Any child who grew up in a household where Zoom was considered too scandalous probably spent their limited TV time watching shows in which a cast of precocious kids—accompanied by a single unsettling grown-up man and at least one nightmarish puppet—demonstrated moral lessons based on Bible quotes usually taken out of context. As adolescence reared its unforgiving head, those kids would be cycled out and replaced with a younger, purer specimen of the same archetype who could dispense the same lessons without the threat of deeper voices and growing chests.
Benny Bingo and the Evangelikids, now playing on Thursdays at the Annoyance Theatre through April 24, is a joyfully twisted musical exploring what happens when the entire cast of a fictional Christian kids’ show hits the wrong side of puberty. Written and composed by Christian Hughes Walker and directed by Barb Jackson, the show tackles tough topics like shaken faith, self-discovery, and juggling behind-the-scenes production logistics while also operating a flamingo puppet.
Sometimes poignant, often bold, and always funny, Evangelikids begins with an a cappella intro from the sweater vest-clad Benny Bingo (Riles Holiday), the adult host of the show within the show. The entire show takes place against the pastel backdrop of the Flamingo Clubhouse, which would be a serene setting if not for Bingo’s judgmental, confrontational demeanor. Holiday—and the rest of the cast for that matter—is a fantastic vocalist who serves Walker’s songs well. The group’s harmonies were especially impressive.
The show weaves together individual storylines for a sextet of kids—though Bingo would probably prefer referring to them as a half-dozen to avoid referencing sex or the devil’s number—Chris (Jono Mammel), Eddie (Jacob Coldiron), Joey (Lily Ryan), Madeleine (Samantha Nieves), Paget (Sera Young), and Phillip (David Ward). Each is battling a unique struggle, and their fellow Evangelikids are eager to support one another. A few of these plot points are a bit obvious and heavy-handed, but the actors successfully portray their characters with endearing authenticity. With so many stories to cover in its 85-minute run time, some of the kids’ journeys wrap a bit too quickly and easily—I’d welcome a longer show to expand those arcs and incorporate a few more songs!
Mammel was delightful from the start—the neurotic Chris is always a step behind the others, but by the end of the show, a quiet confidence emerges. Paget’s arc is also a slow burn, but Young’s winsome delivery enhances the character’s wise-beyond-their-years dialogue. It’s Nieves who steals the show, though, with a powerful crisis of faith anthem that undoubtedly left many audience members with a lump in their throats. Though the show took a more emotional tone in its second half, the jokes remained sharp throughout, particularly a recurring gag involving a no-nonsense producer (Megan Ramsey) and her increasing frustration with Bingo.
Sinners and saints alike will find something to love about Evangelikids.
Evangelikids runs Thursday nights at 8pm through April 24 at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W Belmont Ave. Tickets ($20) are on sale now.
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