It’s that time of year again! That most glorious time each summer when for one magical week the Capital Fringe festival is extended. It’s a great chance to see the hit Fringe shows you missed or revisit ones you loved. For us, however, the most exciting prospect of Extension Week is resurgence of our favorite game […]
Capital Fringe head asks “If every theatre in town is operating full-tilt in July, is there a need for a Fringe festival anymore?”
For the past 12 years, DC’s Capital Fringe Festival provides performance space and resources to small theatre companies, solo and performance artists, dance troupes, musicians, and more. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Julianne Brienza, has managed the festival since its inception, including overseeing a major shift in location from a rented space near the Convention […]
Slaughterhouse-Five (Capital Fringe review)
Imagine a bird emoji tweeting. No, it’s not another bizarre White House official message. The Hodgepodge Group has adapted Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five. It would be wise to be have read the original or at least be familiar with the plot prior to this production. I read it way too long ago in high school.
Portraits of Grrrls (Capital Fringe review)
Break out your pink pussy hats! Wonder if Gloria Steinam and Florynce Kennedy started this way? The production of Portraits of Grrrls felt like I walked into a high school guidance counselor’s activity. This should not diminish the discussions, content, importance, and impact this activity has, I’m just not sure this is the venue for […]
“Women doing Shakespeare knackered.” Titus Andronicus is lewd, bloody and free!
Jon Johnson here, managing to score an interview with the director of Shakespeare in the Pub’s “Fringe” offering – Titus Andronicus, as well as the head honcho of the company itself. I’m pleased to introduce Jill Tighe, director, and John Stange, producer. Mr. Stange has been producing Shakespeare in the Pub productions for the past […]
FRINGE FRIENDS: Making Friends at Capital Fringe
Some people find the Fringe festival to be an intimidating environment. Sure there’s a ton of great art and stuff going on, but how can one truly connect with the people behind the art and form meaningful bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime? In short, the answer is ponies.
Director Tracey Erbacher on Abortion Road Trip protests at Capital Fringe
By nature of being a Fringe festival, DC’s Capital Fringe often sees provocative or pioneering work that pushes the envelope. This year, one unsuspecting play in particular has struck a nerve with the outside world. Theatre Prometheus’ production of Abortion Road Trip by Rachel Lynett has attracted the attention of the Far Right Pro-Life community.
A Streetcar Named Disappointment, a Capital Fringe diary
Lorraine to John’s idea of writing a piece about getting to Fringe: “Yes! Public transportation! Very funny!” 4:15 p.m. It’s pouring rain and I need to be at Atlas by 6:30 for a Hexagon live chat. Leaving Gaithersburg now because the traffic will be a mess. Probably take me 45 mins. just to get to […]
Lakeboat (Capital Fringe review)
Lakeboat was thought controversial when it debuted 40 years ago, but now it seems almost quaint, verging on classy. The very first script by David Mamet, it features many of the hallmarks of his style: vulgar language, clipped and repeated dialogue, and men being macho and misogynistic.
Fringe performer David Kessler’s worst cell phone moment.
It’s a sold out house, the second performance of Numesthesia, my third Capital Fringe Festival show. The audience is great. I’m feeling their energy; the musicians and I are riding a synergistic wave with them. We’re in the moment. We’re all helping each other. There’s a communal spirit that unites audience and performers.
P.I.C. : The Prison Industrial Complex (Capital Fringe review)
With P.I.C. : The Prison Industrial Complex, the Conciliation Project hits the cruelty of the American criminal justice system hard with just about everything they can throw at it: Scores of characters, plenty of song & dance, real last words from death row inmates, a talk show, a fashion show, a bonfire of strawmen, and […]
Lancer and Lace (Capital Fringe review)
What would have happened if Lee Harvey Oswald’s assassination had failed – but the danger wasn’t over? Lancer and Lace pulls on this historical thread and weaves an interesting yet uneven tale of politics, love, and conspiracy.