We somehow survived eight shows on Saturday, and after a few hours of sleep, were back at the Fringe for five more shows on Sunday. We started out at the place where we had closed out the previous day, The Lounge Theatre.
TITLE OF SHOW: American Conspiracy
VENUE: The Lounge Theatre
REVIEW: Most of us remember where we were when John Hinckley tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. Was it the act of a lonely young man, or a conspiracy? This play presents a plausible explanation, and does it in such a manner that you will leave the theatre contemplating that question. Playwright Benjamin Schwartz and director Matt Richey give us a golden opportunity to witness the possible behind the scenes dealings in this matter. The brilliant cast, including Katelyn Schiller as Jane the waitress, Spencer Cantrell as Alan, Edward Hendershott as the D.O.E. agent, Amy Smallman-Winston as Fran, the diner owner, David Garner as Trent and Hank Doughan as John, make us want to believe the story, and all turn in amazing portrayals of their respective characters. Remember, the truth is out there, we just have to find it.
RECOMMENDATION: If conspiracy theory is your thing, or you just want to see a stimulating drama, then you should definitely see this show. They have remaining performances on June 22 at 10 p.m. and June 23 at 6 p.m., but hurry and grab your tickets here, as every show has been sold out.
TITLE OF SHOW: Jane Austen’s Emma Frankenstein
VENUE: The Broadwater Main Stage
REVIEW: Sacred Fools is quickly joining the list of theater companies that consistently deliver great Fringe shows, and this show is definitely one of their best. We loved the fact that they don’t take themselves too seriously, but know how to deliver a show that is fun for the sake of fun without the necessity of having to say anything. The use of 80’s sitcom theme songs, and the amazing cast of mashed-up characters make this one of the most fun times we have had at Fringe. The special guest cameo by French Stewart didn’t hurt either. Cheers to the amazing ensemble cast for delivering one of the true gems of HFF18. We can’t wait to see what you bring us next.
RECOMMENDATION: If you love to laugh, and want a break from all the issue-driven shows at Fringe, then take a moment and enjoy the sheer pleasure of this show. They still have one final performance on June 23 at 8 p.m. and tickets are available here. Don’t forget to also check out the other two parts of the Monster Mash trilogy – Dracula’s Taste Test and Crunch.
We had time to grab some lunch at Burgerim before heading over to Studio/Stage for our next show.
TITLE OF SHOW: God: The Apologies Tour
VENUE: Studio/Stage
REVIEW: Immersive theater is becoming quite the rage at Fringe, but it has never been one of our favorite formats. Nevertheless, the level of immersion in this show was more of a manageable level, and we did not feel violated. It was an appealing opportunity to have the chance to have a face-to-face and intimate meeting with the Creator, so we decided to give it a chance. We are so glad we did, as it turned out to be not one but four opportunities to interact with the God we knew best, or explore the ones we didn’t. I chose to spend the first session with the main character, but was chosen to also spend time with the mystic and mysterious one. It was an experience we will not soon forget, and are thankful that we took a chance on this show. Congrats to Erik Blair, Heidi Appe, Stephy Kamei and Zachary Johnson-Dunlop for an amazing hour of therapy.
RECOMMENDATION: Don’t miss their final show on June 22 at 8 p.m. It is time well spent. Grab your tickets here.
Back with part 2 in just a bit.