Gordon’s Big Bald Head proves that the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts.

By Miki Zwarich

If you define yourself as a frequent Fringer, you’ll know that Gordon’s Big Bald Head needs no introduction. For the rest of you, here’s the scoop: an audience member selects a venue and play from the Fringe program at random, and three veteran improvisers (Jacob Banigan, Ron Pederson, and Mark Meer) improvise their own show based entirely on that play’s synopsis.

Monday’s performance was based (probably very loosely) on Booger Red, a show about a troubled young man who becomes a fire and brimstone preacher. What played out involved a “twisted mannequin of a man,” Jello with marshmallows in the middle, and a good old-fashioned faith healing.

Gordon’s Big Bald Head proves that the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts. Each member of this incredible trio contributes their own brand of absurdity to the story, taking it to weird and wonderful places. Meer is a repository of pop culture, Banigan creates memorable, earnest characters, and Pederson has an R-rated wit. Together, they keep the audience wondering what on earth they’ll come up with next, which is always different, and always hysterical. Easily some of the best improv you’ll see at the Fringe.

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