I hung up the phone and sat down on my computer to google "Orlando Fringe". I couldn't help but ask myself what I'd just agreed to attend. Intriguing, yes, but a website with pictures of men in drag and promises of being "100% uncensored" made clear to me that the possibilities were wide open. Its very name--Fringe--at once captured flamboyancy, mystery, and a sense of being on the outskirts of societal norms. Off I drove to meet my friend and see "Serious Theatre".

Show: Serious Theatre
Venue: Green Venue (Tupperware Theatre at Orlando Repertory Theatre)
Times: May 21 - 3:25pm; May 22 - 9:20pm; May 23 - 11:15pm; May 25 - 7:40pm; May 26 - 6:05pm; May 27 - 3:25pm; May 28 - 12:00pm
Tickets: $8
Rating: PG-13, unless you don't mind your child being exposed to mild swearing and sexual suggestion, and are prepared to answer the question, "Daddy, what is a 'vagina' and why is it dancing?"
Recommended for: anyone wanting comedic relief. Very recommended.

I found myself walking into a very small theatre which seemed to reinforce an expectation for an amateur performance. Soon the lights dimmed; the production used black light effects recurrently. Nothing could be seen but a series of letter signs, carried by performers made invisible by their black attire, which were to display the name of the show but instead were "accidentally" scrambled to dirty results.

In stark contrast to this bit of silliness, a wheelchair-bound man (Joe Belina) was next brought into the spotlight and proceeded to give a humorous introduction via computer voice software attached to his wheelchair. The audience seemed a bit perplexed, and the laughter received was not as hearty.

The show went right on as it would continue to do at a clipping pace, alternating between videos of mock commercials--a favorite advertised the Amish production of Chicago--and various skits. Skits ranged from fairy tales to drama to dancing, and utilized puppets, costumes, props, and audience participation, all suggesting to me what experimental theatre has been in a gently mocking manner. Some segments were a bit inexplicable, save that they were simply one eclectic piece in a hodgepodge of experimental theatre. However, one didn't have much time to wonder "What was that about?" before the next piece began in this well-paced show. Particularly well done was a mimed performance involving a lonely man and his blow-up doll, and the finale skit of a gluttonous orchestra. I'd label these "not to be missed".

I may have walked in with low expectations, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I won't even use the word "amateur" again--it may have been low-budget, but it was very well-rehearsed and entertaining. Although it raised some questions with mildly offensive material--Is it okay to laugh at the disabled? Blacks making black jokes?--mostly it was upbeat, lighthearted fluff.

I always say I dislike comedy because so much of it fails to amuse me. However, I have to admit that this show not only peppered my face with smiles but elicited actual laughs--and often. I found the humor juvenile-- but I can't say that I didn't chuckle. Judging by all their laughter I'd say the audience agreed with my assessment: very funny and very entertaining.