Space explores the horrors of living in space at Fringe.

Posted on May 30, 2016February 7, 2022 by Thor

Space, written and directed by Cory Volence and produced by Hubris Theater Company and the Dark Side of Saturn is a hard hitting psycho drama set in the confines of a colony ship on a 15 year mission to establish biological life on a distant planet. In the pre-show, crew members described their feelings about the mission in a promotional video. Their accounts are idealized visions of a future of possibilities.

The show opens with Chief engineer Hightower (Trini Kirtsey) in a spacesuit unable to get back into the spacecraft. The heated debate about the risks of letting him back in, sets the stage for seeing Commander Copeland (Chaz Krivan) as a power hungry despot. The commander is married to Science officer Chesky (Ashleigh Ann Gardner). She is pregnant and the commander is pleased that his family name will live on.

Living together on a tiny tin can of a ship has the crew on edge and at each others throats. The commander treats his wife like he does the crew with authoritarian disrespect. When Chesky visits Medical officer Novak (Brenna Arden), the doctor shows concern and the women kiss, free of any male domineering. The doctor herself is troubled with dreams of suicide.

A video diary station allows crew members to express their true feelings although they often have to erase their entries from the ships official record. The videos are projected on the large screen at the back of the stage allowing the audience to see jumbo tron sized close ups of the crew members faces. Dark circles show the increasing stress of living in confined close quarters with crew members who all hate each other. The crew members were all trained to perform one specialized roll on the mission. There was no cross training. That makes every member of the crew indispensable. That makes if difficult, when crew members truly want to kill each other.

I loved the show. The dark vacuum of space is nothing compared to the darkness found in the heart of a human soul. A special shout out to Chaz Kriran and Ashleigh Ann Gardner, who gave particularly noteworthy performances.

Triassic Paraq features singing Dinosaurs.

Posted on May 26, 2016February 7, 2022 by Thor

Triassic Parq roars into the Brown venue inside the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center. This is a music or about Dinosaurs. There are two dinosaur musicals at Fringe the year, so don’t mistake Triassic Parq for Dino World. All of the dinosaurs in Triassic Parq are female to avoid breeding. One dinosaur however grows a large limb between her legs. Prior to the rehearsal, [ was

with the cast in the parking lot and overheard y actress say, ” Does this deck be make my as look big?” This is a question you you might only hear at Fringe. It was hilarious watching y actress trying to navigate h way around the stage. If you sit in the front row you are very likely going to get slapped be it. To get close to another actress, she had to sling it over her shoulder.

This musical has plenty of energy and in the intimate venue, the actors did it need to wear mics. During the rehearsal they went over the choreography of severe numbers with Crysta Marie, before doing a full run through of the show. The dinosaurs live an insular life that sanctions new going beyond the fence. The lead dinosaur character wears your pie striped pants while his parents wear blue and red stripped pants. Mix blue and red and you get purple, get it? A funny musical meditation on faith, science, and love. This show is well worth seeing.

Venue: Brown | Length: 90 Min

Price: $10 (Disc: FA)

Rating: 18 and up – Language, Strong Sexual Content

Remaining shows:

May 28, 1pm to 2:30 pm

May 29, 11am to 2:30pm

Space will have an amazing set and costumes.

Posted on May 23, 2016February 7, 2022 by Thor

Local playwright Cory Volence wrote Space which is being presented at this years Orlando International Fringe Festival by Hubris Theater Company from Brooklyn New York. On the edge of the universe, in the darkest corner of our galaxy, four people will discover that the space between love and hate is as thin as a razor and twice as sharp. This dark science fiction drama follows the crew of a ship bound for a distant planet as they slowly realize that the only thing more dangerous than space is each other.

Evan Miga was working hard on a space suit for the show in the weeks before the show opens. He covered the actor in duct tape and pealed it off which gave him a mold the exact size of the actors body on which to build the suit. He fabricated it first in cardboard and then the pieces would be laser cut out of sheets of foam that were hanging on the garage wall. The show probably has the most sophisticated set at this year’s Fringe. The space ship consoles have illuminated dials and keypads. All the pieces are modular fitting together quickly with slots and groves. Everything when disassembled fits neatly in the back of Evans smart car. The set pieces were designed in the computer and then cut by a robotic arm at FACTURE (520 Virginia Drive Orlando FL) a non-profit maker space here in Orlando.

After designing one leg of the space suit, Evan explained that he could replicate what he had done in the computer for the other leg. The suit will also incorporate glowing electronic pieces reminiscent of Tron. He then went on to design a space boot. He build the boot out of cardboard around a black leather boot. He was a bit concerned because he was using his own boot and the actors feet were bigger. He needed a size 12 which just happened to be my shoe size. I gave him one of my hiking boots to check if the sole of the space boot was big enough. It was. The tricky part of the boot design was to allow for the boot to deform when the foot rolled during a walk. Trial and error resulted in multiple attempts with the cardboard boot breaking apart rather than deforming. In the end, he found a design that worked.

