Before I reveal my Top 5, I need to apologize to some shows that I intended to see but was unable to, whether because of scheduling issues or change of plans. Those shows included The Truth, A Horse With a View, The 7 Guys You Date Before you get Married, Amy Showden’s Casting Confessions for La to LA, Awkwardly Famous, Washed in the Blood, Vintage Box, Beethoven: Immortal, Up Down Stick Stuck, Angel’s Flight, Voices, Slightly Dramatic, Thirteen’s Spring, The Father, The Son and the Holy Sh!t and Still Got It. I also apologize to the two shows I had to cut short in order to make another show: Broadway Noir and Mad Lib the Musical. I did enjoy what I was able to see.
And now my Top Five favorite shows of HFF 16:
5. Lamprey: Weekend of Vengeance. This show rocked. It was fast paced and tight, with an amazing cast of characters, led by the unbelievably talented Carrie Keranen. Great job by all and thanks to Sacred Fools for giving this kind of talent a place to grow.
4. How to be a Virgin (in 12 Morally Ambiguous Steps). Carla Neuss has written a dynamic story that was perfectly presented by the amazing powerball known as Katelyn Schiller. I laughed so much at this show that I almost peed, and it was one of the best hours I spent at the Fringe. Well done!
3. A Feast of Snacks. Theatre Unleashed has never failed to deliver in their annual offerings at Fringe, and this might be their best show to date. All four mini-musicals rocked, and gave the multi-talented company members the chance to shine. Hats off to Greg Crafts and company for giving us another reason to love the Fringe.
2. A Whole Newd World – Cherry Tales at the Knock Shop. Alli Miller and Sarah Haworth and the ladies of Cherry Poppins Productions have definitely created a winner in this sexy romp through the woods, introducing adult versions of your favorite Disney characters. The show was both visually stunning and a musical delight.
- Charlotte’s Shorts. Charlotte Dean is an amazing writer. The daughter of Tracy Newman (According to Jim) and the niece of Larraine Newman (SNL) provided the perfect material for her pool of actors to interpret, and in so doing created my favorite show of HFF16. It was an honor and a privilege to witness this incredible talent.
In my final article on HFF16, I will list the shows worthy of Honorable Mention, as well as give out a few awards of my own.