Calling all vegans, tree-huggers, and activism junkies: I have found the perfect Capital Fringe show for you! How to Fall in Love on a Warming Planet is a casual concert celebrating activism (focusing mainly on environmental responsibility) with a vital message—“the oceans are rising and so must we.”
Lead singer and songwriter Christopher B. Cox was flanked by Amir Shami on the keyboard and Yousef Shami on drums, performing a concert comprised of nine original songs, some visual projections and video, and even a surprise wedding proposal!
While I doubt that particular declaration of love will make a reappearance in the next four shows, there are plenty of other engaging aspects to this Capital Fringe production that may make you want to catch one of their upcoming performances.
The venue is beautiful. Even if environmental issues are not your thing, I would definitely recommend attending any shows that suit your fancy in this performance space. Dubbed the Blind Whino Turquoise space, this repurposed church is a stunning and creative location. It is large and open with vaulting ceilings. An old brick arch serves as the proscenium for a raised stage and powerful, colorful murals cover the walls and ceiling with vibrant roses, roaring lions, and outreached hands.
For this show, homemade signs littered the stage and walls incorporating practically every current liberal movement. They read: “Rewild the Earth”, “Ellos Sienten” and “Black Lives Matter” to name a few.
What makes this show so moving is Christopher Cox’s passion for the topic. It is clear that respect for the planet and all living things are issues he cares about deeply. Periodically, Cox explained in short breaks between songs why he is so invested in going green and banning speciesism.
To be honest, some of the percussion was a little overwhelming for my personal music tastes, but that did not take too much away from the essence of the show.
One of the main highlights was a song Cox performed solo, proclaiming, “We won’t wait ’til ’48.” Afterward, he explained that 2048 is the estimated extinction date for wild saltwater fish if we as a society do not start making serious lifestyle changes. The fact was sobering to hear aloud and made his message all the more urgent and relevant.
I especially enjoyed the show’s atmosphere. Cox utilized protest elements like call-and-response throughout his performance, encouraging all who were watching to participate and sing along. It was self-evident that he sought to include the audience in the show, making the production more about a unified, inspiring experience than just a performance to entertain.
How to Fall in Love on a Warming Planet closed with a hopeful and earnest call to action: “We can save the planet if we’re brave enough to change.” Cox vocally reaffirmed that the only thing standing in the way of building a cleaner, happier world is ourselves.
How to Fall in Love on a Warming Planet . Featuring Christopher B. Cox, Amir Shami and Yousef Shami . Produced by Rivers Wilder Green at Capital Fringe Festival 2018 . Reviewed by Arielle Ostry.
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