Chase Padgett walks onstage and immediately disproves his own title. How to Play Guitar (Poorly) opens with a skillful, electrifying number that makes it clear that this show is not about incompetence but about the messy road to discovering identity through musicality and humor.
Blending a mix of stand-up comedy, live musical numbers, and deep personal storytelling, Padgett delves into eight “lessons” about how to learn to play the guitar (poorly). Each lesson relates to chronological acts of his life story and how he forged a relationship with music, family, and understanding his own mental health. By the end of his performance, I felt that Padgett had shed the humorous and protective layers to leave the audience with a sheer sense of vulnerability. It ended as a great solo performance that left me feeling quite raw and reflective.
For Fringe Veterans, Padgett feels like a natural fit into their schedule of shows. Someone who is a charismatic solo performer who knows how to hold a room. For Fringe newcomers, this is an awesome and accessible show into story-driven theater discussing the relatable topics of identity and artistry.
Peacock Farm Productions (Orlando, Florida)
Venue: Renaissance Theatre Co.
60 minutes; 13 and up (Adult Language)
Tickets: $15
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The post Orlando Fringe 2026 review: ‘Chase Padgett: How to Play Guitar (Poorly)’ appeared first on Orlando Weekly.