plays both his parents lovingly) the author segues into stories such as his confrontation with Neo-Nazi Klansman David Duke on a broadcast of Politically Incorrect and a tension-filled attempt to bring medicinal marijuana for a friend through airport security.  And in each story he reveals a bit about his own conflicted spirituality.

Directed by Pam MacKinnon, the swiftly moving show easily glides from warmth to heat.  Kaye Voyce's minimal set is dominated by an orange couch, suggesting a therapy session, while Mark Barton's lights add some subtle variety to the proceedings.

But if he wanted to, Fugelsang could just as well have performed the show on a tiny comedy club stage with a single mic.  He's got an extremely likeable, jaunty presence and a sweet charm.  But most importantly, he's a helluva funny guy with a hellava funny show.

Photos of John Fugelsang by Joan Marcus

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