Review: Solve It Squad, Tin Can Bros, Edinburgh Fringe 2024
- Lisa in the theatre
- Aug 14, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 25
Solve It Squad ★★★★★
A sublime comedy caper
Tin Can Bros
Review: Assembly George Square Studios
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 12 August 2024
Back in 1995, four teens and their talking dog Cluebert solved the mysteries that adults couldn't. They were the best kid detective gang in the USA, the Solve It Squad. Now 20 years later the gang are reunited to solve one last case. But after years of growing up and growing apart are the Solve It Squad still up to the task of unmasking the bad guy?
'Solve It Squad' is an inspired send-up of classic cartoon capers - the ones we all know and love where the crooks would've gotten away with it if it wasn't for the meddling kids.
US stage and screen sensations Tin Can Bros have brought 'Solve it Squad' to the Edinburgh Fringe straight from 'Off Broadway' via LA. And their pedigree shows. The writing and production here is razor sharp. This Solve It Squad adventure feels like the best kind of quality TV episode where nothing lags, nothing drags and you're on the edge of your seat for the whole hour. It's expertly edited, directed and performed.
The opening song and 'Solve It Squad' theme tune will be stuck in your head for days. The lyrics and the way it ruthlessly introduces the characters and their individual neuroses is inspired. It's pure zany comedy gold.
The Tin Can Bros have put a dark, twisted, decidedly adult but utterly hilarious spin on beloved cartoon character tropes. They show us one alternate reality here where the squeaky clean wonder-kids have grown up to be deplorable, confused failures.
What is Solve it Squad about?
When a familiar case lands on the desk of traumatised FBI agent Scrags (Joey Richter) he sets out to assemble his old gang, The Solve It Squad. But brainbox Esther (Lauren Lopez) has turned to hard drugs to calm her racing mind, hot girl Gwen (Ashley Clements) is desperate to stay relevant and ex-jock Keith (Gabe Greenspan) is a delusional bum.
Setting aside their differences, the squad set out for the Mayberry Gardens Motel and Spa, the location of the recent 'spooky-goings-on.' There they meet a host of madcap and eccentric characters - all played by the same actor, the sensational Brian Rosenthal, who is a master of the quick change and a natural comedy genius. Chaos and hilarity ensues.
The characterizations, voice work and facial expressions from the entire company are sublime. Each individually engaging and ridiculous characters, together they are unforgettable. Neither the show nor the actors take themselves too seriously; this is a spoof and it knows it. Jeepers!
I really want to use the iconic line "It looks like we've got another mystery on our hands!" but there's no mystery for me here. This is a glorious comedy play with sparkling writing and top-tier actors. Do yourself a favour while they're on this side of the Atlantic and go see this original cast live. Settle in, buckle up and let the Solve It Squad save your day. Zoinks! ★★★★★
Solve It Squad are at Assembly George Square Studios (Studio 2) until 25 August.
Solve It Squad: Edinburgh 2024 dates
Venue: Assembly George Square Studios, Studio Two
Time: 18:40
Dates: 01 - 25 August (not 7 or 19)
Tickets: from £10 https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/solve-it-squad
⌚ Running time: 60 minutes
⚠️ Age Recommendation | 14+
Solve It Squad: Cast & Creatives
Cast: Ashley Clements, Gabe Greenspan, Lauren Lopez, Joey Richter and Brian Rosenthal.
Written by: Joey Richter, Brian Rosenthal, & Corey Lubowich
Director: Corey Lubowich
Music: Nick Gage
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🎟️ Disclosure: I am an Edinburgh Festival Fringe accredited media reviewer and as such I receive complimentary press tickets in exchange for my honest reviews. My reviews and star ratings are always my honest opinions.
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