FRINGE: Down the Rabbit Hole

Posted on by Thor

Down the Rabbit Hole produced by Empty Pocket of Portland, Maine was an adorable dance rendition of the classic Alice in Wonderland tales.

As the audience entered the theater, props were lying about on the stage for each of the characters. There was a top hat and scarf for instance for the mad hatter. The rabbit had ears that could rise upward with the pill of a string.

Alice of course dominated the dancing in many of the scenes and I was intrigued by the smooth movements of the field mouse who clearly had classical ballet training. Any time the field mouse scurried on the stage I had to watch and struggle to get a sketch.

The white rabbit was the other character that accompanied Alice dancing through all the scenes. He added a definite touch of humor to the proceedings. The Queen of Hearts did make an appearance but she wasn’t particularly menacing.

I wasn’t trying too follow any story line since there was no dialogue. I just enjoyed the playful dance routines. Overall it was a fun 45 minutes of dance.

Grim and Fisher was part mime, part puppetry and pure magic.

Posted on by Thor

Grim and Fisher produced by Wonderheads from Portland Oregon was in the Silver Venue at this years Orlando International Fringe Festival. They were the creators of last years Fringe hit Loon, so my expectations were high.

Grim and Fisher was an epic showdown between a dour faced Grim Reaper and a lively and determined granny. The set consisted of a simple rocking chair and a side table with a tiny box on top of it. Much of the first act consisted of the Granny messing with a repairman who came to her apartment to repair her TV. When he needed to use the bathroom, he was surprised because every time he touched the door, loud farts would emanate from inside. I guess this established the granny as an “old fart” but when she came out holding a whoopee cushion is also established her as having a sense of humor.

When Grim comes for the old lady, she doesn’t go willingly. When she gives him the tiny box, he is won over when he discovers it is a music box. He forgets his job and shows his more human side for a moment. It reminded me of the food critic’s scene when he tastes the rats sumptuous food for the first time. The granny puts her former husband’s coat on Grim and they dance.

When Grim realizes he has a job to do, the old lady battles for her life. In the end she does walk towards the light perhaps finally reunited with her long lost husband. The show for me wasn’t as magical as Loon. I knew from the start that death always wins. It made the battle to live a little sad.