Well, the Danielles have been seeing as many shows as we can at Fringe this year, but in between seeing shows and doing our own show, CAPS LOCK: The Musical, we haven't had tons of time to blog. Fail. But, here are a few words on some of the things we've seen so far:
Chlamydia dell'Arte: A Sex-Ed Burlesque (Performance Works): a combination of standup confessionals, video interviews, dance interludes, and a fantastically terrifying vagina puppet. A little bit disjointed, a lot outrageous and ribald. Not for the faint of heart, but you'll laugh, even if it's just out of shock!
Underbelly (Waterfront): A one-man, trip-hoppy, stream of consciousness meander through the life of beat poet William S. Burroughs. "Cameos" by Jack Kerouac and Allan Ginsberg. An impressive, thought-provoking performance by Jayson McDonald.
Burnt at the Steak (Performance Works): One-woman show about an "Italian Texas Rose" who moves to New York to pursue a career on Broadway, but ends up managing a downtown steakhouse. Carolann Valentino plays herself, her psychic mother, and the entire staff and clientele of the steakhouse. There are a few standard songs that she's re-written the lyrics to, but the show doesn't need them - it's a success just based on her hilarious impersonations, and frankly she's a much better actor than singer. This show has won Best of Fringe at just about every festival this summer, and it's fun. Nothing too deep, just pure comedy and entertainment.
Romance (CBC Studios): Queer Arts Society's take on David Mamet's courtroom drama is a hit. It's offensive to just about every religion, race and sexual demographic you can think of, everyone's angry, and everyone says "Fuck you" alot. In other words, it's awesome. Brian Hinson as the Judge high on allergy medication steals the show.
Fishbowl (Performance Works): Mark Shyzer plays four seemingly unrelated characters - a geeky schoolgirl, a depressed teenage boy named Raven, an old man nearing death, and a woman who is having difficulty coming to terms with the upcoming marriage of her gay ex-husband. Hilarious and poignant.
Zanna, Don't (CBC Studios): The latest from Awkward Stage Productions, this musical features an all-youth cast - the oldest has just turned 20. Imagine a world where gay is the norm, and there is on-going debate about whether "heteros" should be allowed in the military and the school board bans a hetero couple from going to prom. Zanna, Don't is a witty, fluffy piece of pop musical fun and the youth cast sing and dance their hearts out.
Riverview High (Firehall): The buzz about this show started in...oh, JANUARY and audiences are loving it. A modern take on the Archie-Betty-Veronica love triangle, with sly references to other comic book characters. Alex has to decide who to take to prom - will it be sexy Erica Snodge or girl-next-door Cathy? A fantastically talented cast, great voices, and great choreography by Dawn Ewen.
Well, that's it from us for now. 4 more days of Fringe, lots more to see, plus two more performances of CAPS LOCK, which has been selling out every night, which we're thrilled about. Friday night's show is sold out, but we have a final show on Saturday afternoon at 2:20 and there are still some tickets available. Visit the Fringe website to book your tickets.
Chlamydia dell'Arte: A Sex-Ed Burlesque (Performance Works): a combination of standup confessionals, video interviews, dance interludes, and a fantastically terrifying vagina puppet. A little bit disjointed, a lot outrageous and ribald. Not for the faint of heart, but you'll laugh, even if it's just out of shock!
Underbelly (Waterfront): A one-man, trip-hoppy, stream of consciousness meander through the life of beat poet William S. Burroughs. "Cameos" by Jack Kerouac and Allan Ginsberg. An impressive, thought-provoking performance by Jayson McDonald.
Burnt at the Steak (Performance Works): One-woman show about an "Italian Texas Rose" who moves to New York to pursue a career on Broadway, but ends up managing a downtown steakhouse. Carolann Valentino plays herself, her psychic mother, and the entire staff and clientele of the steakhouse. There are a few standard songs that she's re-written the lyrics to, but the show doesn't need them - it's a success just based on her hilarious impersonations, and frankly she's a much better actor than singer. This show has won Best of Fringe at just about every festival this summer, and it's fun. Nothing too deep, just pure comedy and entertainment.
Romance (CBC Studios): Queer Arts Society's take on David Mamet's courtroom drama is a hit. It's offensive to just about every religion, race and sexual demographic you can think of, everyone's angry, and everyone says "Fuck you" alot. In other words, it's awesome. Brian Hinson as the Judge high on allergy medication steals the show.
Fishbowl (Performance Works): Mark Shyzer plays four seemingly unrelated characters - a geeky schoolgirl, a depressed teenage boy named Raven, an old man nearing death, and a woman who is having difficulty coming to terms with the upcoming marriage of her gay ex-husband. Hilarious and poignant.
Zanna, Don't (CBC Studios): The latest from Awkward Stage Productions, this musical features an all-youth cast - the oldest has just turned 20. Imagine a world where gay is the norm, and there is on-going debate about whether "heteros" should be allowed in the military and the school board bans a hetero couple from going to prom. Zanna, Don't is a witty, fluffy piece of pop musical fun and the youth cast sing and dance their hearts out.
Riverview High (Firehall): The buzz about this show started in...oh, JANUARY and audiences are loving it. A modern take on the Archie-Betty-Veronica love triangle, with sly references to other comic book characters. Alex has to decide who to take to prom - will it be sexy Erica Snodge or girl-next-door Cathy? A fantastically talented cast, great voices, and great choreography by Dawn Ewen.
Well, that's it from us for now. 4 more days of Fringe, lots more to see, plus two more performances of CAPS LOCK, which has been selling out every night, which we're thrilled about. Friday night's show is sold out, but we have a final show on Saturday afternoon at 2:20 and there are still some tickets available. Visit the Fringe website to book your tickets.
