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!

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!

Mike Besaw from Onomatopoeia tells us how they got involved with the Mud Flappers.

Live music propels the flights of fancy and down-to-earth peregrinations of a hardscrabble hobo. You'll giggle, squeal, and sniffle. Featuring The Mud Flapper Band. Onomatopoeia: sounds like fun.

Two remaining shows in the Red Venue -- http://orlandofringe.org/node/926
5/27 FRI 11:55PM
5/28 SAT 8:50PM

Melanie stars in My Pal Izzie, featuring the music of Irving Berlin -- http://www.melaniegall.com/Izzy

http://orlandofringe.org/node/900
Irving Berlin, well-known as the composer of 'White Christmas', is one of America's most famous composers. However, not many people know of Berlin's early life and of his struggle to succeed. From a young immigrant just off the boat from Russia to one of the shining lights of Tin Pan Alley, Irving's story is fascinating. This show contains some of Berlin's best early songs, from 'Don't Take Your Beau to the Seashore' to 'If You Don't Want My Peaches'.

Sisterscene is a theatre company from Alberta, Canada and New York, NY. They will be presenting shows at 7 Fringe festivals this year, including Toronto, London and Vancouver.

Orange Venue
5/19 THU 6:00PM
5/21 SAT 1:30PM
5/22 SUN 7:40PM
5/23 MON 10:30PM
5/24 TUE 9:05PM