Archive for Recommendations

05.24.08

2008 Patron’s Picks at the Fringe

Posted in Ryan, Recommendations, Blogs, Patron's Pick at 1:39 pm by Ryan

Patron’s Pick is the only accolade our Fringe Festival bestows on shows, whether local or out of town. I think all of the Picks this year will end up being local, which is a crying shame. I should check previous years and see if out of town shows have earned this honor in the past.

Patron’s Pick day is great - you have the day off of work, you have already sort of seen everything you want to, and you’re also not rushing from one venue to the next and worried about scheduling things, because there is only one show playing at any given time - this makes parking a bit easier, too, from what I can remember.

Genevieve says in today’s newsletter:

Here are the Patron’s Pick winners and their performance times on Monday. We are still waiting on Blue and Brown, as it is a very tight race! As soon as we know, it will be posted on www.orlandofringe.org!

Yellow Venue: Skip Peril and the Players of the Lost Trunk, 10:15 am

Fringe Fundraiser: T.J. Dawe’s The Slip-Knot, a benefit for the Fringe, 11:30 am in the Orange Venue

Red Venue: Alice in Wonderland, 1:15 pm

Green Venue: Dysfunctional Fables, 2:20 pm

Orange Venue: When Pigs Fly at 3:30, pm

Silver Venue: Reefer Madness, 4:20 pm

Pink Venue: Here Be Dragons, 10:00 pm

05.23.08

Final Weekend of Fringe

Posted in Ryan, Reviews, Events, Recommendations, Blogs, MetroMix at 9:14 am by Ryan

Only 3 more days! (plus Patron’s Pick Day) Looks like When Pigs Fly and Alice in Wonderland have already been announced as Patron’s Picks for their venues, which sort of makes sense. If you’re interested in supporting the Fringe AND seeing TJ Dawe, check out Monday morning at 11:30, when TJ will be performing the Slip Knot.

As we rolled into the weekend last night with some light rain and lots of folks crowding the Shakespeare Center, I noticed three college-looking kids soliciting people for photographs. I walked up to tell them about Blogging Fringe, and it turned out they were the Orlando Metromix “SHOCK SQUAD”! Is Metromix the Sentinel one, that’s going to be changing their name? It’s not CityBeat, is it? It’s one of those. I went to see what coverage they had of the festival, and it was exactly one article - recommendations based on watching the preview. Also, no comments allowed. They asked me to link to them, and in hopes that they link back, here we go.

Check out Orlando Metromix’s Fringe Photoset - lots of familiar faces in there.

Last night, I lost my festival program. Normally no big deal, but this was different - I had written all sorts of notes in my program, marked down page numbers of shows, kept my tickets inside, and started to feel like my program was a treasured item - sort of like a stuffed animal or something, now lost. I checked the Brown Venue, the Blue Venue, the Ticket Booth, and the Garbage Can too, but my program was gone. I went to the box office to get some tickets re-printed ( handy reason for using credit card or the internet to buy your tickets), and proceeded to go through the tickets I did have with the volunteer to make sure I wasn’t missing any others.

Apparently, I’ve seen a lot of shows:

  1. A Brief History of Petty Crime
  2. American Squatter
  3. Boom
  4. *Flamenco con Fusion 08
  5. Galapagos: The Directors Cut
  6. *Mark Baratelli
  7. Move!
  8. MR. FOX
  9. *Mr. Marmalade
  10. On Second Thought
  11. *once upon a time: The End
  12. Oral
  13. Parlour Games
  14. perfectly broken
  15. Power To Pleasing: The Sex Lives of Teenage Girls
  16. *Red, White, and Ignorant: An American Love Story
  17. Shadows In Bloom
  18. Skip Peril and the Players of the Lost Trunk
  19. *Swell
  20. The Boy’s Own Jedi Handbook
  21. *The Bric-a-Brac Vagabond Vintage Variety Show
  22. The Cody Rivers Show presents: Stick to Glue
  23. The Greg Barris Heart of Darkness Rock and Roll Circus
  24. *The Screw You Revue: Déjà vu
  25. *The Slipknot: A Benefit for the Orlando Fringe
  26. Totem Figures
  27. TV iMature
  28. *Wet
  29. When Pigs Fly

* Indicates shows I have not seen, but I have a ticket for.

All of these shows (that I have seen) are awesome. Go see them all. If I could only tell you three, I would include The Cody Rivers Show, On Second Thought and Boom (not in that order). I would say Power to Pleasing, but it’s sold out. I continue to tell folks that if they haven’t seen any dance, they MUST go - we always have great dance at this festival, and I’m seeing all of the 5 dance shows this year. Lastly, (not leastly) if you’ve never seen TJ Dawe, Barry Smith, Jimmy Hogg, Greg Landucci, Gemma Wilcox or any of the other out-of-town monologists (like Paul Hutcheson from On Second Thought, mentioned earlier), they are all worth your time and money. This is also not counting Patron’s Pick day, where I plan to see some shows that have floated to the top, but I managed to miss. It should be a fun experience.

