One of the beauties of Fringe is the ability to change your schedule on a whim. That occurred when I ran into an old fringeship, Kat Primeau, while walking between venues. I noticed that she was dressed in what appeared to be a costume, and she told me that she and her troupe, Robot Teammate & the Accidental Party, were doing a show at the Sacred Fools Main Stage called Thug Tunnel.
Thug Tunnel is this year’s Doomsday Cabaret. It is well written and directed and has an extremely talented cast that sells the story of a time when the only place you can live is underground.
Primeau, Chris Bramante and Dave Reynolds lead the brilliant cast, turning in fine performances along the way. The packed house audience was totally engaged and invested in the show, and the energy from each side of the stage fed the overall atmosphere, creating an electrifying good time.
If you like rock music, an interesting story and a good crowd, then Thug Tunnel should definitely be on your radar. Don’t miss what is sure to become a Fringe legend. The remaining performances are scheduled for June 17 at 7:30 p.m., June 18 at 4:30 p.m., June 19 at 9:30 p.m. and June 20 at 11 p.m.
From the world of rock music and tunnel dwelling I was next transported to Happy Hour, a truly original combination of acting, live music and movement. The show features part of the Venice Symphony Orchestra (“VSO”), led by Wesley Flowers, providing the live soundtrack for the show. The show is brilliantly directed by Elitia Daniels in her directorial debut.
The cast turned in great performances. Besides their acting chops, they were also called upon to do multiple dance movements during the times when VSO was performing. Those movements were so well choreographed that they appeared natural and integral to the storyline.
If you’re looking for a unique Fringe experience, then Happy Hour is definitely the show for you. Catch one of the remaining performances on June 18 at 5 p.m. or June 24 at 11:55 p.m. This show is guaranteed to entertain you and is highly recommended as part of your Fringe experience.
My last show for the night was Suddenly Split & Swiping Over at the Asylum @ Studio C portion of the Complex Theatre. The show is brilliantly written and produced by Tracy Held Potter and directed by Katherine Vondy. Although the show stars Susan-Kate Heaney, I was treated to a delectable performance by her understudy, Angela Jaymes.
Through multiple characterizations (Kelly, her best friend, her mom, her therapist and several others), the show tells the story of a young lady, recently split from her boyfriend of 9+ years and thrust into a new single existence which includes hook-up apps and constant advice from well meaning friends and family.
Jaymes does a great job stepping into the role, although the pacing could have been a little tighter. Overall, it was an interesting and entertaining tale which was well told.
Jaymes will appear in the performance on June 26 at 8:30 p.m. while Heaney will do the other performances, scheduled for June 19 at 2:30 p.m., June 23 at 10:30 p.m. and June 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Happy Fringing!