Evan explained that the crew of the ship were on a 15 year mission to travel to another planed and set up a terra form device that would bring life to the new world. Being together for 15 years can challenge any relationship so the crew begin to get on each others nerves. It is a great concept and I suspect this will be one of the best shows at the Fringe this year. I can’t wait to see it. These shows will sell out These shows will sell out.

Tickets are $10. Brown venue in the Orlando Shakespeare Center 812 E. Rollins Street Orlando FL.

Remaining show dates:

May 24, 7:15pm – 8:15pm

May 26, 11:15pm – 12:15pm

May 27, 11:15pm – 12:15pm

May 28, 8:45pm – 9:45pm

May 29, 7:00 pm – 9:00pm

Living room Theater takes the Fringe Festival by storm.

Posted on May 22, 2016February 7, 2022 by Thor

Living room Theater has 13 performances at this year’s Orlando International Fringe Festival. As the title suggests, they happen in a living room at 1314 Chichester St, Orlando, FL, a few blocks north of all the main action at Lock Haven Park. When I arrived, there were a few people waiting on the porch. Matt Palm who writes for the Orlando Sentinel pointed out that the paper’s obit section is usually a couple of columns long, but for the past few weeks it has run on for several pages. He guessed that perhaps people just couldn’t face another hot Orlando summer. Another person joked that perhaps they just couldn’t face yet another Fringe festival.

The living room is large and spacious. It had once been used as a ballroom in the homes early days. Banks Helfrich walked back to the green room with a cup of water. His wife wondered why they weren’t out socializing with people like they usually do. Perhaps since this was Fringe, they wanted to maintain the theatrical fourth wall. I have sketched several Living room theater performances in people’s homes and every performance has always been different. Tisse Mallon, Banks Helfrich and Jack Graham have created an immersive theater experience that fosters community while focusing on fun, connection and authenticity. The show consists of a series of short vignettes that are both serious and absurd.

Banks came out holding an orange checkered shirt and he handed it to a woman seated in the front row. Matt Palm tapped me on my shoulder and whispered to me, that’s my shirt. Sure enough, he was wearing the exact same shirt. Was this theatrical magic, or just coincidence? Jack performed a solo on his acoustic guitar. After his performance, birds chirped to mark the transition to the next scene. This chirping gave the scenes a sense of being part of a timeless ongoing tapestry of human interaction. The next scene had Banks and Tisse both texting on their phones. They sat down beside each other, both focused on their phones and it gradually became apparent that they were texting each other. Tisse leaned against Banks and they intertwined while the text conversation grew tense. Tisse finally just decided to call, But, Banks couldn’t bring himself to pick up. This hilarious scene pointed out how we grow further apart as we embrace technology rather than each other. Since every performance is different, you r experience will be unique. I can say that you can expect surprise, wonder and honesty of emotions as the cast interests. Each scene is just a sentence written on a sheet of paper. The scene then unfolds, being mostly improvised.

Tickets are $10

Remaining Living room theater performances:

May 22, 5pm – 6:10pm and 8pm to 9:10pm

May 26, 7:30pm – 8:40pm

May 27, 6:30pm – 7:40pm and 8:30pm – 9:40pm

May 28, 5pm – 6:10pm and 8pm – 9:10pm

Phantasmagoria brings horrific tales to the Orlando Fringe.

Posted on May 21, 2016February 7, 2022 by Thor

Phantasmagoria: Wicked Little Tales fills the Fringe Orange venue at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, (812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL) with horrific whimsical tales of horror, Phantastical dance, music, stage combat, large scale puppetry and storytelling. Before a complete run through of the show, actors practiced a sword fight that they had just learned the day before. The swords were real, so there was a true there a of danger as they parried. Other actors on the stage had to be warned to stand clear. Though rehearsed at quarter speed, the adrenaline still pumps an they had to b coached to slow down.

The show commence with a grand flair. The whole acting troop crouched around the ring master as he enticed the audience to listen in with a grand flourish. Once a story begins it must be told until it is finished. The tales come to life and the horrors pose a real threat to the tellers. The first tale was one of my favorites, The Tell Tale Heart, by Edgar Allen Poe. To recreate the hideous beating heart, the entire (2 beat their palms on the stage floor creating a deafening thump.

Another memory tale was of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. Two dancers acted as the horse with grace and style. Actors and actresses would more into the audience during the telling of a tale, and you never knew if a sinister laugh might ring behind you, sending chills down your spine.

Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein brought to life a giant skeletal figure that threatened it’s creator. The creature demanded a bride and when that hope was gone the monster turned on his creator and master. Love lost is the most horrific motivator for murder.

It was good to see this at in troupe in such a large venue. With so many act of and actresses, they easily utilize every inch of the deep space. If you have a taste for the macabre then Phantasmagoria is the show for you.

Phantasmagoria shows are on May 21, 22, 28 and 29.

Tickets are $11.

Weekend Top 6 Fringe Picks for May 21st and 22nd.

Posted on May 20, 2016February 7, 2022 by Thor

Saturday May 21, 2016

Noon to 1pm $11 Plus a Fringe button $10 good for all shows. Phantasmagoria: Wicked Little Tales. Orange Venue in the Shakespeare Theater 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL. The show thunders into the Fringe with its
evocative, haunting and whimsical tales of horror, Phantastical dance,
music, explosive stage combat, large scale puppetry and enthralling
storytelling.

5pm to 6:10pm $11 Livingroom Theater. Pergande home, 1314 Chichester St Orlando, FL Paths of absurdity, raw truth and love intersect as Bear, Otter and Dog
invite you into a living room to share vignettes reflecting on our
humanity. Through pensive to comical conversations, experimental
performance pieces and live instrumentals a story emerges. “A primal,
playful joy in the moment…” – analogartistdigitalworld.com

7pm to 7:15 pm $7. 21 Chump Street. Purple venue in the Shakespeare Theater 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL. A high schooler falls in love with an undercover cop. 21 Chump St. An
action packed, 15 minute musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Creator of
‘Hamilton’ and ‘In The Heights’ and from NPR’s This American Life.

Sunday May 22, 2016

12:45pm to 1:45pm $10. A long Time Ago: The 80s Strike Back. Orange Venue in the Shakespeare Theater 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL. The show is a retelling of the Original
Star Wars Trilogy blended with the Neon-nougat center of the 1980’s.
Classic characters are skewered by 80’s archetypes and all the moments
are captured in 80’s song parodies. Relive the only three Star Wars
movies in a whole new way.

3:30pm to 4:10pm $10. O.K.: Physicality of Mentality. Pink Venue in the Shakespeare Theater 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL. Close to 1 in 5 adults suffers from a diagnosable mental health issue,
yet the subject remains taboo. In effort to raise awareness and
encourage understanding, members of Red Right Return delve into their
personal experiences with mental illness. Through contemporary dance and
spoken word, “O.K.: physicality of mentality” offers audiences glimpses
into life with depression, anxiety, OCD and addiction.

10:30pm to 11:30pm $10. Douchbags. Yellow Venue in the Shakespeare Theater 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL. The show is a bold new powerhouse production with bravado to spare: Step inside the
cringe-worthy lives of three American males as we explore the
inner-workings of the 21st century douchebag in their native habitat. A
shocking commentary on modern relationships, “Douchebags” is sure to
raise eyebrows and bring the laughs.

A Long Time Ago: The Eighties Strike Back.

Posted on May 19, 2016February 7, 2022 by Thor

It is time to Fringe! The 2015 24nd Annual Orlando Fringe Theatre Festival
takes place May 13th-25th in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Venue locations
are within Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando Rep (corner of Princeton
and Mills)-812 East Rollins Street, The Venue (Virginia Dr.), and
several site-specific location in the area. Kid’s Fringe is located at
the Menello Museum (across Princeton from Loch Haven).

100% UNCENSORED

100% UNJURIED

100% ACCESSIBLE

100% of $ from ticket sales go directly to the ARTISTS

There are more productions than can be seen, so pick your poisons wisely. Of the productions I saw in the first few days, the Star Wars music at parody written and co directed by Simon MacDonald called A Long Time Ago: The Eighties Strike Back, was my laugh out loud favorite. The classic Star War characters are re-imagined as 1980’s pop stars, and movie stars. For instance Artoo (Melina Smart) is portrayed as Olivia Newton John in Xanadu and Threepio (Lauren Anne Anderson) is portrayed as Madonna with her golden ice cream cone bra.

Singing performances by Lauren Culver as princess Leia and Melinda Smart as Artoo were particularly outstanding. The Chewbacca themed song Was hilarious and Joseph Fabian did an amazing job replicating the throaty roar. If you are a fan of the original two Star Wars movies, and you old enough to have lived through the 1980’s you will love this show. I still have “Hoth is a Battle Field” running through m head, set to y music of “Love is a Battle Field” by Pat Benatar.

The plot and characters are deeply en-grained in our minds, but this musical parody is absolutely hilarious. Don’t miss it!