What was also a fun experience was getting a random contact from some folks from Rake Theatre down in Boynton Beach - they’re putting on Fluency this week at the Fringe. Apparently, they are wanting to start an all-Florida arts blog - a very ambitious project. I have about 3 such very ambitious projects in my head, in the works with locals, or I at least own the domain name for them.

The South Florida folks’ project is called, of all things, Florida Arts Blog, which is a Wordpress.com site right now, but for some reason the posts about Fringe have disappeared… ::shrug:: Something and someone to watch in the coming weeks and months. I am trying to sell them on Florida Creatives myself, blogging can come later. They’ve also got a link to Mark’s Orlando Arts Blog up there… I wonder if they’ve been emailing him too…?

Other things happening this weekend would be:

Orlando Silent Rave (see a video)
Saturday, May 24th, 5:24PM @ the Green Lawn of Fabulosity

Kite Flying 2.0 with Radio Rickshaw and Greg Barris
Sunday, May 25th 11AM - 5PM @ the Green Lawn on Drunkenness

Zombie March 3.7 with Rich Weirdos and Friends
Saturday, May 24th @ 3PM Park Ave and 5PM Lake Eola

If you know of more cool stuff, leave a comment and we’ll get it listed.

05.20.08

TJ Dawe Sells His Body for Charity

Posted in Announcements, Recommendations, Blogs, Patron's Pick at 3:50 pm by Ryan

Looks like TJ will be doing a special one-time-only show on Monday (Patron’s Pick Day) to directly benefit the Orlando Fringe Festival.

The Slip-Knot
Orange Venue in the Orlando Shakespeare Center
Monday, May 26th, Patron’s Pick Day
11:30AM
90 minute show

All proceeds go to Orlando Fringe!

This reminds me of something I read in a comment on Elizabeth Maupin’s blog recently. The question was “What’s Fab About the Fringe?”

I have been sitting on answer this question. One so seemingly simple. If I were asked this for an interview my answer would be -Everything. It is life to me.

But here- I will tell you a story…opening day from my end was more challenging than all my past 4yrs. of producing the festival or my previous 6 as an artist/producer within. The reasons are irrelevant. However, I was able to miraculously catch TJ Dawe’s show- Totem Figures which speaks in part directly about his life as a Fringe artist. It hit home hard.

At the end of his show (much needed for me to see at that very moment) I hugged him and said…”thanks for telling our story”. he replied( in true TJ fashion)…”thanks for giving me a place to tell it.”

At that moment…all my troubles went away :)

Posted by: Beth

Sandra’s Fringe Tips

Posted in Video, Recommendations at 12:36 am by Ryan

iLoveMountains.org

05.16.08

Orlando Fringe Begins!

Posted in Ryan, Recommendations, Recaps, Blogs at 5:35 pm by Ryan

Last night was the first day of shows for the 2008 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, and I must say the Fringe has got a lot of great stuff going on! So many wonderful shows, both from Orlando regulars and some new folks as well - there’s even a show that takes place in the women’s bathroom! No matter what happens at this year’s festival, you’ll be sure to find daily updates at http://www.bloggingfringe.com

First thing you’ll notice is that the size of “The Green” has about tripled in size, with the Beer Tent remaining the center of attention. Because of the Fringe Membership drive and the special treatment for VIP members, beer/wine tickets are now $4 each, but I’ve seen some folks getting $1 off with their badges.

I saw Voci Dance’s “Perfectly Broken” at the Red (outdoor) Venue at the Orlando Shakes (the old beer tent location, and I think this is such a great use of this space! Even if the conflicts with the Orlando REP are resolved next year, I still would love to see this extra venue stick around or replace the old Red Venue, which was so tiny and hard to find.

Voci didn’t disappoint either, with an all-new show - lots of solos, more dance pieces that tell short stories over the course of two or three pieces, a live two-piece band and some really amazing dancing. I also liked the “Vocitini” table they had set up outside.

Some cool things to check out are Tod Caviness’ Poetry Vending Machine - $5 gets you a custom-written poem by one of the poets in residence. Also check out the Saturday night Poetry Smackdown events.

Another interesting addition is the Digi-Dada Theatre - Mark Biddle from The Office Art Gallery has written a series of short skits for Fringe Patrons to perform on camera in his mini-TV studio at the Shakes Fest, and he will be compiling the clips into a longer surreal piece to show off sometime soon.

Check out both Tod and Mark talking up their respective projects over at bloggingfringe.com/category/video/

I also went to the opening night of Gemma Wilcox’s “Shadows in Bloom”, which feels like a prequel to last year’s “The Honeymoon Period is Officially Over”. I’d like to ask Gemma and see what she has to say about this. Lots more characters, and lots more Gemma!

