Sunday was our busiest Fringe day this year, with seven shows on our schedule, including a couple of shows we were dying to see, including Lyla, Turbulence and Buffy.
TITLE OF SHOW: Lights Camera Lyla! The Second Act
VENUE: Sacred Fools Black Box Theatre
REVIEW: Jeffrey Wylie‘s Lyla has become a cultural icon at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, By popular demand, Wylie has created a sequel that in many ways is even better than the first one. In a true testament of life imitates art, Lyla signs with a major media outlet and moves to New York to start working on her own show. However, she discovers that New York has even bigger bullies than Texas. But have no fear, our heroine learns to stand up for herself and learns that all important lesson – life is easier to cope with if you just stay true to your self. The show is funny and poignant while giving you even more reasons to love Lyla.
RECOMMENDATION: You simply MUST See this show. After a year without Lyla, it was so good to have her home again. Don’t miss her final performance on June 22 at 5:30 p.m.
TITLE OF SHOW: Loves Adventures
VENUE: Dorie Theatre at the Complex
REVIEW: After hanging with Esther Mira at Fringe Central, and talking about her show, we were looking forward to checking it out. We were not prepared for how awesome it was. We expected it to have an 80’s flavor, but we did not expect that the entire show would be done in Elizabethan English! For a story written more than 400 years ago, it was wonderfully adapted by Mark Hein and Elissa Anne Polansky, who also directed this incredible work of art. It was a true ensemble piece, with each actor contributing equally to make the show a success. Hats off to Anagabriela Cordero, Tara Donovan, Chineze Enekwechi, Marian Gonzalez, John Hayden, Edward Hong, Faith Kearns, Marc Leclerc, Sylvia Loehndorf, Travis Moritz and Mira for a great collaborative effort.
RECOMMENDATION: You should definitely See this show. It is a hidden gem, but worthy of your attention. Be sure to catch one of the three remaining shows on June 20 and 22 at 7 p.m. and on June 24 at 5 p.m.
TITLE OF SHOW: Under the Jello Mold
VENUE: Ruby Theatre at the Complex
REVIEW: What more can be said about a show that has already won Pick of the Fringe, and is consistently sold out – only that the hype is true – Jennie Fahn has captured the heart and soul of HFF 17 in a way no one has in several years. This masterpiece was directed by Tom Cavanaugh and written and performed by Fahn. Her characterizations are truly memorable and heart-pulling, while her message is crystal clear – love your family and spend as much time with them as you can, because all too soon they are gone. Don’t be surprised to hear Fahn’s name called a few times at next Sunday’s Fringe Awards. She deserves nothing less.
RECOMMENDATION: Do whatever it takes to See this show. It is one of the best productions at HFF 17. Tickets are available for June 21 and 24 at 7 p.m., but are sold out for June 22.