Recent comments

  • “You might want to ask a few questions about that modern art…”   17 years 44 weeks ago   by James Judd

    http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_stage_theat/2006/05/fring...
    That above is the link to the Orlando Sentinel review is anyone would like to read it,too.

    Wow! This fringe is turning into quite a roller coaster ride! First, I'm slammed by the blog, the newspaper gave me a plug and then put the wrong time for my show by 4 hours, and then I start getting really, really, really nasty letters from the fringe producer. Should I trying to escape or should I stay and fight? I wonder if any of the other fringe participants are having a lot of negativity being thrown at them from the producer? If so, I'd like to hear about it. my email address is jbjudd@aol.com. For that matter, I'm totally open to hearing anybody's comments about my show - even the mean ones. NOW is the time for me to cut and change the material. I have a number of new jokes for tonight, I'm cutting all my costumes, set pieces, and props, and I've cut some of the fat - no pun intended - from the script but I am worried that I won't be able to remember it all! I may have to put my script on the music stand. If I have to look at it, I'm going to ask the audience to close their and meditate on losing weight, quickly look up my next line, and then say, "Okay, now open them! Wasn't the great?" I wonder how many times I can get away with it. Anyway, you've got to be able to get the bad with all the good and other than a blog-downer and some really cruel personal comments from the producer and one of the fringe personnel, there is much good to be appreciated at the fringe. The volunteers are amazing! And I love them for wearing my orange wristbands! Thank you all so much!!!! You men and women make it all worth it!

    Wish me luck tonight! I may REALLY need it! Love, James

  • “You might want to ask a few questions about that modern art…”   17 years 44 weeks ago   by Emily

    Honestly, why ask me to write anything for this if you're going to criticize what I write? Trust me, I get the point, but if it's even making an attempt to be art its subject to criticsm.

    Isn't the point of a review to be honest and not just say, "Jolly good show! We love everything!"

  • Interview with Mark Baratelli on PFA Podcast   17 years 44 weeks ago   by Brian Feldman

    I just listened to the entire marathon episode and then skimmed over the scaled-down "Fringe only" 20-minute version. Someone should go back and count the number of times Mark says "I have no idea what's going on right now."

    Mark, I never meant "1 hr 12 min 24 sec" in a negative way. I think it's great that you were able to promote your show by taking the initiative to contact them via, I think you said, Meetup.com.

    And it's not just the funny photo on the poster that works, it's the font, copy and smart way of putting the pocket with showtime cards on it in a unique way.

    "You can not Lou Pearlman that," great line. I can't believe that PFA didn't know about the "I'm In Love With A Stripper" song though, it's ridiculous.

  • “You might want to ask a few questions about that modern art…”   17 years 44 weeks ago   by James Judd

    Whoops! I forgot something. Is it okay if I keep coming back here to post my thoughts? Hope so. I was just rereading your comments again and I think you missed an important point - the show isn't about pitting religion against alternative lifestyles (what is that, anyway?), it's about how blood is no longer thicker than politics or religion in this country. Relgious and political funadamentalism are tearing the very fabric of America in and "us versus them" where "them" is EVERYONE and EVERY RELIGION and EVERY other culture. It is the great new American tragedy. My show is not about gay people versus Mormons. It's just a microcosim of a much larger issue. The American family is being destroyed by Christian-Republican Fundamentalist. My story is just one, tiny fragment of that issue...but FUNNY, too!

    But anyway, I commend you for getting involved with the fringe and trying your hand and theater criticism! Everyone has to start somewhere and I'm happy to be a part of your beginning! Love, James

  • “You might want to ask a few questions about that modern art…”   17 years 44 weeks ago   by James Judd

    Wow. Very hurtful. In my own defense that I think you weren't listening very well. My style of comedy is a mix of high and low brow humor, with something just a little thought-provoking thrown in, and plenty of silliness to remind everyone that the point of going to the fringe is to have a good time! If you pick up a little insight, and you get some good laughs, then I think it's a job well done.

    I hope someday you get the chance to do some sort of performance yourself because it will really give you a lot of insight - even just a little speech at your bookclub, maybe - into how an audience works. You'll even learn how to evaluate theater much better as an audience member. I always encourage non-performers to to do this and have helped many get their first moment in the spotlight. They always find it tremendously rewarding. It doesn't have to be on a stage. Sometimes, a presentation at the office can be a great platform for exploration.

    From the perspective of a performer, especially if you are doing a new work or performing in a place where you don't know what the audience will consider funny (and yet you are EXPECTED to be funny) you'll do best by putting in a lot of different kinds of humor. Then you have to go out and see what hits and what doesn't and and adjust your material accordinging. It took 3 years of touring 7 SINS to get it to the point where I can now take that show out in front of any audience and know that the whole entire piece will work anytime, anywhere. The performance of Fat Camp you saw was the 2nd time it's every been seen and included a number of cuts and additions from the previous night. In Los Angeles, it was developed in 10 minute segments in front of live audiences but this fringe is the first time it's ever been done as a whole piece.