We are just getting started, but there is one more thing I’d like to mention - anyone and everyone has the ability to get their 15 minutes in this year, thanks to Blogging Fringe. I will be syndicating blogs - it’s simple and you get to keep all the publicity! Just send me a link to your blog or your blog’s feed - I’ll filter out posts that mention the Fringe Festival and re-post them to Blogging Fringe. When people check out the most recent posts on the site or do a search, they’ll see your posts, but when they click the links, they are directed to your blog, so you get to keep all the comments and maybe make some new friends in the process. Contact me through www.BloggingFringe.com or MySpace/Facebook to get listed as a Contributor.

Last but not least, come join the Florida Creatives on Monday for a visit to the beer tent and some socializing - we’ll be there from 6PM until 7:30, then we’ll head to the Shakes for Barry Smith’s show, American Squatter.

Hope to see you all out at Loch Haven Park this week! Happy Fringe!

05.14.08

May is a Kickass Month for Arts Events in Orlando

Posted in General Fringe Info, Ryan, Events, Recommendations, Music, Blogs at 11:31 pm by Ryan

Why is May such a great month for holding events? Sure, for our Northern friends, it means the end of bad weather, the opening of roller coaster parks, and a change in the scenery as the trees and flowers start to show their summer colors, but here in Florida, it’s more like the start of the summer’s hot, humid, rainy monotony, the arrival of the tourists, time-share owners, kids on summer vacation, religious zealots protesting Gay Days, and of course, bad drivers in rental cars.

The main reason I look forward to May every year is the arrival of the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival (Thursday the 15th through Monday the 26th). Every year, theatre companies, dancers, comedians, clowns, musicians, improv actors, writer/directors, solo acts and large ensembles, exuberant teenagers and road-hardened veterans alike grace Loch Haven Park with their creativity and energy, and Orlando gives every ounce of it (and more) back to them as many of the national and international acts begin their Canadian Fringe circuit, which brings them to a new city every two weeks. Show prices range from free (as in free software) to $10, and all shows require the one-time purchase of a $6 festival button - 100% of your ticket money goes to the artist. This is one of the only unjuried, uncensored events I know of in Orlando outside of a few open-mic nights, and even some of those are passing judgment on the performers (the other best example here is BarCamp).

18 months ago, I started gathering a group of my friends together every third Monday of the month for an event called Florida Creatives Happy Hour (Monday the 19th, 6PM @ Loch Haven Park). Now, those original 8 friends are hardly in the same room, but the group has grown to something resembling a small political party representing the creative professionals and hobbyists here in Central Florida (with a group getting started in Jacksonville as I write this). This month’s Florida Creatives falls during the Fringe Festival, so at 6PM on the 19th we will be descending upon their “Green Lawn of Fabulousness” to have a beer and some soul food and socialize. At 7:45, we will be attending American Squatter, starring Barry Smith, the creator of last year’s sell-out hit Jesus in Montana. Tickets are $10 plus your $6 Fringe button.

Despite the fact that Fringe starts on the same day every year, another festival seems to think they are better than the Fringe, by starting on the exact same day. Yes, the Florida Music Festival runs Thursday the 15th through Sunday the 18th this year, at pretty much every available venue downtown. In past years, you’ve been able to buy a one-time pass that gets you in to all the shows for the whole weekend, as well as nightly passes - buying a ticket to just one show will hardly do such an event justice. The festival also has a short film as well as an art contest, check these out too if you can find the time in between all of the other events happening at the exact same time.

What other events? How about that bizarre craft bazaar held semi-bi-anually at Stardust Video & Coffee, Grandma Party? (Saturday the 17th, 10AM to Sunset) For some reason they opted out of celebrating Earth Day in favor of overlapping with FMF and Fringe this year - the reason why is left as homework for the reader. Actually, if you find out, please try to explain this one to me too. At G-ma Party, you’ll not only find loads of handmade goods, like the cereal-and-eggs inspired work of the Breakfast Bunch, but trendy t-shirts, buckets of buttons, live music by some of Orlando’s best local bands (at least those who are friends with the festival organizers), a bal-looney community pool, and of course rummage piles and raffles.

Not as culturally significant, but still worth a mention, the second ever Florida Drupal User Group meeting will be held at the offices of MindComet in Maitland this Saturday (May 17th, 1PM). Check out the event and any follow-up at groups.drupal.org/florida.

Still more to come in this round-up of events, because I couldn’t write such a blog post without mentioning the Corazon Art and Music Festival being held at the Orlando Brewing Company (Sunday the 18th, starts 1PM, All Day). As I’m writing this I don’t have access to any listings, but I know tickets are $5, and I can give a serious recommendation, as this event is being thrown by Robert and Jonathan from Gamble Records, the folks who brought us the ELLA Music Festival in October. I expect you will see lots of singer-songwriter type acts, and you can trust Robert Johnson’s rolodex to bring you some great music (and art?).

There must be more happening during the next two weeks, but isn’t that enough? Of course, we can’t forget about this Friday (May 16th, 8AM-11AM) and the Likemind Orlando coffee meetup at the Lake Eola Panera Bread. This month there will be free coffee and hopefully a few free copies of a book called Murketing - I don’t have a lot of details about it, but I know the publishers of the book are sponsoring the coffee and snacks all over the US, so they get serious props.

If I’m missing anything here, please leave a shout-out, and I’ll try to include it in the next bulletin. Until next time, have a great May!

01.16.08

From the mind of Beth Marshall

Posted in Reviews, Events, MySpace, Recommendations, Blogs, Auditions at 4:18 pm by Ryan

In Beth’s latest MySpace blog, she leaves a review for the play currently at the Parliament House’s Lightfoot Theater The Little Dog Laughed (directed by David Lee).

Beth praises the Parliament House, saying “No other bar in town has been anywhere near as successful in doing so to showcase theatre.”

She also gives us a great run-down of what to expect from the community in the next month.

Upcoming Things to do, audition for, see, participate in etc…

On a daily basis- please vote for Jamesson so he can be the Universe’s Prettiest&Smartest Model~

Vote for Raven to be on- How To Look good Naked~

Join me at GLO tomorrow nite [Monday the 15th] for the VIP preview (and presentation of my iPHONE) at The Wayburn Sassy’s SCREW YOU REVIEW on I-DRIVE~ let me know if you want to come!!! Show is at 6:30pm.

Sign up to Audition for Tod Kimbro’s new Sci-Fi Musical Rock spectacular produced by me, directed by John Didonna, choreography by BLUE on Jan. 19th -email me at producer@orlandofringe.org to book an appointment.
Show is July 11-22nd at Orlando Shakes!

Go to PLAYFEST begining Feb. 8th at Orlando Shakes!
(I highly recommend OPUS)

Come see Play-In-A-Day produced by me at PLAYFEST on Feb. 11th at 7pm.

Come to my Fringe Yapinars at PLAYFEST- How to Produce a Fringe Show 101 and How To Tour the Fringe Circuit 102 on Sunday the 10th and Sunday the 17th at 2pm.

SAVE THE DATE FOR FAB FRINGE- MONDAY MARCH 3rd at Orlando Shakes!~

Now back to packing and if I am lucky- I will sneak out and see JUNO tonite [Sunday].

Ps- If you want to buy and ad in The Fringe program-now is the time!

01.07.08

Ryan Price and Julie Norris on Front Porch Radio

Posted in Interviews, Ryan, Podcasts, Recommendations, WPRK 91.5 at 5:29 am by Ryan

Download the podcast

Julie hosts new locals only show on WPRK 91.5 | Dandelion Communitea Cafe

Front Porch is a weekly radio show hosted by Julie Norris, Proprietor of Dandelion Communitea Cafe, and focuses on all things local. Each week features a different guest making a difference locally with eclectic blends of local music and various ramblings about what is happening in OurLando.

Tune your dial to WPRK 91.5 or listen online at wprkdj.org every Wednesday at noon.

Front Porch Radio is now a podcast as well.

11.27.07

A Night with the Girls 2

Posted in Ryan, Events, Sentinel, Recommendations, Orlando Sentinel, Fundraisers at 5:16 am by Ryan

Our good friend and the website producer for the Orlando Fringe, Mark Baratelli, has returned from his tour of I Love a Piano, and he’s organizing another night of cabaret to benefit a local charity. I’m so sorry I missed the last event, because I love the female voice, but I won’t be missing this one for sure. Look for some more updates from Blogging Fringe as the event draws closer.

Here’s a copy of the event info from http://feeds.orlandosentinel.com/~r/entertainment/stage/theaterblog/~3/190728002/the-girls-women.html:

Last August a group of pretty swell women got together at Mad Cow Theatre to raise money to send Mark Baratelli and his show to the New York Fringe.

Now they’re back, and this time Laura Hodos, Luerne Herrera, Meghan Moroney and pianist Steve McKinnon are raising money for the Coalition for the Homeless.

Here’s the info:

Cast:
Laura Hodos
Luerne Herrera
Meghan Moroney

Pianist Steve McKinnon

Event Title:
A Night With the Girls 2

Date:
December 12, 2007

Time:
8pm

Show Length:
one hour and thirty minutes

Venue:
The Goldman Theater at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (http://www.orlandoshakes.org/)

Tickets:
$20 suggested donation to the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
Reservations: email@markbaratelli.com
Available at the door
Cash only

Produced by:
MarkBaratelli.com

11.24.07

Screwged! at Theatre Downtown

Posted in Video, Events, Recommendations at 8:57 pm by Ryan

Show: Screwged!
Company: Wayburn Sassy & Co. - Orlando, FL
Venue: Theatre Downtown
Times: 12/7 - 11:00PM, 12/8 - 11:00PM, 12/9 - 8:00PM, 12/14 - 11:00PM, 12/15 - 11:00PM, 12/16 - 8:00PM,
Tickets: $16 advance/$20 door
Rating: Mature Audiences
Phone: 407-351-5130 and leave a message

