Jerby's NYC Fringe Festival Thread, Or YOU MUST SEE Bash'd & Show Choir!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 2:46am

Today I saw A Beautiful Child, which is the Truman Capote short story about Capote and Marilyn Monroe. It was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend it to anyone who adores either icon and/or witty, hilarious dish and dirt about that era.

But the show I am just nuts about is Bash'd A Gay Rap Opera. Get your butts to this show. It is one of my all-time favorite things I have ever seen. The performances, direction, writing--all fanfreakingtastic. It is proof that rap can be a brilliant genre for musical theatre. It is both wildly funny and slammingly poignant.

http://myspace.com/bashd

http://www.homohiphop.blogspot.com/

Updated On: 8/24/07 at 02:46 AM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 3:00am

I found Bash'd's music myspace page with 2 songs from the show!!

Warning: Explicit Lyrics :)
HEAR SONGS HERE!

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 6:30am

Thanks for posting, Jerbs! I just bought a ticket for tomorrow night's performance of Bash'd!

[SCBWannabe]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 8:53am

Those two songs had me in tears...I have to try to see this!

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 9:22am

I've only listened to them once, yet I can't get 'em outta my head.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 2:58pm

I saw Andrea/Agave this afternoon. I greatly admired the concept--juxtaposing the Andrea Yates horror with Greek Tragedy. It's such a perfect notion. However, I have to be honest and say that I didn't think this production was expertly executed. I felt that the acting/direction was weak in general. The piece lacked clarity in places--and while I know the director intended for there to be moments of this (and rightly so in those places where cacophony and chaos take you inside Andrea's mind), it wasn't in those moments that I am referring to. But, this is to be expected--the Fringe Festival is a place for works in progress. Every piece deserves a modicum of "benefit of the doubt". In better hands, this piece (and likely these actors) would soar. Sometimes a writer can direct their own new work. But most of the time, it is not a successful venture. I suspect that despite some lovely moments and great ideas, this was the case here. One of my favorite moments is when there was choreography--it was haunting, chilling. I would love to see more of that with this piece.

I think that it was def worth my time as I saw great potential in the piece and it definitely inspired me in imagining the kinds of theatre and storytelling one can create. I applaud all involved and give much credit to taking on a very difficult style of theatre.

[harris007]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 3:12pm

if you can go see ladies of lake eola , there from orlando, funny funny funny show in fact it has 2 spin off shows

[SCBWannabe]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 3:44pm

I just got back from seeing the show at noon. It was very funny and the guys are great. Check it out if you can!

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 8/12/07 at 12:54am

Go see Williamsburg! The Musical, too! It's amazing.

[Adrianna Olsen]

Posted: 8/12/07 at 12:59pm

This is my pick of the year. I was blown away by the energy, the intensity, the humor... the whole show!

I am originally from Canada, and I have seen these two actors in other works up North...which is why I was so excited to see that they would be coming to FringeNYC. With this show, they have exceeded my already high expectations.

My only complaint: I wish that they had merch or CDs for sale! I would kill for a "throw your wrists in the air" t-shirt!

Check these boys out!

[uncageg]

Posted: 8/12/07 at 1:26pm

Why oh why can't I be in NYC now?!! Hope this show, Bash'd, is picked up and makes it to an off-ff or off Broadway venue for a run. Love the 2 songs.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/12/07 at 10:28pm

Last night I saw The Other Side of Darkness. Our robbiej was indeed excellent and indeed caused us to ask once again: Why isn't he on Broadway?

The play is definitely a work in progress. I see potential in the piece. But it definitely needs some work, particularly in the first act. The second act was so lovely and showed us great depth in the character relationships that I found quite rewarding. I think the writer, Phil Geoffrey Bond, possesses great poetry and wit.

But, the biggest flaw in my estimation was the common mistake of the writer directing their new work. It so rarely succeeds. This play is at the point where it needs the objective director to help the writer shape and focus the piece and gather clarity for the story. Some of the writing and performances got self indulgent without that objectivity. Sometimes the story was confusing.

In general, I believe that while the writer creates the universe of their play--the characters, the relationships, the story--like with actors, the director helps the artist realize the full potential. Collaboration takes the piece to an entirely new place.

Today, I saw The Gospel According to Matthew. I was very affected and inspired by this piece, which I think creates an ultimate discussion about gays and Christianity. With tightening (and projections instead of signs, which affected the rhythm in places), this piece could be riveting. I admired the performer who gave us a unique story that beautifully tapped into what this great nation and many of us face with this issue. The many characters are rich, and I applaud the wide array of voices and opinions. And, I dare confess I was teary at the end.

