Yes, It's finally here! That is to say, Orlando Fringe is here. I would like to present the following list in no particular order, even though it says "top 5". This is also based on my experience of day 1, not of everything about the day.

• ONEymoon - $11 - Brown - starring the hilarious (and tap-dancing) Canadian Christel Bartelse, following her alter ego Caroline on her dating escapades and her honeymoon of one to the Islands after making a commitment to... herself. The premise of this show was not exciting to me, but the execution is top-notch, and this one will draw some fans.
• Medicine - $11 - Yellow - TJ Dawe, whose shows are always based on real life, where he talks about self-discovery on a Peruvian tea, complete with Shamans. This would have been even more awesome if he had not run over time. That's what I get for attending opening night. The Fringe runs on time. Remember that there is no late entry, no refunds or exchanges, and no re-entry once the doors have closed.
• Sangria Soda - $2 - sold by the pizza vendor in the corner of the Green Lawn of Fabulousness
• Wood Fired Pizza - $10 - several varieties available, though I don't remember seeing any with meat. We tried the Margherita and the Four Cheese Pesto. Each pizza is a 10-12 inch thin personal pizza. This is one of 4 such mobile wood-burning ovens in the state, and I'm told.
• Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly "Clouds" - $5 - from Peg and Pete's food truck. If you are a Cloud Virgin, you are in for a treat. This basket of 5 fluffy-crispy-gooey confections is possible to share, but not easy once you've taken the first bite. Also, something called a Cloud has got to be light on the calories, right? ;-)

You'll notice that both shows I saw are from out of town (out of the US, in fact). Here's a tip: go to see any National or International act on the opening weekend of the festival, (that is, people who are not from Florida or the US). The great ones will all sell out next week, as word of mouth spreads. You can be ahead of the curve by taking a chance on an out-of-towner!

The 2012 Fringe Festival Producer tells us all that is new at the 21st Orlando Fringe, and shares his Fringe Crush.

Lots of news!

• Billboard Campaign
• Fringe First Fridays
• National / International Preview Opening Night replaces the gala
• Family Friendly and Mature Preview April 16th
• Kids Fringe at the Manello Museum (across the street from the Green)
• New Orlando Fringe Website
• Documentary Film about Fringe is being made
• 80 shows - more than ever
• Expanded Outdoor Stage - featuring local Bands
• Miss Hiccup returns with Osara Soup

The official 2012 website reveal video for the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival (originally shown at the 2012 Fab Fringe Fundraiser at Hard Rock Live Orlando). http://OrlandoFringe.org

Design and video by GRIN Digital (http://GrinDigital.com)

Dewey and Douglas, owners of "Screw You Entertainment," announce the winners of the 2012 Sassy Sponsorship Awards.

Congrats to Cole Nesmith and Jeff Feree for the honor!

Zombie theme at Fringe this year? What!

Paul Strickland (who is HERE at 2011 Fringe!!) from Any Title That Works

Venue: Patron Room   Length: 60 minutes

Synopsis: "A new show from the creator of 'A Brighter Shade of Blue.' 'Strickland has terrific timing and a way with words...' -- Elizabeth Maupin"

Sarah Carey from The Booyah

Venue: Green Venue

Synopsis: From the group that brought previous fringe hits Reefer Madness The Musical and Debbie Does Dallas The Musical comes this hilarious new comedy of a party gone horribly wrong.

Chase Padgett from Superman Drinks

Venue: Orange Venue   Length: 60 minutes

Synopsis: What makes a hero a hero? Is it super strength or telekinesis or something more? Find out in this heartwarming and hilarious look and what "super" really is.

Cody Bush from Squatters

Venue: Brown Venue   Length: 30 minutes

Synopsis: Imagine the kids from Growing Pains or Family Ties growing up, becoming successful and losing everything. It's Arrested Development meets Noises Off meets Curb Your Enthusiasm with 7 different episodes!

Kevin Sigman from Pandemonium

Venue: Yellow Venue   Length: 60 minutes

Synopsis: A modern musical theatre mash up based on the epic poem, Paradise Lost, including improvisational dance and visual art. You may think you know the story but, you don't!

George is the General Manager for the 2011 Orlando Fringe