American Freak Show

Dual narrators Johnny Heller and Jo Anna Perrin have their moments in this fabricated collection of comedic sketches about some of the most iconic, infamous, and sinister celebrities and politicians in the last 20 years. But while Geist's comedy might work well in a visual medium, this collection misses its full potential for an aural audience. The production is filled with imaginative sketches, such as Palin's inaugural address in a sports dome in Florida or Tiger Woods's first sexual-addiction group meeting, but many fall flat or go on well past their comedic value. Some of the impersonations, such as that of Bill Clinton, work well, but others are lacking. A larger cast most likely would have worked better. L.E. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine