Marathon

Posted on by Thor

TJ Dawe from Vancouver, Canada presented this incredible one man Fringe show about recognizing your own blind spot and trying to address it. When the lights came up, TJ was on stage acting like he was running in slow motion. He joked that it was impossible to do that and look graceful. His show addressed the idea that people fit neatly into 3 distinct instinct types.

The first is the self preservation instinct. These are the people who are ready for anything. They plan ahead, bringing water along on a hot day or a sweater in case the air conditioning gets pumped up too high. When they pack for a vacation they bring pretty much everything in their closet, just in case. Hotels are booked ahead of time and even restaurants are reserved weeks in advance.

The second is the sexual preservation instinct. This doesn’t just mean they are sexual, it also means they are obsessed with the creative process. They love the uncertainty of beginning a creative endeavor and they are risk takers, living on the fringe.  This creative process might have seemed like a fun playful idea 9 months ago but there are pains and uncertainty as the project nears completion. Then it is released into the world, beautiful and imperfect. These people are individualists they don’t show off by writing a status on Facebook, but instead share their ideas on a more personal platform like a blog. The more TJ talked about the sexual preservation instinct, the more I felt like he was talking about me.

The third the social preservation instinct. People who have this instinct are energized by small talk at parties. They love gossip and knowing what is going on with everyone around them, even celebrities. This instinct can be a blind spot for someone with the sexual preservation instinct. Being creative, they don’t have time for empty conversations. However beneath this facade of superiority is irritation and shame. They want to feel like a part of the group but they are always an outsider, looking in. When the creative person breaks through that social barrier and actually enjoys meeting people at a bar or on the green lawn of fabulousness, they want to feel rewarded. There should be an 80’s movie montage that shows how they broke free.

All through his discussions about instincts he also talked about a high school foot race that was a defining moment in his life. Although not a jock, he began to run with a passion. This culminated in a steeple chase race against a team whose coach was named satin. At the starting line he suddenly realized satin wasn’t the coach but a runner who looked every bit like a man. Ready, set, Go! The race spread out gradually with the fastest runners breaking away, the average runners clumped together as a pack and then there was Satin followed by TJ. It became clear TJ wasn’t going to win but he decided to sprint at the end of the race to beat Satin. He reached down for that last minute reserve and discovered there was nothing there. Blind sided he stumbled across the line last.

He discovered there are no great victories as you struggle to expand your horizons and grow into a more social creature. It isn’t a sprint to we won. It is instead a life long goal, a marathon. This was a show that spoke directly to my insecurities and creative blindness. I can not recommend this show enough.

There is only one more show of Marathon today at 1:45pm to 2:45pm in the yellow venue in the Orlando Shakespeare Center (812 E Rollins St., Orlando, FL). Tickets are $11 along with the $9 Fringe button that is required for all the shows. Just GO!

Sperm Wars

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Random Samples Collective from Toronto Canada presents this Fringe show that follows the stories of millions of sperm embarking upon a high stakes suicide mission to battle a large, dangerous, and mysterious enemy deep behind the hymen. Meanwhile in the ovaries, the eggs are forced to say goodbye to one of their own as the time for their monthly sacrifice to the uterus looms on the horizon. The entire microscopic battle was presented by a single actor, Jeff Leard, in pristine white underwear, black studded arm bands and army boots. I couldn’t help but notice that his “package” loomed rather large. There was also a subtle smudge on the tip of the bulge, which caused my mind to wander. Had he fallen during a performance to smudge his pristine white visage?

If you love Star Wars and you love sex, you should love this show. The entire army of characters were tied together in this one actors performance. A rare moment of improve happened when someones cell phone went off in the audience. At first he sat down and said, “we can wait.” Then he wondered, “what is a cell phone doing in this vagina?” Another audience member blurted out “phone sex!” Everyone laughed.