10.24.07

Orlando Puppet Festival Schedule

Posted in Ryan, Puppets, Events, Announcements, Recommendations at 3:56 pm by Ryan

Orlando Puppet Festival 2007 Calendar
Downloadable PDF

This weekend, for the third year in a row now, I will say to my fellow Fringe Fanatics “You MUST check out the Orlando Puppet Festival“. This event is not for kids (there are some family-friendly shows), but intends to expose Orlando to high-art, cutting-edge expressive puppetry. I’ve seen dozens of different types of acts, some including human actors, others with minimalist puppets, and even puppets singing cabaret.

Headlining this year’s festival are Pennsylvania’s Cashore Marionettes with “Life in Motion” and “Simple Gifts”, and Vermont’s Sandglass Theatre with “Autumn Portraits” and “Isidor’s Cheek”. If you didn’t know this, New England has a thriving puppetry community, including a school in Connecticut with great puppetry programs. We have some of our own here in the South, most notably Atlanta, which is home to the Center for Puppetry Arts.

Another highlight of the festival is Friday night’s “late night” show, “Puppets from the Edge”, NOT to be missed. This is a bit of an open-mic night for puppets, with everyone from local artists to far-off visitors showing off shorter and more experimental pieces. I have some great video of last year’s event if I can ever get some time to edit it down.

Orlando Puppet FestivalA similar type of show is the screening of “Handmade Puppet Dreams” a shorts program of puppet films collected by Heather Henson, which has toured all over the world, from India to California and everywhere in between. Don’t miss the current show at the Gallery of Avalon Island (DMAC), which features puppets from the HMPD films.

Just two more events to plug: check out a live outdoor performance of Heather’s original piece, “Panther and Crane”, inspired by her life in Florida, 8PM Sunday at Hertiage Park in front of the History Center. This play also features our sweethearts Voci Dance. Finally, there will be an OPF wrap party at the Harp and Celt, the downtown bar and restaurant just two doors down from the Mad Cow.

Props to Jamie Donmoyer and Heather for making this great festival even better this year. Multiple venues, family-friendly events (check out the Cupcake Shows), outdoors, films, parties, and of course, some of the most amazing puppetry you will ever see in this town. Order your tickets in advance and get more information by visiting OrlandoPuppetFestival.com, and I hope to see you all there!

October 26, 27, 28 @ Mad Cow Theatre and 3 other venues closeby.

09.14.07

Cabaret Party Returns

Posted in Events, Announcements, Recommendations at 3:16 am by Ryan

Luerne and Accompanist
Cabaret Party is returning to Orlando, and I’m so very happy about it!

Cabaret Party
September, 27 2007 at Mobile Mud coffeehouse
8139 Vineland Avenue, Orlando, Florida
Cost: $12 / $10 industry

That would be near Dixie Stampede.

07.02.07

Best of the Fest @ Theatre Downtown

Posted in Ryan, Events, Announcements, Recommendations at 10:58 am by Ryan

Lotsa lotsa things going on lately - changes going on at the Liberatr.net / Blogging Fringe / OrlandoScene.TV / Florida Creatives offices (my desk). Still, I can’t NOT announce this.

Theatre downtown is giving some of the best Fringe shows a chance to do an encore - not all of them, not all the patron’s picks, just whoever they asked or whoever agreed to do it - plenty of shows have other performances, like VarieTEASE at Parliament House. Anyway, lots of our Fringe favorites will be playing in early August, just a scant block away from Loch Haven Park.

Here’s the schedule:

Friday Aug. 3:
7 p.m. Screw You Revue
8:30 p.m. Zombie Girlfriend
10:30 p.m. Stupid Kids
Midnight Midnight Snack

Saturday Aug. 4
6 p.m. Midnight Snack
7:30 p.m. Stupid Kids
9:30 p.m. Screw You Revue
10:30 p.m. Zombie Girlfriend

Sunday Aug. 5
5:30 p.m. Screw You Revue
7 p.m. Midnight Snack

Thursday Aug. 9
8 p.m. Screw You Revue

Friday Aug. 10
7:30 p.m. Screw You Revue
9 p.m. Stupid Kids
10:30 p.m. Zombie Girlfriend

Saturday Aug. 11
6 p.m. Zombie Girlfriend
7:30 p.m. Stupid Kids
9 p.m. Midnight Snack
10:30 p.m. Screw You Revue

Tickets are $10 apiece. Call Theatre Downtown at 407-841-0083 for further info.

06.23.07

Hate Mail: Jester Theatre Company

Posted in Articles, Ryan, Reviews, Events, Recommendations at 1:59 am by Ryan

As I write this, Muapin is out of town… ha ha! the whole town to myself!!!

