3.5 out of 5 stars PORK & BEANS: Attorneys At Law
Reviewed · Updated
I was whelmed.
In the past 3 years, this show falls between Soup and Hogan's 16th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest 2 out of 5 stars (2024) and Sam's Clam and Oyster Bar 4.5 out of 5 stars (2025).
Top Bunk continues to nail very funny Airplane-style bits. There's a lot of pun-based humour taken to extremes (I'm thinking a "hot" dog, and a judge playing tag at "recess").
Unfortunately, I think it didn't commit hard enough to it. That style of zany, joke-a-minute humour requires rapid-fire blink-and-you miss it joke making. This show seemed to play it straight, and then would turn to the camera and emphasize the joke, which I do think hurt some exceptionally funny bits.
Once again, the music was a bit of a low point, most songs didn't materially escalate, but felt like they were treading water. I noticed a distinct absence of an "I want" song.
Highlighted exception: the "Judge introduction rap" was perfect. No notes.
Where the team continues to succeed is in characterization. Each character is distinct, fleshed out, and funny in their own way. French Baliff killed it. And the gator bit paid off in a big way.
The show is a mixed bag: flashes of absolute brilliance, but inconsistent. I will absolutely be buying my Top Bunk theatre tickets each year, because when they're on, they're on.