Plus, Matthew Francis is ADORABLE. But, seriously, he is also bound to be a name you hear alot--a prodigy of Anna Deavere Smith (and directed by David Drake), he is bound to be one of our next great voices of the theatre, particularly of this style of one-person plays.

[kestrel_childers]

Posted: 8/13/07 at 2:58pm

Actually, the BASH'd boys do have CD's for sale! Check out their Facebook Group, "i heart BASH'd" and you can order their CD!
Updated On: 8/13/07 at 02:58 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/13/07 at 3:12pm

Oh I'll be all over that!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/19/07 at 12:55pm

Yesterday, I saw Hamlet: A Stand Up. It was rather witty and inventive. Imagine a one man telling of Hamlet that incorporates allusions from ABBA to James Bond. Roger Westburg's characterizations and miming are stunning and his energy unwavering. I did think the piece could stand a little tightening in places, but I did enjoy this. And it would be a fun way for students to experience the story.

Sadly, it was the final performance at the Festival, but you can catch a glimpse of the piece here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UofCAzeCSSo

And more information here:
http://hamletastandup.westbergs.nu/Home.html

[BASH's boys]

Posted: 8/19/07 at 5:01pm

Hey Jerby and everyone else

We just found out that FringeNYC has booked us in for an extra show, so we wanted to pass on the good news. Thanks for all of your support!

The extra show will be this Tuesday (Aug 21) at 8pm. We are at Venue #6, which is the Village Theatre on Bleeker Street (by Thompson).

We hope that you can make it out.

Peace
Chris and Nathan
BASH'd online

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/19/07 at 6:05pm

Kickass! Bitches, get your butts there!

[harris007]

Posted: 8/19/07 at 8:25pm

has no one seen Ladies of Eola Heights their from orlando and the show is screamingly funny

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/22/07 at 2:24am

I'm sorry, harris. I will see if they have any upcoming shows I can catch. :)

I saw The Unusual Suspects tonite with our brilliant Eddie Varley on the stage. This show was probably one of the wackiest yet incredibly fun pieces of theatre I have ever seen. I loved that it was farce meets murder mystery meets absurdism ala Durang meets musical theatre. I thought it was rather inventive, especially in how the events of the evening are told through the UNIQUE perspective of each suspect.

The cast was excellent--each performer got many moments to shine. Super nice voices. And each made me laugh hysterically quite a few times. It's clear that this cast and director worked their butts off to create these performances. It's really a shame to single any of the performers out, but I have to: Bryan Fenkart is stunning amongst a terrific ensemble.

And, this show included what must be one of the most hilarious and inventive fight sequences ever. The mere choice of weapon surely pushed fight choreography to a whole new level.

I think the book, music, and lyrics were very entertaining. There is indeed work to be done if this show were to go to the next step. But, I think the potential is there. I think this writer definitely could be very successful at creating new theatre.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 1:40am

Well, today was an interesting day of 3 shows at the Fringe: Dan Fogler's Elephant in the Room, The Rat King A Rock Opera, and Show Choir! The Musical.

Elephant in the Room
I'm sure it's becoming a tired refrain, but writers shouldn't direct their new work. This was an entertaining piece, but it could have been so much better with someone pushing the writer (the terrific Dan Fogler) and helping him realize the full potential of his piece. I think it's perfect taking Rhinoceros and updating it as a social/political commentary on our world today. I just think he could go even farther, refining and focusing the ideas. The tone of the piece lacked consistency--I think it could have been an even broader comedy than it was. I think there is great potential for this play and I think Fogler is a funny, perceptive writer, clearly full of imaginative ideas that should make for great theatre.

The Rat King A Rock Opera
I want to applaud the creativity that certainly fueled this piece. I applaud the performers and musicians who were 100% committed to their performances. But, this piece is a mess. Nonsensical and utterly confusing. Random poetry that caused the audience to groan or laugh at, not with. If you want to create abstract or absurdist theatre, you have to maintain a method to the madness. And your production has to be clean and sharp. Even if the words don't make sense--they have to make sense. You have to tell us the story whichever way you have decided to do so. I couldn't tell if this piece wanted to be a serious, haunting musical ala Sweeney Todd or if it wanted to be a parody of such. That's not to say that you can't have upbeat, comic numbers--you just have to earn them. Support them. I don't know if this piece can be fixed to have a life after Fringe. It would take great revision.