I must say that I’ve never had a face-to-face conversation with anyone involved with Hate Mail… What does this mean? Well, I think it means an un-biased attitude. OK, I have had a little interaction with the Technical Director, but I’m not sure that counts for a review.

I think the ‘gimmick’ and also one of the least important parts about this play is that every single line that is spoken is in fact part of a letter or a note… I didn’t know this going in, and it didn’t affect my perception one bit. The story is strong enough to carry the narrative along no matter what happens.

Second, you will notice the performance from the actors… I must say Act II is better and Act I, I guess because more memorization is needed? In act I, I heard David noting that he used so many adjectives that he couldn’t help but use his crib notes / props to help him remember his lines… I also talked to a performer in attendance about memorizing SO many lines without having anyone to bounce them off of… he thought it would be a boon as opposed to a challenge.

Really, I thought both performers were exceptional, especially in the context of opening night. I’m an “A for Effort” guy, but no grading curve is needed for Hate Mail - absolutely worth the $15 ($12 for students), even if parking makes it a hassle.

The set design, especially for a minimalist space like the Studio Theatre, was EXACTLY what it needed to be, not an iota more or less. I totally understood the major changes of scenery with no coaching whatsoever from the lines (although such help was available). This being my first Jester Theatre production, I’m glad Jay moved away from improv (SAK) to pursue “real theatre”.

This brings me to another point… in February the Jester Theatre Company will host its first show (the repeatedly popular Musical of Musicals: The Musical) at the new Garden Theatre in historic downtown Winter Garden… a sight to look forward to… with NO PAID PARKING.

05.29.07

Sometimes, it’s not over!

Posted in Announcements, Recommendations, Denna at 4:46 pm by denna

My friend Jason from Notco tells me that VarieTEASE is hitting the road! Good luck!! If you missed them @ the Fringe you missed a GREAT show!!! So don’t pass up the opportunities below!

And so far they’re doing a performance of past, present and future Varitease

and then 2 shows for Gaydays!
repost from Notco’s bulliten…
VarieTEASE CARNIVALE … the cult undreground hit that swept the FRINGE and emerged as the hightest attended show … transfers to the PARLIAMENT HOUSE for 2 encore presentations for GAY DAYS …

Friday and Saturday, June 1-2 @ 8pm

Tickets $10 and may be purchased at www.WANZIE.com … look to the top left for the link to the BOX OFFICE …

Don’t miss this SPECTACUAR EVENT!

OK, so now what?

Posted in Articles, Katharine, Ryan, Recommendations, Denna, Jamie, Fringe Crush at 2:51 pm by Ryan

Hot on the heels of posting about Emily’s record review, let me point you to P-Sha Productions on YouTube (which I’m sure is temporary until they get a real web site) for one. P-Sha is Denna and her friend Joey’s creative venture. You’ve seen their work in the “Little Mark” videos and Fringe Crush of course. They also did a great announcement for the Broadway Across America 07-08 Season.

Jamie is an actor currently in school and I’ll be sure to let you know when and where she’s performing this season.

One of last year’s contributors, Katharine, is currently attending art school in Toronto and keeping up with Boris and WHiRR. She’s also been producing a web comic called Robot of Leisure on and off for almost a year now.

As for myself, I have a few things I’d like to talk about. Orlando Scene TV is a brand new project I’m working on with a number of people including Fringe’s own Mark Baratelli. Orlando Video is a simple blog where I showcase online video produced locally, and anyone can submit a video. I will soon be re-launching Liberatr.net, the parent website of all my projects, with a new look and feel and loads of new features, like a local bulletin board, a Wikipedia-esque directory of local people and places, event listings, reviews, and links to stuff you want to find. Think Blogging Fringe but for all of Central Florida. The interesting thing is, it will never be complete unless the community gets involved.

Last but not least is the Florida Creatives Happy Hour. Right after I started this group I found out about a few others in town that had more history and more consistent attendance, but I really believe we need a discipline-agnostic, wide-reaching powerful group with the ability to educate, unite disparate groups, and exist independent of a government or corporation. We get together on the third Monday of every month at the Crooked Bayou in downtown Orlando (and hopefully other cities in Florida soon) to have a beer and meet up. That’s it. No agenda, no membership fee. You even get a free button! Event listings and RSVPs Upcoming.

Please keep Blogging Fringe in your subscriptions, as we’re going to do our best to keep some great content coming out here all year long, particularly for Orlando Puppet Festival this fall. We still have a few more reviews to post, a few more videos to upload and lots more reflection to do for next year. I might be trying to make it to another Fringe this summer - I’ll keep you posted.

05.28.07

Hi, We’re Blogging Fringe, and We Know Our Sh*t

Posted in Emily, Announcements, Recommendations at 4:01 am by Emily

It seems the last time we wrote a sparkling review of a then somewhat lesser known artist at Fringe, he won Patron’s Pick. (And he used our quote on his promotional materials, which drove our stock up!) I took a certain sense of pride in knowing that we had picked ourselves a winner. For me, I think when the critical voice meets the things that move people, you have truly great art. Mark Baratelli did that last year, and we congratulate him again this year for winning the Blue Venue Patron’s Pick this year, in a very tough field!

