2026 Elgin Fringe Festival
SEP
27
Captain Ambivalent's Big Time Reality Show
Sun 2:30 PM
Elgin Art Showcase
220 DuPage St.
Elgin Illinois



A decade ago Captain Ambivalent took his accordion to television. A century ago Uncle Barney took his banjo to vaudeville. Tonight a dozen over-the-top novelty acts* audition to tell those stories with song, dance, and comedy, as each of them collide with reality – big time!
(*this is a one-man show)

“absolutely loved this! entertaining, impressive, hilarious, educational and hopeful all at the same time!”

“When the captain is in town, you always know you’re in for a good time. However, this was his best show yet. It’s funny and warm and heartfelt and deeply creative. I laughed like a lunatic and cried like a baby. Cannot recommend enough.”

“Loved this show! I was expecting it to be funny, and it was…but it was also so much more than that. Dan played so many characters at once and gave us a wild ride through time.”

“This show manages to be both hilarious and a grounded, honest look at the world. It was musically fantastic, and the shifts to seriousness landed so well.”

“Not your father’s Captain Ambivalent! A whole new show with many surprises, plus a few old favorites! Even some moments of solemnity amidst the mayhem! Presented in an impressive mixed media format! Highly recommended!”


The Elgin Fringe Festival is part of the United States Association of Fringe Festivals (USAFF) and the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF). This vibrant celebration of artistic experimentation features an uncurated, inclusive, and affordable experience, drawing both local and national talent to Elgin’s historic downtown. https://www.elginfringefestival.com/

Elgin Art Showcase is on the lower Level of The Lodge Building (South side entrance), with easy ground floor / wheelchair access.


Allow Time To Get From Box Office To Show

Please buy a Fringe button at Fringe Central for admission to the festival as a whole, as well as your ticket for admission to this specific show. (Button sales support the Festival, ticket sales support the artist.)