    Los Angeles audiences and Orlando audiences are very different in terms of what they think is funny. One of the really great things about Orlando is that audiences here are VERY quick! People are getting the set-ups IMMEDIATELY! That's a sign of a very sharp audience! There are some very intellectual jokes that Orlando audiences really get that LA audiences do not!

    Being a financially successful performer/producer, means being prepared put it all out there and let the audience decide. As a writer, I know that it is sometimes difficult to get an audience that is ready to laugh right away to follow a longer set-up or a scenario that takes a while to pay off. Peopel are especially nervous when they go to fringe shows becuase the odds that there is going to be a match between the performers sense of humor and the audiences sense of humor are not very good. So, what I like to do is to put in some fast, easy jokes (and that CAN mean more lowbrow humor). The audiences relaxes because they know that I will deliver laughs. Then I can start to lay the ground work for some jokes, ideas that might take much longer to payoff, and because of the easy laughs, the audience is willing to go along with me.

    I do a lot of work with other solo performers. I began my career as one of those guys who stands just off camera and writes jokes for comedians during the commercials. A lot of solo performers get so totally wrapped around the idea that they have a message to send to the audience and that they are going to tell that message come hell or high water. But I have to remind them that they are a business and their audiences are their customers, and giving the audience what they want to hear is good customer service. It's how you get customers/audiences. There is a difference between pandering and giving them what they want. Then, after you've given them what they want, if you can sell them on something else, too, you've done a great job, but you can't beat them over the head with it.

    Now, to address specifically you comments about my gross-out factor. It is my criticism of a trend I've seen in many, many fringe shows over the years that at the 11th hour they make a desperate bid for high drama, tears, and pathos. So my answer is that just when after 40 minutes of silliness, I reach that moment when fringe shows go for the high drama I take a sudden left turn into this completely unexpected (and yes gross) thing about the porn tape I found at the fat camp! And then the audience laughs some more and the show is over! I don't think it crosses into vulgarity. I suggest what happens but I leave the actual image to the minds of the audience.

    Lastly, I'd just like to say that YES, my show is silly and STUPID! But it's FUN! AND IT'S SURPRISING! AND AUDIENCES LOVE IT! AND EVERYONE IS HAVING A GOOD TIME and that's all that matters!!!

    I would also encourage you to come see the show again because as of tonight the show will be dramatically different. I'm sure Wed's show will be dramatically different from tonight's (Tuesday), and hopefully every show will have new surprises and new ideas and new laughs! But most of all....I hope everyone leaves feeling like they had a good time!
    Love, James

  • WHiRR booth closed on Monday   17 years 44 weeks ago   by Katharine

    Totally. But the courtyard is reserved for beer and snacks. Maybe the masseuse working outside the Goldman will give up for the week and I can sneak into his spot. Ha!

  • “You might want to ask a few questions about that modern art…”   17 years 44 weeks ago   by Ryan

    Emily, I love you, you are my co-host and a dear friend, but I believe you fail to grasp the concept of Fringe.

    ::Boot to the Head::

    It's not about whether or not he made a cliche joke or used topical humor to get a laugh. The purpose of the show is to enjoy yourself. The jokes will be different next year, just like the Bill & Ted show at Halloween Horror Nights. (honestly, I've never seen the Bill & Ted show, but I'm sure it is a pile of stinking poo compared to Fat Camp)

  • Interview with Mark Baratelli on PFA Podcast   17 years 44 weeks ago   by Ryan

    Mark,

    In Brian's defense, he posted that comment before I put up the short version. Plus, I think he was complimenting you?

    "best overall marketing campaign"

  • Interview with Mark Baratelli on PFA Podcast   17 years 44 weeks ago   by Mark Baratelli

    Brian-

    I didn't talk for "1 hr 12 min 24 sec" about my "30-45 minute runtime" Fringe show. We talked for 20 minutes about it. Re-read the post again and you'll see where you got the info wrong. I appeared as a guest on "Crapface," not their blogging fringe podcast. They took a portion of the Crapface appearance and made a blogging fringe podcast from it.

    Thanks for the poster compliment. The photographer's name is Frankie Huff and her phone number is in my show's programs.

    I saw that you saw "McGrawsky Files." That show is amazing and they are friends of mine. Great guys.

    -Mark

  • WHiRR booth closed on Monday   17 years 44 weeks ago   by Mark Baratelli

    Those booths should be inside the courtyard where all the action is, not out in the sweaty parking lot where people do not gather. Am I right?

    Mark

  • Interview - Brandon Roberts   17 years 44 weeks ago   by John Baker

    Awesome show, and an awesome actor!

    I'm lucky enough to have worked with Brandon before on (now) multiple occasions. I was thrilled to see his show this year at Fringe. I've told everyone I know to see it at least once.

    I'm trying to teach everyone the slastic 'boom boom boom' arm movement.

    If you don't know what that is...see the show bitches!

    Congratulations Brandon. Keep up the awesome work.

  • Interview - Brandon Roberts   17 years 44 weeks ago   by Adrienne Feldman

    Brandon is awesome and so is "Sport"!

