We’re ten days into Fringe and I’m writing this during the first major rainstorm of the festival. Making it this long without severe weather is something of a minor Fringe miracle. Gives me a moment to pause and reflect we head towards the end of the second week.
Some shows have had a lot of buzz around the Fort, as well as critical consensus, here are some emerging stories out of this year’s festival:
Dance Is Where It’s At
Primarily known as a festival of plays, some of the this year’s best and buzziest Fringe shows have been dance and movement based. Kick Before You Drown, from new DC cool kids Steal A Step, is one of the greatest debuts in the history of the festival. I’d recommend you catch it but uhhh….it’s already closed. Guess that happens when you fly some of the best circus performers in the world in for a Fringe show; quick scheduling becomes a necessity. It was too beautiful to last long. I’ve already heard several people in the fort call it the best of the fest, and I agree. I’ve heard several more wince in pain when told it’s already done. Come back soon, Steal A Step. We miss you already.
Juiced update
The badasses at Tia Nina are still around though, even after having to cut a performance of the well-liked Juiced short due to company member Ilana Silversteins’s injury. She’s apparently fine, and their last final two performances on the 21st and 24th are a go. Speaking of Juiced, if rumors are true I advise checking it out, and bringing a parka. Apparently some seats will get wet.
The Kids are All Right
This year’s festival has a bit of a “next generation” vibe, with lots of solid work by companies founded by college students. Some of the work has a surprising amount of polish. Class Act’s SuperNOVA and Conor Kyle’s Dark Times at Grimsville High are two worthy entries with multiple performances left. I myself was SuperNOVA and was impressed at Class Act’s ability to put together two full-fledged musicals in the space of two years. If these folks are indicative of the next generation of artists to come out of Fringe, the future is in good hands.’
An Under the Radar Shout Out
There’s one show that hasn’t been getting much buzz around the Fort, despite my own best attempts. Allow me to sing the praises of Zack Myers touring show about Chicago comedian Del Close. YES, And… features a remarkably funny, full-throated turn by Myers. It’s the funniest show I’ve seen at Fringe so far.
What have you seen and loved? Give shout outs in the comments below and on Twitter with #dctheatre and #capfringe16!