Orange Venue – Orlando Shakespeare Theater 812 E. Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803.Shows are on May 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, and 28. Tickets are $10.

No Button = No show entry (no exceptions). The button costs $10 and is a one-time purchase. Button proceeds go to support Orlando Fringe.
No Late Entry to shows (no exceptions).
No refunds given for any reason other than show cancellation (no exceptions).
No ticket exchanges made (no exceptions).
No outside food or beverage is allowed inside any venue.
Alcoholic beverage purchased in the Green Lawn may not leave the fenced lawn area.
No food or drink allowed inside the Orlando REP (GREEN, SILVER, and TEEN Venues).
Beverages are allowed in our Lowndes Shakespeare Center venues
(PINK, BROWN, RED, PURPLE, YELLOW, ORANGE, and BLUE) and may be
purchased in the Darden Courtyard. Beverages are sold and allowed at the
Venue (BLACK) and many other BYOV locations.

Sugar Crash Kids and the Forgotten Island offers family friendly fun at Fringe.

Posted on May 18, 2016February 7, 2022 by Thor

Based on the World and Characters of Sugar Crash Kids created by Jeremiah Dunlap and Joshua Pearson, this original family friendly musical will bring a spark of fun to the Orange Venue. Imagination,
discovery, and wonder take flight when a cynical young girl, Mai (Kennedy Mason) is suddenly
thrust into a fantastic, whimsical adventure in a world she never
thought was possible.

I went to the final rehearsal at City Beautiful Church on Alden Road in Ivanhoe Village. Blue illuminated orbs were placed on the stage. Director and choreographer Holly Harris explained that they represent hope, wonder, and imagination. Mai has reached an age where anything that isn’t tangible isn’t real. She discovers that the world of the imagination is very much real.

The ensemble picked up the orbs and danced and interacted with them with fluid graceful movements. The cast must have a blast at each performance. Much of the movement is pure joyful play. Actors did somersaults, rolled over, and bumped into each other and genially had plenty of immature fun. Cole Nesmith sang an exuberant song titled, “You’re here!” “But where’s here?” Mai asked. “Why it’s here of course!”

The show features original music, lyrics, and characters, from The Cramazingly Incredifun Sugar Crash Kids Podcast which comes to life on stage for the first time ever. The musical brings to
life a fantastic, whimsical adventure through music, movement, and large
scale puppetry.

I didn’t see the full show, but the songs I heard were amazing, and the scenes were filled with playful joy. I have no doubt that this is a must see Fringe show. Bring the whole family!!

Tickets are $10.

Location: ORANGE Venue – Lowndes Shakespeare Center – Margeson Theater 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL

Performances:

Thursday, May 19 – 6:15 PM

Saturday, May 21 – 3:45 PM

Sunday, May 22 – 2:30 PM

Tuesday, May 24 – 7:15 PM

Wednesday, May 25 – 5:30 PM

Saturday, May 28 – 1:30 PM

Sunday, May 29 – 11:45 AM

In the Black, A Tax Day Burlesque.

Posted on April 13, 2016February 7, 2022 by Thor

Blacklist Babes Cabaret, and Black Garter Dolls will present In the Black, A Tax Day Burlesque at The Venue (511 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL) on April 15th. The doors open at 9pm and the show start at 10pm. Marisa Ashley Risque invited me to sketch a dress rehearsal. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door (cash), and $25 VIP.

When I arrived, actors and actresses were busy getting into costume and putting on make up. Marisa was at a mobile costume rack. She welcomed me with h warm hug. Each performer is in multiple routines and sometimes costume changes have to happen at a breakneck pace. Getting garters tightened and hitched or latching a leather belt just right can be tricky. A fellow with a long beard who looks like the Monopoly guy will be welcoming patrons at the door. He was deep in conversation with one of the performers. For once, I felt right at home. So many of the performers, I have sketched in the past.

Marisa did a hilarious routine as a thrift store addict who then showcased her cheap ass erotic side. Her twerking had every performer on the sidelines hooting and hollering. A more classical burlesque was set to Frank Sinatra‘s , Luck be a Lady Tonight. The diaphanous green ball gown flowed beautifully as if a Fred Astaire movie dance scene. This modern take on a classic made me wonder, what best rhymes with luck? A male dancer had all the lady performers screaming when he stripped down to his thong. Even more impressive than the bounties of flesh, was the incredible singing talent on display. These performers know how to belt out a tune with gusto. A large group number with plenty of leather whips was a show stopper.

If you are due a tax refund, then this is the place to use these throw away bills. I laughed until I cried. If you miss Tax Day Burlesque, some of the same routines will appear 4 times at the Fringe in the Black Venue which will also showcase some new numbers.