At one point the inner workings of one of the Sci-Fi Sperm Wars vehicles had to be opened.  The actor mimed the machinations involved in opening the multiple panels, cylinders and digital pads with an orchestration of sound effects that he mouthed. The sequence was completed with the magical phrase “dry ice.” Which was accompanied with his hands miming the delicate clouds descent. When this long drawn out sequence of events was repeated, it got a bit old.

The horrors of battle became clear as millions of sperm perished because the vaginal canal was blocked by a diaphragm coated with spermicide. The immense ovum sat protected behind this impenetrable force field. Sperm withered and melted like the witch in the Wizard of Oz. A single sperm made it past the diaphragm and wiggled his way deep inside the wet moist humid egg. He lamented the millions lost in the assault.

There is only one more performance of Sperm Wars today,  Sunday May 25th at 4:30pm to 5:30pm in the Blue Venue at the Orlando Shakespeare Center (812 E Rollins St., Orlando, FL). Tickets are $11 along with the $9 Fringe button required to get into any show. Rated 18+.

Chase & Stacy Present: Joyride

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Chase Padgett and Stacey Hallal teamed up to create a hilarious sketch comedy improv show at the Orlando Fringe Festival. Chase hails from Orlando and his experience at the Orlando Fringe presenting 6 Guitars lead to him hitting the road and traveling to Fringe Festivals across the country. His girlfriend at the time was less than enthused by his career. On the Fringe Circuit however, he met Stacy who trained at the infamous Second City and together they present a show that is as playful as two 10 year olds pretending to put on a show at bed time with flashlights and imagination.

There is adult humor. At one point Chase and Stacy used the Mics and sound boards to playback moans and groans of pleasure. The couple were in the darkness with just the scrim light behind them to show their silhouette. In the scene the couple were on a date and about to kiss. Stacy stressed that there would be no sex. Chase was resigned to the idea that this was always the case. The lights dimmed and the first moans began. They could play them back and the interwoven moans began to feel like a rap tune. I tapped my toe to the rhythm and laughed as I sketched. Stacy then whispered into the mic “Put your hoo ha in my ying yang.” That stopped the beat. Chase questioned her phrasing and she came back with a series of absurd names for his and her privates. When she came up with “The Cave of Wonders”, Chase said, “I can live with that.” The rap-moan orchestration began again.

Another sketch presented Stacy as a ribbon twirler who was in tears because she couldn’t get her ribbon to work. As she cried, Chase came leaping out of the wings twirling his ribbon with graceful abandon. He coached Stacy but repeatedly she failed. Finally she got her emotions in check and together their ribbons flowed gracefully. The audience clapped enthusiastically.

In one scene, the couple asked the audience for a place that a couple might meet. Someone shouted out, “a library!” Chase and Stacy then presented a long form comedy set in a library. The endearing thing about Stacy is that you could see by the expression on her face, that she was always on the verge of laughing herself. At one point, Chase pretended to whisk open some curtains to present a surprise to Stacy. She paused, not sure where he was going. He explained that it was a moving truck so she could bring her cherished books and be with him. She replied, “That’s amazing, because that used to be a wall!” Their quick wits sparred playfully until they had each other laughing as well as the audience. This show is a must see!

There is just one show left of Chase and Stacy Present: Joyride!

May 24th 3:15pm to 4:15pm in the Pink Venue at the Orlando Shakespeare Center (812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL) Tickets are $11 plus the $9 Fringe button required to get into all the shows.

The All New Nashville Hurricane

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This Fringe show by Chase Padgett was absolute magic. Chase was originally from Orlando but he has since moved to Portland Oregon when he isn’t on the Fringe circuit. The stage was set with a single chair and a lone guitar. A spotlight illuminated Chase as he opened with an incredibly dexterous guitar performance. He warmed up the crowd by asking innocent questions. One question he shouted out was, “Who is with the love of their life?” Hands shot up. He turned to the couple to his right. “I see a problem hear” he said. “Her hand shot up like a lightning bolt, but your hand sir didn’t budge from your diet Coke.” I felt a bit guilty that my sketching prevented my hand from going up. Chase also asked a few people what their one true passion is in life. It is surprising, funny, and a bit sad that some people have no clue.

