This Orlando International Fringe Festival show was at Ten10 Brewing which was packed. I managed to find a spot at the back of the room at a picnic table. A full-length portrait of George Washington. An American flag stood at center stage. America’s first president was hung on stage. I started this sketch fascinated by a cowboy seated at the bar.
This Fringe show was about Dolly Madison, the wife of James Madison the fourth president of the United States. In the War of 1812, America was once again at war with Britain because American trade with France had been limited. In 1814, America lost a major battle and the British invaded Washington DC.
Dolly Madison was a highly regarded hostess who held parties at the White House that brought both parties of government together to discuss policy over food and drink. She helped to establish the idea that members of each party could amicably socialize, network, and negotiate with each other without violence. She essentially created and nurtured bipartisan politics.
Two British Soldiers entered the stage from the back of the theater. A private was played by Brandon Roberts who was glad to accept a cup of drink from Dolly Madison. What followed was an open discussion about what makes American politics work. Brandon’s superior officer was a misogynist who firmly believed women had no place in a male dominated society. Brandon started to understand and accept Dolly’s position, while his superior stood firm. When the first lady shouted out, “Do you have any idea who I am? I am Dolly F***king Madison!” The audience went wild.
Brandon, whose speech began to slur, started to talk about King Charles who was narcissistic and was showing signs of irrational dementia. It was clear that the king was acting very much like the 47th president of the United States. When Dolly explained the system of checks and balances in the American constitution that should keep such a madman from absolute power, the audience cheered.
The British wanted to burn the house down, but Dolly made sure that the portrait of Washington and important documents were saved. She talked the British soldiers into helping her get the portrait off the wall. By the end of the scene even the patriarchal British Lieutenant was sitting and started to accept Dolly’s hospitality and opinions. Reason was winning over force.
British troops led by Major General Robert Ross entered the city of Washington DC and set fire to the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and other public buildings. The burning of Washington, D.C. marked the only time since the Revolutionary War that a foreign power has captured and occupied the U.S. capital.
Though Dolly could not stop the rampage, she managed to talk reason to two soldiers. The world be a much better place if a woman could lead the country away from violence and towards rational thought.
I love a play that introduces some often ignored history and manages to make it feel very contemporary.
The acclaimed one-woman show Private Parts: The Secrets We Keep, was written and performed by female actress and masterful storyteller Joanna Rannelli in Ten10 Brewing at this year’s Orlando International Fringe Festival. Her show was candid, raw and often funny.
Cindy Heen is the Founder and Artistic Director of Emergence Dance based in Orlando Florida. Having sketched Emergence Dance rehearsals in the past, I knew that 
I got to sketch Zelda Grey‘s one woman show, 
At this year’s Orlando International Fringe Festival, Automatic Orchestra: Just Add Music in the Blue Venue of the Orlando Shakes is an immersive improvisational orchestra where the actors are inspired by the music created by the audience. Entering the venue, there were various methods of making sound in every audience seat. I moved a rattle from my seat over to the next seat. There were kazoos, cooking pans, one of those metal barrels with metal beads wrapped around it, and so much more.
Onwards! presented by Big Empty Barn Productions from Montreal Canada starred Bremner Fletcher Duthie who sang and played instruments while telling stories. Around the stage were a series of lamps which could be activated with foot switches. Each of his variety acts would require different lighting which he initiated with taps of his toes.
The Scarlet venue at the Orlando International Fringe Festival seemed too large for The Black Jack Show. I suspect the puppeteer is used to performing for one or two people at a time. Jack and Black are two hand puppets that host a variety show that included torch songs, shadow puppets, a dog, a vampire comedian, a lion dance and two white gloves that performed between acts.
Queer! Celebrates Latinx Queer resilience at the Orlando International Fringe Festival. The cast, each in turn, tells stories if growing up and feeling different that those around them. One female even conformed and lived the life of a mom. Deep down she knew she was stifling who she really was. Some stories were told through music, movement and projections. Some were spoken word which often resonates with me.
This post is sponsored by a very delicious mango flavored prosecco consumed on the Green Lawn of Fabulousness that left me floating in a wide zig zag pattern across the lawn not sure if my feet were touching the ground.
The New Players Company of Oviedo Florida presents MacSchrek: The Comedy of Orgres. This at this years Orlando International Fringe Festival. was a fun parody that mixes Shakespeare with the animated feature film Schrek. The combination is hilarious. If you are well versed in Shakespeare you will laugh at the comedic rewrites of his classic lines. If you have no clue who Shakespeare is you will laugh at the comedic timing and fast paced staging.