However, we wrote another sparkling review of a show that did not receive such a sparkling review in another publication. May have caused controversy, and yes, I believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion. When I have deep discussions over art and criticism with my mother, she usually says to me, “That’s why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream.” What one person loves is not for everyone. And any good critic knows that – every good critic, actually. And while I will defend critics and the critique of even shows at a non-juried event like Fringe to the end, it’s nice to say that you can pick a winner.

So we here at Blogging Fringe want to send a special congratulations to the outstanding team behind the Red Venue Patron’s Pick – Calculus: the Musical! What started out as a series of mnemonic devices to remember tricky formulas (I’m really having a Pete and Pete flashback now!) has taken this year’s Fringe by storm, with three sell-out dates and an extremely successful run. Not only that, but Sadie and Marc of Matheatre are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and so I just want to extend a special congratulations. We are proud of all of the Patron’s Picks winners, but every blog has to have a darling, I guess.

Hooray for Little Isaac!

Calculus: the Musical! will be playing in the Red Venue at 11am on Monday, May 28th.

05.25.07

VoiceMail Reviews: Murder on West 18th

Posted in Reviews, Recommendations, VoiceMail at 2:09 pm by Ryan

Download VoiceMail Review 11
fringe_2007_voice_11_murder.mp3
Length: 1:00

Paige leaves some comments for Murder on West 18th in th Red Venue. Call 321-441-3964 to leave your review.

Show: Murder on West 18th
Company: Playwright’s Round Table - Orlando, FL
Venue: Red (Orlando REP)
Times: 5/18 - 9:20PM, 5/19 - 6:30PM, 5/20 - 11:00AM, 5/23 - 7:55PM, 5/24 - 10:35PM, 5/26 - 12:55PM, 5/27 - 4:25PM
Tickets: $10 (Students, Seniors, PRT Members $8)
Rating: Mature Audiences (nudity, language)

Thank you to Cervo Systems and the Detroit Creative Group for providing bandwidth and hosting for Blogging Fringe.

The file is just an MP3 - no iPod is required to listen to this show, although that is a popular way to enjoy podcasts. We have also made our feed available for easy linking to iTunes or other feed readers.

VoiceMail Reviews: Radio Rickshaw/Matador

Posted in Reviews, Recommendations, VoiceMail at 2:00 pm by Ryan

Download VoiceMail Review 10
fringe_2007_voice_10_rickshaw.mp3
Length: 3:35

John and company, repping RickshawBoy.com, review Matador and several other Fringe productions. Call 321-441-3964 to leave your review.

Show: Matador
Company: Angel Kiss Productions - Orlando, FL
Venue: Purple (Orlando Shakes)
Times: 5/18 - 11:45PM, 5/20 - 7:15PM, 5/21 - 9:50PM, 5/23 - 7:40PM, 5/24 - 11:50PM, 5/25 - 10:05PM, 5/26 - 9:00PM
Tickets: $10

Thank you to Cervo Systems and the Detroit Creative Group for providing bandwidth and hosting for Blogging Fringe.

The file is just an MP3 - no iPod is required to listen to this show, although that is a popular way to enjoy podcasts. We have also made our feed available for easy linking to iTunes or other feed readers.

VoiceMail Reviews: SPORT: REMATCH

Posted in Ryan, Reviews, Recommendations, VoiceMail at 1:29 pm by Ryan

Download VoiceMail Review 09
fringe_2007_voice_09_rematch.mp3
Length: 0:24

Ryan leaves a review for the hilarious and highly anticipated SPORT: REMATCH in th Silver Venue. Call 321-441-3964 to leave your review.

Show: SPORT: REMATCH
Company: PB & J Brewery - Orlando, FL
Venue: Silver (Orlando Shakes)
Times: 5/18 - 7:35PM, 5/19 - 1:40PM, 5/20 - 9:10PM, 5/22 - 7:55PM, 5/24 - 9:15PM, 5/26 - 3:10PM, 5/27 - 3:40PM
Tickets: $7 (Students, Fringe Artists $5)

Thank you to Cervo Systems and the Detroit Creative Group for providing bandwidth and hosting for Blogging Fringe.

The file is just an MP3 - no iPod is required to listen to this show, although that is a popular way to enjoy podcasts. We have also made our feed available for easy linking to iTunes or other feed readers.

VoiceMail Reviews: P.S. 69

Posted in Ryan, Reviews, Recommendations, VoiceMail at 1:21 pm by Ryan

Download VoiceMail Review 08
fringe_2007_voice_08_ps69.mp3
Length: 0:29

Ryan leaves a review for Susan Jeremy’s P.S. 69 in th Orange Venue. Call 321-441-3964 to leave your review.