Then Chase began to relate the story of a child prodigy. This kid could repair any electronic device and he was a natural on the guitar. The prodigy’s story was related from the view points of three separate characters, his white trash mom, a conniving promoter and a kind low income southerner who was a recovering alcoholic. Chase would switch between characters or a dime propelling the plot forward. Although incredibly talented, the prodigy wasn’t as he said, “A people person.” His mind wandered in the intricacy’s of stellar dust and sub-atomic particles. He was a nerd’s nerd, unable to meet anyone’s gaze.

The promoter prayed for a ticket to the big time. His prayers were answered when he saw the boy play guitar. He saw the boy as a gold mine and he managed to steal the him away from his dead beat mom. He put sun glasses on the him and promoted him as “The Nashville Hurricane”. He bullied and forced the boy to perform, until the joy once found in playing guitar became a misery. A sunrise seen towards the end of the show made the boy realize that we are all a small part of a much bigger cosmic plan. There was  no longer a need to fear the abuse and mistreatment by others. That glowing, life affirming message is what made the show resonate. Strength and inner peace replaced uncertainty and fear when the boy faced his life head on. This is my favorite show to date, but with so many talented story tellers and shows, I know there are other treasures to be mined at this year’s Fringe. Chase’s other show, Chase and Stacy Present: Joyride was a hilarious improve show that was hilarious I highly recommend show that as well.

The remaining shows for The All New Nashville Hurricane are…

Thursday May 22,  10pm to 11:15pm

Saturday May 24,  7pm to 8:15pm

Sunday May 25,  3:15pm to 4:30pm

Tickets are $11 and the show is in the Orange Venue in the Orlando Shakespeare Center (812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL.)

WTF? (What the Fringe?)

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The 2014 23nd Annual Orlando Fringe Theatre Festival takes place May 14th-27th in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Venue locations are within Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando Rep (corner of Princeton and Mills)-812 East Rollins Street, and The Venue (Virginia Dr.). Kid’s Fringe is located at the Menello Museum (across Princeton from Loch Haven).

The Fringe is…

100% UNCENSORED

100% UNJURIED

100% ACCESSIBLE 

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

Fringe volunteers manned the information table inside the Orlando Shakespeare Theater while Jeff Ferree promoted his puppet show “Girl Who Fell Up a Chimney” in his bright conical Gumbyesque outfit. Jeff waved to me, and I gave him a stiff armed wave in return. At the information table you could buy the $9 buttons which are needed to get into any show as well as the Fringe program which lists all the shows.  There are about 100 shows so the choices are daunting. The best way to find out what you have to see is to hang out at the beer tent and ask around to find out what people have seen and loved.


While doing this sketch, I was given two tips. Nashville Hurricane is “Frigging Amazing” according to Curtis Meyer. I was also told by Karen that Take Out the White Trash was laugh out loud funny. Actress Michelle Knight walked up to the information table. Michelle just completed a run of Disenchanted which is a take on Disney princesses who didn’t exactly live happily ever after. This hilarious musical comedy was first premiered at the Orlando Fringe several years ago as Bitches of the Kingdom, and now it is headed to off Broadway in NYC. This is a great example of how the Fringe is a great place to launch a creative concept.

If there is a show you feel I should see and sketch, please leave me a comment!

The Cortez Method

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I went to the World Premiere of The Cortez Method written by Rob Keefe and Directed by Mark Routhier at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater (812 East Rollins Street Orlando FL). Being in the small Mandell Theater, I was surprised at how intricate and ornate the set by scenic designer, Robbin Watts was.