Show Choir! The Musical

Just book a freaking Broadway theatre already because this show is in excellent condition to make the journey there. What a wonderful evening of theatre--very funny and smart. A truly talented ensemble. Fantastic direction/choreography. If you love High School Musical, A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, Behind the Music, Sister Act, you'll love this show. And that's exactly why I think it could just maybe fast track to Broadway. It's got to be a surefire winner with those audiences--especially with a show like HSM being so huge. But, do note that this show is a gazillion times better than HSM (which, honestly, HSM is quite bad, but fun candy). IF you can get a ticket, catch this show.

Or just wait for Broadway.

Updated On: 8/24/07 at 01:40 AM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 7:20pm

Saw BASH'd again today (with an audience of various producers so let's hope the bidding war begins!) and it was even more powerful the second time. I had to fight hard to hold back the tears. I walked in thinking it might be possible that the show wouldn't hold up on a repeat viewing and it so does. I found new things to laugh at and serious moments hit me even harder.

Hopefully they will be one of the shows that can extend (this gets announced tomorrow) and even better, hopefully this show will get a run Off or on Bway. It deserves to. It needs to be seen--both for its important political commentary and for the sheer brilliance of the writing and the talented men who perform it so effortlessly (or so they make it seem).

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 8/25/07 at 5:21pm

Jerby, was it announced which shows were given extensions?

[whatever2]

Posted: 8/25/07 at 6:59pm

wannabe: they're not exactly extensions, but "fringenyc encores" does do a limited run of some of the "best" of the fringe, august 30 - sept 16.

the website is: fringenyc-encores.com

the selected productions are supposed to be announced today, but nothing on the site as of this posting.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/26/07 at 3:09am

Those shows have been announced. But not all the best shows are doing it--I would gather a few were asked that could not participate. I know this is true for BASH'd, if they were asked (which how could they not be!? :) ). It's hard for the international folks to stick around.

Late Saturday afternoon, I saw Chaser--one of the first shows to sell out its run at Fringe. And for good reason. It's a richly provocative play that tackles a very controversial issue (bug chasing/gift giving). It's also well directed, well written, and very well acted.

Great plays ask questions. Provoke thought. Push buttons. Chaser does this and then some. And like most great plays, the playwright doesn't hand you the answers. He or she asks the questions and lets you decide what you think. I was riveted. I will say the ending needs cleaning up and I would like the play to be longer--two things that could easily happen should this play move on. I hope it does.


So, if I were to pick a Top 5 from the Festival (of course, from what I saw), it would be

1. BASH'd
2. Show Choir!
3. Chaser
4. A Beautiful Child
5. Slammer!

I only wish I could have seen more! I already know I missed some good shows.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 8/26/07 at 4:54am

The 12 FringeNYC Encores Shows

At the Bleecker Street Theatre

AS FAR AS WE KNOW:

A gripping and gritty ensemble performance chronicles the struggles of an Ohio family tortured by the absence of their son, a soldier abducted during an ambush on a Halliburton transport in Iraq. Inspired by the April 2004 capture of SSG Matt Maupin.

2-hours: Thursday September 6 at 7PM; Saturday September 8 at 11PM; Sunday September 9 at 4:45PM; and Monday September 10 at 9:30PM

A BEAUTIFUL CHILD:

Manhattan, 1955: Truman Capote and Marilyn Monroe attended the funeral of Constance Collier, Marilyn's acting coach. Afterward, they wandered the city, and shared secrets and a bottle of champagne. Capote presents a vivid snapshot of the Marilyn only he knew.

50-minutes: Tuesday September 4 at 9:30PM; Wednesday September 5 at 7PM; Friday September 7 at 7PM; Saturday September 8 at 9:30PM; Tuesday September 11 at 7PM; Friday September 14 at 9:30PM; Saturday September 15 at 3PM; Sunday September 16 at 9:30PM

… DOUBLE VISION

Love hurts. Running from it can leave you half-crazy and riding the subway nude. Six singles navigate the tricky waters of urban, modern relationships in this quirky tale of love on the lam. A dark romantic comedy. Note: Contains nudity, no one under 18 admitted.

2-hours: Saturday September 8 at 2:30PM; Sunday September at 9:15PM; Wednesday September 12 at 9:30PM; Thursday September 13 at 7PM; Saturday September 15 at 5PM; Sunday September 16 at 7PM

HILLARY ANGONISTES

Spring 2009. Hillary in the White House. 65 million people disappear. Is the Rapture upon us? Pat Robertson, Stephen Hawking, Chelsea and the Antichrist weigh in. Can Madame President avert Armageddon? Starring Priscilla Barnes (TV's “Threes Company”) as Mrs. Clinton.

