” A musical comedy about an American terrorist may sound like a hard sell, but I think what we’ve made is a lot of fun.”
WHO: Michael Wysong
WHAT: “Set at a parole board hearing, Ted Kaczynski (aka The Unabomber) recounts his life through song in the hope of proving that he never wanted to be a monster, he only wanted to be a star. While he may have spent years sending explosives, this is one performance Ted can’t bomb. Written and performed by John Lampe and Michael Wysong, this new musical comedy dares to ask the question no one needed an answer to: What if this notorious eco-terrorist was the next Bob Fosse?”
WHERE: C ARTS | C venues | C aquila – temple (Venue 21)
WHEN: 16:55 (75 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
Not only is this our first time to Fringe, it’s also our first time in Scotland, and our first time performing outside of the US! We couldn’t be more excited. The Festivals I’ve participated in or attended in the past have been small local festivals, so I can’t wait to experience everything Edinburgh Fringe has to offer.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
2022 has really taught me to bet on myself. I attended a masterclass with legendary director/choreographer Susan Stroman in New York, and she looked at all of us at one point and said “If you’re waiting for a call, it’s not coming.” She was encouraging all of us to get out there and make our own opportunities. I really took that to heart. And that’s part of the reason we’re self-producing this show at Fringe.
Tell us about your show.
Our show is a two-man musical comedy about a real-life American terrorist, Ted Kaczynski, better known by his FBI designation: the Unabomber. This show started as a text from my best friend and collaborator, John Lampe. He said, “what if we wrote a musical about Ted Kaczynski called the TUNEabomber.” A musical comedy about an American terrorist may sound like a hard sell, but I think what we’ve made is a lot of fun. Before his death (just two weeks ago!), Kaczynski had been in prison for almost 30 years. Our show imagines a parole board hearing where he has decided to debut his cabaret act with the help of his lawyer/pianist.
Not only have we written it, but John and I play Ted and the Accompanist, respectively. We’ve done a few workshops of the show in the US, but we’ve just added an amazing director/choreographer named Liz Power who has really helped bring the piece together in a new way. I think what Edinburgh audiences will see is going to be something very fun and incredibly unique. After that, who knows? We hope there’s a life for this show after the festival, so we’re open to whatever that could mean!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Oh I have an entire list! First up, everyone should see Benjamin Scheuer’s new piece “A Mountain For Elodie.” Ben is an incredible songwriter and storyteller. His show “The Lion” played in New York a few years ago and blew my mind. It’s part of the reason I became a writer myself.
Next up, folks should check out Mike Birbiglia’s “The Old Man and the Pool.” He’s fresh off a run of this show in America and it’s a wonderful time. Thoughtful, heartwarming, but most importantly: FUNNY!
Kelly McCaughin’s Catholic Guilt promises to be a fantastic time. The show looks absolutely hilarious, and she’s one-of-a-kind funny.
Lastly, Batsu! is going to be wild fun. Amazing comedians competing to avoid punishment? What could be better?
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