Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Fringe Festival
Bringing new visual arts displays and four performers whom have or will perform at the revered Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the annual Pittsburgh Fringe Festival is back for its fourth year and will begin on Friday, March 31 and run through Sunday, April 2.
There will be a record-breaking 37 shows and 88 performances over the weekend at four Northside locations with the mission to “support adventurous and exploratory performing artists through showcasing their uncensored artistic expressions in a professional environment to equally adventurous audiences,” according to the press release.
The new visual arts on display will be located at Allegheny City Brewery and Artists Image Resources and feature a pop-up art show called “Illuminate” that will contain diverse artwork centered on the theme of light. The creators are senior art and art administration majors from Waynesburg University who are participating in the College Fringe Curation Program.
Full weekend passes are $95, Saturday-only and Sunday-only passes are $40, and Friday-only passes are $25. Single-event tickets are $8 or $15 depending on show length. Festival buttons are also available for $5 which grants purchasers $3 off individual show prices plus discounts at participating Northside bars and restaurants. A variety of free events and other tie-ins with other Northside venues are being planned; full details are available here.
Pittsburgh Fringe Festival Headquarters will be at Artist Image Resources, 518 Foreland St., where tickets, maps, and volunteers will be available during all festival hours.
The 2017 line-up:
Approaching Happiness
Presented by Krish Mohan
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Upstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Saturday, April 1 at 6:20 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 11:15 a.m. and 9 p.m.
What makes us happy? Washington, D.C.-based comedian Krish Mohan explores the idea of Happiness and perceptions of mental illness in today’s society. He’s removing the stigmas associated with immigration, drugs, gun control, racism, and being accountable for the problems we’ve created — all revolving around the subject of mental health. Will he find out how we can all approach Happiness.
Bad Idea Variety Show: My Lack of a Social Life
Presented by Bad Idea Entertainment
Artists Image Resources, 518 Foreland Street
Saturday, April 1 at 6 p.m.
A chance to get to see on the other side of the stage and experience life as a magician and juggler does. Very few become entertainers for a good reason — so let’s talk about it while being entertained by juggling, magic, and a distinct lack of good choices.
Betsy Carmichael’s BINGO Palaces
Presented by Betsibu Productions
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Upstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Friday, March 31 at 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 11:20 a.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m.
Betsy Carmichael’s BINGO Palace is an original interactive comedy. Join the fabulous Betsy Carmichael as she hosts an unforgettable night of BINGO at the BINGO Palace. Betsy and her zany cast of characters bring the audience “into the act” with special BINGO games, prizes, fun, story, and surprises. Everyone is sure to leave a winner!
“Enthusiastic, energetic, and totally camp.” — NY THEATRE GUIDE
“Dame Edna meets Phyllis Diller.” — BUFFALO RISING
The Booth
Presented by Thoreau, NM: A Production Company
Alphabet City, Downstairs, 40 W. North Avenue
Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at noon and 2:30 p.m.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BOOTH …DOESN’T SHOW UP ON THE PRODUCTION REPORT. This is why you go to Fringe! Enjoy 30 minutes of low-brow comedy! The Booth is a ribald one-act play that turns the tables on the life of the theatre.Instead of focusing on the actors on stage, this comedy centers on the technicians in The Booth.
The Chronic Single’s Handbook
Presented by Randy Ross
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Downstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Friday, March 31 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m.
A chronically-single guy take a trip around the world hoping to change his luck with love. An unflinching look from Boston-based humorist Randy Ross at how men feel about sex, love, marriage, and massage parlors — including a visit to The Curious Finger Body Spa. Adult language and adult situations.
“Fun to watch. Four Stars.” — WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
“Literary…raw.” — DC METRO THEATER ARTS
“Sharply funny… a quality solo show.” — FRINGE REVIEW (Edinburgh)
Cockatrice
Presented by Bradley Wrenn
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Upstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Friday, March 31 at 9:25 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 9:35 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 3:10 p.m.
