Jilberto Soto plays on the politics of identity for a full throttle session of stand up comedy performed at the Chicago Fringe Festival September 9 and 10. Being gay, Mexican and funny make for an hour of perma-grins for those who enjoy sexual puns and politically incorrect affront to the idiosyncrasies of race.
Dazed and Exposed at Chicago Fringe Festival
Jilberto Soto exudes a Latin-swarthy, dimpled, wide-eyed comedian’s stance from the starting gate. Clearly, he was born to be comic and wield double entendre deftly. Being a light-skinned Latino, he’s fearless in poking fun at the privilege this buys him. As a brand-conscious teenager, Soto’s parents take the ribbing for providing all the clothing one logo short of cool. And his name… Jilberto. What’s a Mexican mother thinking?
Soto’s stories of migrating to Italy and then to London are woven into his search for identity. He’s even just arriving from a self-empowering retreat. None of these forays into his personal journey escape his penchant for finding the funny bone in every foible of his quest. We get a full on look at life as an American Latino in London… hilariously millennial.
A Post-gay Gayness
Clearly Soto experiences his gay sexuality with the mischievous machinations that will delight any one who knows the experience of the perpetually horny male. The discovery of his predilection for men is hard won — a story oft told in our current culture. But on a slide at recess facing a female’s genitalia? Or at his first lap dance run amok by a belly button ring caught in his sweater?
Soto’s libidinous charm does not escape the sacred cows of the Catholic Church. Likely only those fully indoctrinated into Catholicism have the liberty to have as much fun in this arena. He makes you laugh before you can catch yourself. He makes you squirm. Both are a delight — a must have for any Chicago Fringe Festival performance.
Jilberto Soto’s hour of comedy is laced with story and self-deprecating, provocative naughtiness. His honest deviltry is disarming and beguiling. You’ll be charmed while you laugh.
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Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read – Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
When:
September 9, 2017 @ 7PM
September 10, 2017 @ 5:30PM
Where:
Chicago Fringe Festival
Windy City Music Theater – Blackbox Studio
5340 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago
Where:
Chicago Fringe Festival
Windy City Music Theater – Blackbox Studio
5340 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago
Tickets:
$10 with one time purchase of a Fringe Festival button. Visit www.chicagofringe.org for reservations. Tickets available at the performance venue subject to availability.
About the Author:
Stephen B. Starr is Principal of Stephen B. Starr Design, Inc., a design and communication consultancy in Evanston, IL. Stephen is a former president of the Chicago Creative Coalition, organizer for the Chicago Weekly Sitting Meditation Group and founder and organizer of the Chicago Web Professionals. Stephen is nurtured creatively by the fine art of story-telling — especially in the theater. As a college journalism major, he has since followed the siren’s call of poetry and short story writing in his free time. He is interested in the wisdom of indigenous spiritual traditions and seeks inspiration in natural settings by gardening, camping, hiking and biking.
