By: Sultana F. Ali Contributing Writer
I loved Chase Padgett's "6 Guitars" last year, so when I saw the advertisements for "Superman Drinks" at the Orlando International Fringe Festival, I was already planning to be there. What I wasn't expecting, was to see the raw Chase Padgett, without the mask that we all gradually, over our lifetime, learn to wear. Even this talented performer, who has unleashed his potential as a comedic performer, musician and actor, has had some struggles and questioned himself and his role models along the way.
You see, Chase, like many of us, believes in superheroes. And like many young boys, Chase saw his father as that archetypal figure growing up. It wasn't until later that he realized some of the experiences which had made his dad so heroic, were concocted in his father's own mind due to a substance addiction. There are few people not touched by addiction these days, but Chase delivers his story as only a talented performer like he can - enchanting us first with his heroic descriptions, horrifying us with stories that border on child neglect, and ultimately, teaching us a bit about life.
There is nothing left wanting about this play or performance, delivered full of heart and nostalgia by one man's lyrical words and melodies, knowing he has unlocked the chalice that many so often are afraid to look for and fail to see. We are ourselves, a sum of our experiences, and most of these a result of our childhood. But we are also more than this; and while some may say not to look back...Chase reminds all of us of a valuable lesson. In looking back, we can learn to accept things as they are, and move forward full of hope and with a song in our hearts. I laughed, I cried, and walked away feeling like I'd probably just seen the best of the fest.
Chase has one final performance on Friday in the Orange Venue before hitting the road to continue his "6 Guitars" national tour.