Cockatrice is a cruel tale fueled by imagination and piloted by a dangerous, seductive comedy monster (Bradley Wrenn). Cheer for the hero, collect clues from mysterious creatures, and defeat the villain. Boundaries will be tested and laughs will be had as this comedy beast sucks the marrow from your funny bone.
Cody Clark: A Different Way of Thinking
Presented by The Magic of Cody Clark
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Upstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Friday, March 31 at 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 1 p.m.
Magician Cody Clark combines the arts of magic, theatre, comedy, and storytelling to give a first-person account of living with autism. From his birth to his graduation from the University of Louisville, Cody will take you through his life story, with his magic effects showing how his autism gives him a unique way of looking at life.
The Dorothy Matrix 8-Bit Orchestra
Presented by Sloopygoop
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Downstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Friday, March 31 at 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 3:45 p.m.
Classical music meets retro gaming! The Dorothy Matrix 8-Bit Orchestra features drag queen Dorothy “Dot” Matrix conducting an orchestral concert with selections ranging from Mozart to Prokofiev. The orchestra is eight vintage Nintendo Game Boys. Dorothy presses “Start” and the music begins — in a surreal combination of performance art, electronic music, and synchronized light. Second production after its debut in 2016 at the Scranton Fringe Festival!
Elizabeth Wants a Sword Fight
Presented by Brawling Bard Theater
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Upstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Friday, March 31 at 10:50 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 3 p.m.
Action! Comedy! Swords! Shakespeare! Elizabeth wants excitement in her life. With the help of mysterious players, she sets off in search of adventure. Along the way, she encounters disguises and duels, battles and intrigues, lovers and fighters, pirates and kings. And discovers true adventure. With a sword fight. Perhaps two. Maybe more.
Eva & Hillary
Presented by Tardigrade Theatricals
Alphabet City, Downstairs, 40 W. North Avenue
Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 3:30 p.m.
It’s 2017. the election is over. The frustration isn’t. In a post-mortem confrontation about what went wrong in the presidential election, Eva Peron, one of the most powerful women of the 1940s, faces off with Hillary Clinton, first female Democratic presidential nominee. Hillary’s style of policy-driven leadership is challenged by Eva’s seductive glamour. The result is both political satire and tragicomedy.
Holiday Countdown
Presented by Jenn Stover
Artists Image Resources, 518 Foreland Street
Sunday, April 2 at 12:10 p.m.
What happens when Bill Peduto steals Cupid’s bow and arrow, reindeer run down? Pittsburgh streets, or Irish bakeries are attacked by snakes? Listen as I tell the story of
the magical happenings of Pittsburgh. Jenn Stover is a local Pittsburgh resident and a strong local espresso supporter. Her goals include making friends, eating pizza, and breaking reality.
The Hugging Army: An Experience in Connection
Presented by Vanessa L. White Fernandos
Allegheny Inn Bed and Breakfast, Upstairs, 1010 Cedar Avenue
Saturday, April 1 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m.
One day, as an experiment, Vanessa set out in the streets of her with city with one blindfold, a Free Hugs sign, and open arms — only to have connections with strangers that she had never felt before. Through this unique experience of storytelling, pictures, discussion, and practice, others learn the healing, powerful, and uplifting benefits of hugging.
Kevin & Ian: Too Stoo2id: A One Man Show
Presented by Ape Yard Staging
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Downstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Friday, March 31 at 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 11:30 a.m.
Yo. You stoopid. No, YOU Stoopid. We both stoopid!!! Underscoring idiotic antics and emphasizing theatrical pies, an expansive universe of unrelated characters present heartwarming scenarios, hilarious catchphrases, and pies. Lots of pies. Comes see the pies.
Laundry Night
Presented by Captain Ambivalent
Artists Image Resources, 518 Foreland Street
Friday, March 31 at 6:15 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 8 p.m.
The musical true story of my glacial rise from obscurity to international obscurity! From the Dawn of my Downy youth, I struggled to get the songs inside outside. But when I gave up on a “normal” Win and Dashed Briskly to Gain a More Bold Biz Method, I Surfed a Tide of Joy! 2016 Elgin Fringe Festival Audience Favorite Award winner.
