HFF16 – Final wrap-up

HFF16 has been my favorite Fringe experience yet, and I have attended six of the seven years of the Festival.  Hats off to Ben Hill and his amazing staff for all the work they have contributed to make this Festival such a success.  I can hardly wait for HFF17.  But before that time, here are shows I felt were worthy of Honorable Mention:

Fifty Shades of Shakespeare.  With a killer cast of two men and two women and the Bard’s sexiest scenes for material, what could go wrong?  Throw in the twist that the audience decides what roles they play, and you have the makings of a great Fringe show.

Bumpersticker:  The Musical.  A last minute addition to my schedule, this group brought an engaging and funny take on the countless bumper stickers that drivers have been forced to see while stuck in traffic.  A truly fun time.

Thug Tunnel.  Kat Primeau and her Robot Teammate & the Accidental Party company created a visually stunning musical romp through the sewers of apocalyptic Earth.  Getting the chance to see this masterpiece was a gift from the Universe, and one of the privileges of creating fringeships at the Festival.  Thanks Kat for inviting me.

And now, my awards:

Best solo show:  My Big Fat Blonde Musical

Best ensemble:  A Whole Newd World – Cherry Tales at the Knock Shop

Best musical:  A Feast of Snacks

Best comedy:  How to be a Virgin (in 12 Morally Ambiguous Steps)

Best drama:  Chemistry

Best venue (tie):  Sacred Fools and Three Clubs

Most personal (tie):  30JJ or Bust and Sexy Maus

Most ready for Broadway:  Tell me on a Sunday

Most heart:  Gilda: A Tribute to the Beloved Comedienne Gilda Radner

Best Fringe Festival:  HFF16

Thanks again to everyone for making me feel special this year.  I especially love the welcome I got from David Haverty, the friendliness and openness from so many of the participants and staff, and especially my new friends at Cherry Poppins.  You all contributed in making this my favorite Fringe experience ever.