It's easy to hold preconceptions and pigeon-hole an unproven act in Edinburgh based on the superlatives and hyperbole of a press release, and I admit that I had expected Vicki Ferentinos to join the ranks of naïve hopefuls that get thrown in the Edinburgh bear pit because the show just wouldnt cut mustard. Even
This is one lady I would be happy to see return to the Fringe again and again, as it won't be long before she finds an army of fans to join her in Lady Bug Warrior capes.
So the opening gambit that doing Edinburgh was on her to-do list didn't inspire confidence, and when she explained the show was a search for her inner superhero, I was getting distinct that 'oh no' feeling and congratulating myself for sitting near the door. But I shouldn't have worried. It picks up very quickly, and you soon realise youre in the company of an infectiously likeable woman who has a very funny story to tell.
Ferentinos' Lady Bug Warrior is a super hero who doesnt jump buildings in a single bound, or have laser vision; but rather the champion of common courtesy. She tells her autobiography, punctuated by characters that have influenced her on the way. From growing up in New Jersey; her boyfriend Michael Conti at age 12; struggling with weight issues; relationships and finally finding her voice on moving to New York, Ferentinos grapples comedy from stereotypes we can all recognise. There's also the best Sarah Palin gag I've ever heard worth the ticket price alone!
The set may be simple, and the costumes deliberately cheesy, but this is one lady I would be happy to see return to the Fringe again and again, as it won't be long before she finds an army of fans to join her in Lady Bug Warrior capes.