Lost Love: Tales of Tragic Romance
By Alan Irvine
Allegheny Inn, 1010 Cedar Ave.
Friday, March 31. Tickets and info: http://www.pittsburghfringe.org/storyswap.html
Mo-on-the-oncle
Presented by Melissa Cole
Artists Image Resources, 518 Foreland Street
Friday, March 31 at 7:40 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m.
There’s a time and place for a monocle: 2017 and a Bronx high school are neither of them! A solo comedy about what happens when a Bronx teen is forced to wear a monocle to school after his dad loses their vision coverage.
One-Man Apocalypse Now
Presented by Chris Davis
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Downstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Friday, March 31 at 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 6:45 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 2:15 p.m.
Imagine Apocalypse Now performed by one actor, in 60 minutes, recreating some of the most scenes from cinema history through Chris Davis’ unique theatrical lense. Backed by the soundtrack of the movie, David explores the heart of “darkness” through movement, sound, dance, comedy, drama, lunacy, philosophy, and more in this high octane tour-de-force.
“A funny, dark, poignant, playful, and well-spent hour of your life.” — CHARM CITY FRINGE
“Davis throws himself into the role with abandon; at one point he plays a female stripper and does a shimmy that, for better or worse, you won’t be able to get out of your head for a while.” — DC METRO ARTS
“It’s a tour de force that has convinced me that I must see his other work.” — BROAD STREET REVIEW
Penelope’s Dragon
Presented by Puppets in Performance
Artists Image Resources, 518 Foreland Street (Friday only)
Alphabet City, Upstairs, 40 W. North Avenue (Saturday and Sunday)
Friday, March 31 at 3:45 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 12:15 p.m.
Penelope’s Dragon is an original musical comedy for puppets. It’s a fairy tale with a twist: a young woman falls in love with a dragon. But dragons have been banned in the kingdom and a knight, Sir Dirk, is out to slay the beast. Can their love survive?
The Pink Hulk: One Woman’s Journey to Find the Superhero Within
Presented by Valerie David
Artists Image Resources, 518 Foreland Street
Friday, March 31 at 8:40 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 5 p.m.
What’s the first thing Valerie does when she’s diagnosed with cancer for a second time? She tries to get laid. Having had lymphoma, she’s now diagnosed with breast cancer. Afraid she might lose “the girls” when treatment begins, Valerie wants to take them out for one last hurrah! And does she succeed? Come see the show to find out!
The Portable Dorothy Parker
Presented by Grove Goddess Productions
Artists Image Resources, 518 Foreland Street
Friday, March 31 at 10:10 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 8:35 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 1:40 p.m.
Dorothy Parker, famed wit and writer, reminisces about her life — her famous friends (F. Scott Fitzgerald, Lillian Hellman, and especially, Ernest Hemingway), the founding of The New Yorker, the wits of the Algonquin Round Table, and her many loves and heartbreaks — while selecting poems and stories for the 1944 Viking Press collection The Portable Dorothy Parker.
www.theportabledorothyparker.com
The Principle
Presented by The Happy/Sad Artist Collective
Allegheny Inn Bed and Breakfast, Downstairs, 1010 Cedar Avenue
Friday, March 31 at 9:15 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 6:25 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 6:25 p.m.
The Principle takes a look at what happens when we turn our eyes away from the truths that line the fringes of society. Thomas and Jess are brought together to complete their final test at the Conversion Camp. The two discuss their past lives and what eventually brought them to the camp…and what awaits them in the future.
www.happysadcollective.wixsite.com/happysadcollective
Proxemics
Presented by Hannah J. Thompson
Artists Image Resources, 518 Foreland Street
Friday, March 31 at 8:10 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 8:10 p.m.
Thompson has created colorful and discomforting shapes and will activate them with performances of soft sculpture wearables. The sculptures are membranes to be resisted against, barriers to be broken through both separating and connecting people. The sculptures have bodily connotations challenging the ideas of proximity. This work will question how our bodies exist in physical space and reframe everyday interactions.