1-hour, 35-minutes: Friday September 7 at 9:30PM; Saturday September 8 at 5PM; Sunday September 9 at 7:30PM; Monday September 10 at 7PM; Wednesday September 12 at 7PM; Thursday September 13 at 9:30PM; Friday September 14 at 7PM; Saturday September 15 at 9PM; Sunday September 16 at 3PM

LIGHTS RISE ON GRACE

Grace falls for Large. Riece falls for Large. Large... falls. First love. Lost love. New love. Tough love. Follows three desperate New Yorkers as they defy tradition, uncover and recover secrets.

1-hour: Thursday August 30 at 7PM; Friday August 31 at 9PM; Saturday September 1 at 7PM; Sunday September 2 at 5PM; Monday September 3 at 7PM; Thursday September 6 at 9:30PM; Saturday September 8 at 7:30PM; Sunday September 9 at 3PM

MARY BRIGIT POPPLETON IS WRITING A MEMOIR

Fake babies, Catholic chaos, and escaping Long Island in a rowboat: this and more when virginal teen Mary Brigit Poppleton fakes her own pregnancy. Why? Because she's writing a memoir, and who wants to read about a happy childhood?

2-hours: Monday September 3 at 9PM; Tuesday September 4 at 7PM; Wednesday September 5 at 9PM; Tuesday September 11 at 9:30PM

At SoHo Playhouse

BOMBS IN YOUR MOUTH

Chug beer, eat Jello, arm wrestle. Do whatever it takes not to talk about the memory of your deadbeat dad in this comedy by Corey Patrick. bipolar teams up with wej productions for its third stint at FringeNYC.

1-hour, 15-minutes: Tuesday September 4 at 9PM; Thursday September 6 at 7PM; Tuesday September 11 at 7PM; Saturday September 15 at 7PM; Sunday September 16 at 5PM

JAMAICA, FAREWELL

Jamaica. Revolution. Visa. Impossible. CIA. Seduction. Desperation. A dream. Heartbreak. Handsome. American. Customs. Million dollars. Duffel bag. Machetes. Goats. Prostitutes. Bullets. Adrenaline. Kerosene. Run for your life. A true story.

1-hour, 30-minutes: Friday September 7 at 7PM; Saturday September 8 at 10PM; Sunday September 9 at 3PM; Monday September 10 at 9:30PM; Wednesday September 12 at 7PM; Friday September 14 at 9:30PM; Saturday September 15 at 9PM; Sunday September 16 at 7PM

NAKED IN A FISHBOWL

Unscripted, uninhibited, and wildly entertaining, this unique improv-comedy eavesdrops on the lives of four friends in NYC. Witness original performances full of raw humor and startling honesty. Unlike anything else on the New York City stage.
1-hour: Sunday September 9 at 8PM; Sunday September 16 at 3PM

PAPER SON

I grew up in Oklahoma. Moved to California. Became a comedian. Then discovered I was Chinese. Who knew?

1-hour, 30-minutes: Thursday August 30 at 7PM; Friday August 31 at 9:30PM; Saturday September 1 at 2:30PM; Sunday September 2 at 2:30PM; Tuesday September 4 at 7PM; Wednesday September 5 at 9:30PM; Friday September 7 at 9PM; Saturday September 8 at 8PM; Sunday September 9 at 5:30PM

PIAF: LOVE CONQUERS ALL

For those who have loved, suffered and survived. Come share a cocktail with a French legend as she shares her passion for music, men and morphine! "Top Ten of the 2005 Toronto Fringe". Experience the power of 'chansons' and l'amour!

2-hour, 2-minutes: Thursday August 30 at 9:30PM; Friday August 31 at 7PM; Saturday September 1 at 8PM; Sunday September 2 at 4:30PM; Monday September 3 at 9:30PM; Wednesday September 5 at 7PM; Saturday September 8 at 5PM

RIDING THE BULL

A love affair between a devout rodeo clown and a hellraising rancher leads to Graceland, prophetic sex, and cows that rise from the dead in what nytheatre.com called "a charming and unconventional look at the nature and definition of belief."

1-hour, 50-minutes: Sunday September 2 at 7PM; Monday September 3 at 7PM; Friday September 7 at 11PM; Saturday September 8 at 2:30PM; Monday September 10 at 7PM; Tuesday September 11 at 9PM; Wednesday September 12 at 9:30PM; Saturday September 15 at 5PM; Sunday September 16 at 9PM
Fringe Encores