The play takes place in a rural home in the Kentucky woods. Based on the set, you can tell that there have been recent renovations like new marble counter tops and flooring Bill, played by Paul Bernardo arrives home only to be surprised by his brother Walter, played by Riley Clermont. After some joking and wrestling it becomes clear that Walter is a no good brother who wants a handout. Some event from the brothers pasts makes Walter feel he is owed. Paul’s pregnant wife, Sarah, played by Suzanne O’Donnell is asleep off stage and Walters loud booming voice wakes her up and she pounds on the wall. Walter is not welcome in their home.

This is a dysfunctional family with a capitol D. Bill is constantly trying to appease his wife and brother. He seems whipped and tired. He also resents that everything has been poured into the opulent home furnishings like a five burner range and a stove whose name he cant pronounce. The fridge is battered and old, the one appliance from a past life. There are dark criminal currents beneath the country bliss. The play is a dark comedy in which the past and present collide. Walter claims he is like Cortez who burned his ship when invading the Aztec Empire to prove there was no retreat. It was all or nothing. A complete and total commitment. Walter had the same commitment to get a “loan” from his brother of about $30,000 to start a gate welding business. All of Bill’s money however was tied up in his home.

The second act gets violent as no one gets what they want. The most astonishing character was Odette, played by Melanie Whipple. She was Walters girl who would set him straight. She was missing teeth, was disheveled and looked stoned or ill.  When Walter grabs her, she defends herself. Bill’s wife has a warped idea of how they need to protect their home and Bill does everything he is asked to do. He is like a small dog on a leash who puts up some resistance but always relents with a tug. I was confused by the confrontation between the couple. There was resentment and hate and yet, in the heat of the argument, they kissed. Bill seems changed by what had transpired. He rips the shades off the windows and the room blazed light. Just what changed remained unclear. I suspect he would continue to do as he was told. He would never be free from his past.

This play marks a renewed commitment by the 25 year old Orlando Shakespeare Theater to present original plays.The play is a very adult story of family dysfunction, infidelity, and substance abuse. It is best suited for adult audiences. Mark Your Calendar! The play runs through September 22nd. Tickets are about $25.

Bella: The Beauty of ME Dance

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ME Dance, Inc. is the Newest Professional Dance Organization located in the heart of
Central Florida.
I went to one of the final dress rehearsals for Bella by the Marshall Ellis Dance Company.  Bella is the second series of performances by this dance company. When I arrived, dancers were stretching and Marshall was sweeping the stage and applying what I’m guessing was a liquid wax to the flooring.  One dancer was wearing a white tutu and of course I felt compelled to sketch her. She was the first dancer to perform a solo. A large screen was set up onto which a video of this dancer was projected. She walked through a park and then began writing in her note book about life’s challenges and emotions. Each dance was preceded by one of these video segments in which she wrote about various aspects of life as she grew and matured. The human experience of love is designed for the sole purpose of showing you
who you truly are and it is expressed vibrantly through dance.

After a full run through, Marshall Ellis asked the dancers if they could recite the dance company’s mission statement. It is, “To introduce innovative ideas through
dance to create growth in the arts community. Our goal is to enrich the
arts community by providing an outlet to feature talent in art through
entertainment.”  He felt the first run was technically amazing but he wanted to feel that undefinable spark, the magic and joy of fully expressed emotion through entertainment. It wasn’t just about a smile, but about absolute commitment to artistic expression. With another hour to rehearse, the dancers performed a second time. This time they performed “all out”. A high energy 80’s dance number had all the dancers trying to catch their breath. Marshall has invested so much of himself to make ME Dance, the premiere dance company in Central Florida. That takes plenty of blood sweat and tears. As I left around 11PM, the dancers were still hard at work. Art isn’t easy.

Show Times:

November 23, 2012 – 8pm

November 24, 2012 – 8pm

November 25, 2012 – 7:30pm

Ticket Prices:
$20 General Admission 

Venue:
John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, The Mandell Theatre
Orlando Shakespeare Theater 812 E. Rollins St. Orlando, FL 32803

Phantasmagoria

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I went to a dress rehearsal for Empty Space Theater Company’s, Phantasmagoria III in the Patron’s Room at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. The circular room was magically transformed into a circus ring. Suspended below the circular dome was a circular screen which was used for projections. The rehearsal began with a 7PM fight choreography session. Even rehearsed at 1/4 speed, the sword fight was strangely menacing in the small space.