The Seven Suitcases of a Snake Oil Salesman
Presented by O’Ryan the O’Mazing
Artists Image Resources, 518 Foreland Street
Friday, March 31 at 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 7:20 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 3:30 p.m.
Meet a man with 18 aliases, 11 toes, and seven suitcases as he leads you through a series of unbelievable tall tales and even more amazing feats. Magic, sideshow, juggling, and storytelling must might get you to buy what he’s selling before you even see what’s in that last suitcase.
www.oryanarrowroot.com
Shedding Skin: a moving meditation on change
Presented by Creative Moves
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Upstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Friday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 5:05 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 4:35 p.m.
Can we ever truly leave who were were behind? What do we leave behind when we move on? What do we continue to carry with us as we grow? An exploration of transformation, a moving meditation on change. As the snake sheds its skin so, sometimes, must we. A multi-media solo dance performance.
www.creativemovesperformance.com
Sophia Mintas LIVE!
Presented by Sophia Mintas
Alphabet City, Upstairs, 40 W. North Avenue
Saturday, April 1 at 3 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 3 p.m.
Sophia Mintas, a voice student at Duquesne University, has studied acting in Los Angeles and participated in community theatre and musical and theatrical productions in the Pittsburgh and Westmoreland areas for many years. She has studied and performed in Italy, Los Angeles and the Pittsburgh vicinity.
http://sophiamintas.wixsite.com/sophiamintas/biography
Fringe StorySlam
Presented in collaboration by StorySwap and Pittsburgh Fringe
Artists Image Resources, 518 Foreland Street
Saturday, April 1 at 10:30 p.m.
A StorySlam is an open mic competition for anyone to share a five minute story based on a theme to audience members who appreciate a well-told tale. Ten storytellers will be randomly selected. This year’s theme will be: “Fool.” This event is collaboration between Pittsburgh Fringe and StorySwap, the Pittsburgh-based organization that produces the Three Rivers Storytelling Festival.
Sign up at: www.pittsburghfringe.org
Swan?
Presented by Moquette Volante
Alphabet City, Upstairs, 40 W. North Avenue
Saturday, April 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 1:30 p.m.
Starting with the classic “The Ugly Duckling” and drawing from her own experiences in an adoptive world, artist Kristin Ward brings to life the tale of one “strange duck” and her quest for belonging. Laugh, cry, and dance along as heroine Essie learns that to find where you below, sometimes you to have look with your heart.
Teeth & Sinew
Presented by Cup-A-Jo Productions
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Downstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Friday, March 31 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m.
A documentary-style true story of love evolving into abuse, accompanied by original music and represented by visceral and evolving dance.
That Really Funny Improv Show
Presented by Awkward Attic Ensemble
Alphabet City, Downstairs, 40 W. North Avenue
Saturday, April 1 at 3 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 1 p.m.
Long known as the Gateway to the West, St. Louis has switched from exporting Oregon Trail settlers to exporting really funny improv shows. Come see a showcase of the best young and upcoming improvisors the Arch City has to offer. Veterans of the 2014, 2015, and 2016 St. Lou Fringe Festivals, 2015 and 2016 KC Fringe Festivals, and the 2014 Chicago Improv Festival.
Triage
Presented by Bent Antennae Productions
Allegheny Inn Bed and Breakfast, Downstairs, 1010 Cedar Avenue
Friday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 8:15 p.m.
Congratulations, you’ve been selected to appear in the studio audience for a brand-new reality competition: Triage! Watch our contestants Beth and Chris sing, solve, seduce and strut their way to the grand prize. Your votes decide who gets eliminated! So brush up on alternative-truth trivia and escape that bunker for a while — it’s time to Get This Mess Sorted!™
Waiting for Death
Presented by Waynesburg University Players
St. Mary’s Lyceum, Downstairs, 910 Chestnut Street
Saturday, April 1 at 12:45 p.m.
Ella and Donavan Kurlick are hosting a luxurious dinner party for a famous novelist at their posh home in the Hamptons. While they suffer from some marital problems, the party is going well. That is until an uninvited guest shows up to the party: the Grim reaper himself. Come knock on Death’s door in this delightful, one-act dark comedy.