  • Note to Ives fans   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Brian Feldman

    This is half related, but "(f)Ives" is (f)irst-rate. See it. This from an Ives aficionado.

  • Visual Fringe   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Brian Feldman

    To second what Paige has written - Remember, you have not experienced the awesome power of Orlando Visual Fringe 2006 until you been to the Green Venue and back and purchased at least one work of art* along the way. *includes the culinary delights (re: vegan baked goods) of Dandelion Communitea Cafe.

  • Interview with Mark Baratelli on PFA Podcast   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Brian Feldman

    I think that Mark Baratelli not only has the best poster at this year's Fringe, but the best overall marketing campaign as well. How else can you possibly explain this two-part, total running time of 1 hr 12 min 24 sec podcast interview for a show with a 30-45 min runtime? Amazing.

  • Interview - Brandon Roberts   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Brian Feldman

    I've seen "Sport" twice already. Brandon, and the show, are hilarious. You'll love it.

  • Lilly, Lila, Queens and Go-Go Dancers   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Liberatr Media Network » Blog Archive » Lilly, Lila, Queens

    [...] Comment by Lilly: Thank you so much for your lovely review! It’s wonderful to get feedback on our quirky little piece. [...]

  • Visual Fringe   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Paige

    Don't forget the art all the way down by the Green Venue! It's in a smaller building tucked away behind the rep, just past Kids Fringe. There is a side room by the entrance doors to the venue with about 6 paintings, and then another 6 or so hanging down the hall where that venue's restrooms are.

  • Fringe Begins!   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Ryan

    Well, Spider, I'm glad you liked the buttons. Maybe we'll get you to write a review for us.

  • Lilly, Lila, Queens and Go-Go Dancers   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Margaret Nolan- Kangagirl Productions

    Hey BloggingFringe!

    Thanks for your kind words. I have to capitulate to Leneil's (LiLLY) comments. Fringe is a whirlwind of crazy, spontaneous, wackiness for Fringe artists and audience alike. Everybody works very hard. Sorta anything goes....and most likely it will! It's best to go with the flow! (Note to self.:))

    With regard to the "adult content", which we have in spades, I gave Blue and her girls the liberty to go as far as they feel comfortable in such a small intimate space. All of the girls are trained in dance and, in addition to dancing in Blue's Lesbo-a-GoGo troupe, they're also in other jazz and modern dance companies...they aren't from Club Juana!

    When I (Kangagirl Productions) got into Fringe last year, I approached Blue then and told her that I was going to write something for her. I started a script but I decided it really wasn't something I wanted to do this year. So then she and I talked about riffing on "America's Next Top Lesbian" and do it with audience participation, etc. with backstage drama, sorta a 'Valley of the Dolls' meets 'The Real World' meets 'Showgirls.' Sassy and sexy with drama.

    Several months later I approached Chris and Leneil and asked them if they wanted to broaden some ideas for two characters they'd been thinkin about- Lilly and Lila...but with a catch. I wanted to also use Blue and her dancers! I thought it would be an interesting juxtaposition. So...several saki sessions later, Chris and Leneil were off developing their alter egos!

    We're taking the show out to the Hotel Royal Plaza for Gay Days on Friday, June 2nd at 6pm. Come see us there!

    Cheers for queers!
    Margaret

  • Fringe Begins!   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Spider

    I got my button last night - and when I get back fron volunteering today, will post a link to you all on my blog - this is such a great idea!

  • Interview - Brandon Roberts   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Leneil Bottoms

    Cannot wait to see Brandon "Eye-Candy" Roberts' Fringe show - truly he's one of the best newer additions to the Orlando acting scene.

  • Interview - Eric Pinder   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Leneil Bottoms

    Eric is a god in my world, but then he knows that.

  • Lilly, Lila, Queens and Go-Go Dancers   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Leneil Bottoms

    Thank you so much for your lovely review! It's wonderful to get feedback on our quirky little piece.

    Fringe is guerilla theatre at its best. You have only one tech rehearsal in the space, twenty minutes to put up your set and ten minutes to take it down. I have never been involved in a Fringe show that something didn't go completely awry. For our opening tonight we didn't have the slide show that went with the opening song, and our two videos didn't have sound. (Two, you might ask, having seen only one this evening - well, at less than five minutes before show we were told that they would be silent: we cut one and decided to wing it on the other.) Talking to actors from other shows later, at the beer tent of course, we found that some shows had worse experiences. Sounds negative? Hell no - the Fringe staff is great and the tech for our brown venue pulled magic out thin air to fix many other things that decided to go wonky.

    That being said, there is such a joy to Fringe. Having that many varied performers in one space is like manna for fans - something all of us involved in the Fringe are. I've had my Orlando Weekly and Orlando Sentinel guides out, madly pencilling out various gameplans to try to see all of the shows that I simply MUST see. This year there are simply so many shows that look amazingly good; truly this fifteenth Orlando Fringe Festival is a banner year.
    Once again, thank you for coming to our show.
    Love, Lilly (aka Leneil)

  • Fringe Begins!   17 years 45 weeks ago   by Patron

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