By: Sultana F. Ali
Contributing Writer
Every once in awhile, you meet someone who is more than just a brilliant performer, but someone you wish was a friend you could call your own. Sitting in Rob Gee's one-man wonder performance, you are confronted with the thought of what it would be like to have this guy on your "phone tree," as he allows poetry and verse to pour through him like tea through a sieve - only the good parts get through. In SmartArse, he intersects the wonder of childhood and the lessons he's taken from it over time.
His tell-all from his classroom experience with a teacher who had uncontrollable sweat glands, reminds you of your own school memories - and those teachers you wish you could apologize to for any misdeeds. They were people too, after all. But, you are right there with him as he regales you with his memory; feeling the tug between what is right and the peer pressure of your classmates...and then being put in your place by that one, forceful, unrelenting administrator.
It's hard to keep up with Rob Gee, as he does his own one man poetry slam - you are merely glimpsing a piece of greatness in action and learning the origins of how Rob Gee became who he is today - a unique Fringe treasure. If you missed Rob Gee in SmartArse this time around, you will likely have a chance to catch him at the Orlando International Fringe Festival next year, and I'm sure he'll have a new poetry feast freshly served.