John DiDona, the director, then circled up all the actors to hold hands before a complete run through of the show. He told the cast, “Every story is important. We are dangerous, we have seen to much.” Someone shouted, “Merde!”, or was it “Murder? The room went dark as actors took their places. Two clowns in simple black suits began wrestling with boxes in the ring to comic effect. John let me know that this was the 13 minute pre-show that went on as the audience filtered in.

The Phantasmagoria cast tells some of the classic horror stories incorporating music, dance, puppetry and drama to sinister effect. The Tell Tale Heart, by Edgar Allan Poe made great use of projections on the overhead screen with chipped wall paint patterns and then  giant eye as the narrator discussed the cold blooded, highly thought out plot to kill his neighbor, an old man. The whole cast recreated the sound of the heart with guttural verbalization. It was creepy. The Cold Embrace told the tale off an artist who fell in and out of love with a cousin. Heart broken, the cousin died and then returned to haunt the fickle artist, embracing him with her invisible cold fingers.

The dark show was filled with dancing skeletons, a giant bloodthirsty wolf and beings in the darkness that were hard to identify. The ringmaster was barefooted, because corpses are barefooted in the morgue, Brittany Wine explained. Characters at times stood behind me as they whispered their lines sending a chill down my spine. The circular room is intimate, small, with no room to escape. These were classic tales told with drama and effect. Now in it’s third year, the show keeps growing and evolving along with it’s characters, each of whom had a dark painful back-story.

When: October 12-31st,  8:30 p.m.

Venue: Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Patron’s Room

Address: 812 E. Rollins St.

Phone: (407) 328-9005

Web Site: http://www.redchairproject.com

Price: $20

Spring Awakening

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I decided to finally post this sketch because a dear friend Jeremy Seghers left Orlando to go to New York City. Jeremy directed two productions of Spring Awakening in Orlando and he was always open to the idea of letting an artist sketch the process. He invited me to the auditions for Spring Awakening and I watched the halls of the Orlando Shakespeare Theater fill with young hopeful actors. The first production was a direct staging of the original play set in a turn of the century German high school. The second production was to be based on a Broadway musical adaptation.

I heard a young girl singing in the woman’s room. For most of the actors, this was a chance to chat and catch up of theater gossip. There was a woman seated at a table and she took names. Actors were to have a musical number ready to sing. The pianist hadn’t arrived yet, so actors that had musical accompaniment on a CD moved to the top of the list. When they entered the theater, I could barely hear their muffled singing from my vantage point in the hall. Some actors left the auditition feeling elated that they had nailed their performance while others had doubts. Even so, art is a fickle process and a directors choice involves more variables than just talent.

Shakespeare Gala

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Terry and I were invited to the Shakespeare Gala by our lawyer, Keith Hesse. I quickly set up at one of the tables and started sketching this couple enjoying champagne and food from local restaurants. The circular Patrons Room had all of the silent auction items. At the end of the evening I noticed that none of the art work had sold. Jeff Ferree who works in the Shakes scenic shop stopped by my table to say hello. It turns out he was the model who posed in the red t-shirt and ruffled collar for the Shakespeare poster in my sketch. I asked him to stick his tongue out to verify his identity. Betsy Dye who does the graphics for the Shakes said hello as well. She acted as a spotter during the live auction.

There was a live auction later in the evening and all told, over one hundred thousand dollars was raised to help support the theater. I showed a sketchbook to Harriet Lake and I was pleased that she took delight in flipping through the pages. I let her know that I had sketched her reading Catcher in the Rye and she responded, “So you are that guy?!”  Actors quickly acted out a scene from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. Delivered like a fast paced sports commentary the scenes were witty but I’m not fluent in all the plays, so some references slipped past me. The Shakes staff are fun and vibrant.