Show: P.S. 69
Company: Watson Arts - Brooklyn, NY
Venue: Orange (Orlando Shakes)
Times: 5/18 - 6:00PM, 5/19 - 1:40PM, 5/20 - 9:00PM, 5/24 - 6:00PM, 5/25 - 8:10PM, 5/26 - 6:30PM, 5/27 - 11:00AM
Tickets: $10

Thank you to Cervo Systems and the Detroit Creative Group for providing bandwidth and hosting for Blogging Fringe.

The file is just an MP3 - no iPod is required to listen to this show, although that is a popular way to enjoy podcasts. We have also made our feed available for easy linking to iTunes or other feed readers.

VoiceMail Reviews: Six Characters: Best Show EVER!

Posted in Ryan, Reviews, Recommendations, VoiceMail at 12:50 pm by Ryan

Download VoiceMail Review 07
fringe_2007_voice_07_six.mp3
Length: 0:32

Ryan leaves a review for punk-rock-buster-keaton-vaudeville act Six Characters in th Purple Venue. Call 321-441-3964 to leave your review.

Show: Six Characters: Best Show EVER!
Company: Six Characters - New York, NY
Venue: Purple (Orlando REP)
Times: 5/19 - 4:30PM, 5/20 - 2:20PM, 5/22 - 8:00PM, 5/23 - 11:40PM, 5/25 - 6:00PM, 5/26 - 12:40PM, 5/27 - 6:00PM
Tickets: $10

Thank you to Cervo Systems and the Detroit Creative Group for providing bandwidth and hosting for Blogging Fringe.

The file is just an MP3 - no iPod is required to listen to this show, although that is a popular way to enjoy podcasts. We have also made our feed available for easy linking to iTunes or other feed readers.

VoiceMail Reviews: Poofy du Vey in Burden of Poof

Posted in Ryan, Reviews, Recommendations, VoiceMail at 12:37 pm by Ryan

Download VoiceMail Review 06
fringe_2007_voice_06_poofy.mp3
Length: 0:40

Ryan leaves a review for Burden of Poof in th Yellow Venue. Three shows left. Call 321-441-3964 to leave your review.

Show: Poofy du Vey in Burden of Poof
Company: Courtney Cunningham - New York, NY
Venue: Yellow (Orlando Shakes)
Times: 5/19 - 11:00AM, 5/20 - 8:25PM, 5/22 - 10:20PM, 5/23 - 7:25PM, 5/25 - 6:00PM, 5/26 - 4:20PM, 5/27 - 5:55PM
Tickets: $10 (Students, Seniors $8)
Rating: Mature Audiences

Thank you to Cervo Systems and the Detroit Creative Group for providing bandwidth and hosting for Blogging Fringe.

The file is just an MP3 - no iPod is required to listen to this show, although that is a popular way to enjoy podcasts. We have also made our feed available for easy linking to iTunes or other feed readers.

VoiceMail Reviews: Heart of Coal

Posted in Ryan, Reviews, Recommendations, VoiceMail at 12:31 pm by Ryan

Download VoiceMail Review 05
fringe_2007_voice_005_heart.mp3
Length: 0:35

Ryan leaves a review for Heart of Coal in th Green Venue. Call 321-441-3964 to leave your review.

Show: Heart of Coal
Company: Carbon Productions - Orlando, FL
Venue: Green (Orlando REP)
Times: 5/19 - 2:20PM, 5/21 - 10:30PM, 5/23 - 7:35PM, 5/24 - 8:35PM, 5/26 - 10:20PM, 5/27 - 5:10PM
Tickets: $7 (Students, Seniors, Environmental buttons $5)

Thank you to Cervo Systems and the Detroit Creative Group for providing bandwidth and hosting for Blogging Fringe.

The file is just an MP3 - no iPod is required to listen to this show, although that is a popular way to enjoy podcasts. We have also made our feed available for easy linking to iTunes or other feed readers.

VoiceMail Reviews: LIVE FEED

Posted in Ryan, Reviews, Recommendations, VoiceMail at 12:26 pm by Ryan

Download VoiceMail Review 04
fringe_2007_voice_04_cinedance.mp3
Length: 0:49

Ryan leaves a review for LIVE FEED in th Yellow Venue by CineDance Jazz Dance. Their last show is TONIGHT! Call 321-441-3964 to leave your review.

Show: LIVE FEED
Company: CineDance Jazz Dance - Orlando, FL
Venue: Yellow (Orlando Shakes)
Times: 5/19 - 8:40PM, 5/23 - 6:00PM, 5/25 - 11:15PM
Tickets: $8 (Students, Seniors, Dance ticket stubs $6)
Rating: Mature Audiences

Thank you to Cervo Systems and the Detroit Creative Group for providing bandwidth and hosting for Blogging Fringe.

The file is just an MP3 - no iPod is required to listen to this show, although that is a popular way to enjoy podcasts. We have also made our feed available for easy linking to iTunes or other feed readers.

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