Tag Archives: Hollywood Fringe Festival

Fringe Review: A Transcriber’s Tale

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A Transcriber’s Tale. Written by Joanna Parson. Directed by Aimee Todoroff. Produced by Michael Blaha of Fringe Management and Lee Costello. Music Direction by Drew Wutke.

From Connecticut to the Big Apple, Joanna Parson arrived to fulfill her New York dreams. But like everyone else, she needed money to survive. That’s when she found a job as a transcriber. This type of job requires listening to video or audio recordings and turning it into text. News, fashion, TV shows, good news, bad news, and everything in between needed to be transcribed. Being in the front line of information was great, except for a caveat. Salary raises were basically non-existent.

Back in 2001, transcribing, performing at comedy clubs, writing music, auditioning for musicals, and dating an interesting guy named Justin sounded amazing for Joanna. Until 9/11 happened. This event changed many people’s perceptions and made them re-evaluate their lives, especially for the ones living in New York. One of them was Justin, who decided to move to Minneapolis. The whole ordeal took a toll on Joanna, who found a new companionship: Whisky. No, not a dog or a cat, but the liquor. From there on, it was a journey of self-discovery.

A Transcriber’s Tale is a minimalist show, the main ingredients are Joanna’s ability as a storyteller and her musical skills. Joanna’s story is a testament of the chaotic environment of the late 1990s and early 2000s during the dotcom bubble and its disastrous burst. In addition to that, living the 9/11 experience transcribing the local, national, and international turmoil that ensued, was an experience like no other. At the end of the day, Joanna had to decide what to do with her life. Did New York make her thrive, or was she consumed by the big city lights? Music, comedy, and a transcriber job tells the story.

A Transcriber’s Tale

The Broadwater (Black Box)
6322 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Wednesday June 26 2024, 8:00 PM

Saturday June 29 2024, 3:00 PM

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10852

Written and performed by Joanna Parson. Directed by Aimee Todoroff. Produced by Michael Blaha of Fringe Management and Lee Costello. Music Direction by Drew Wutke.

Fringe Review: The Connie Converse Universe

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The Connie Converse Universe. Starring Hope Levy. Produced by Zipperbug Music. Directed by Tom Lavagnino.

One day in August 1974, Connie Converse packed her belongings and disappeared. Up to this day, no one knows what happened to her. Connie was considered the first person to be labeled singer/songwriter. She performed for close friends during the early 1950s. Her exceptional talent as a singer/songwriter however, did not reach the popularity she wanted.

Hope Levy pays tribute to Connie in her Fringe production The Connie Converse Universe, performing some of Connie’s most iconic songs. The main value of this production is remembering the implicit messages of Connie’s music. Levy elaborates on the possibilities that contributed to Connie’s disappearance.

Connie performed in 1954 on The Morning Show with Walter Cronkite, her only known public appearance. Despite her talent as a singer/songwriter, she seemed to be ahead of her time, not to mention her activism against racism and being considered a communist agent for her writings in the Journal for Conflict Resolution, where she worked as a writer and managing editor. These factors might have contributed to her lack of popular appeal back then.

Hope Levy is a folk and pop singer/songwriter, aligning with Connie’s musical artistry. Levy’s voice fits her folksy style, and has an evocative and rich texture that integrates smoothly with the introspective nature of Connie’s lyrics.

The Connie Converse Universe is insightful; it’s a documentary and a homage to an artist who deserved more attention in her lifetime. Fortunately, fellow artists like Levy continue to keep Connie’s legacy alive, introducing her poetry and music to new generations. The audience reacted enthusiastically to Levy’s outstanding performance, giving her a well-deserved ovation.

The Connie Converse Universe

Actors Company (The Little Theatre)
916 N. Formosa Ave.
Los Angeles, Ca 90046

Sunday June 23 @11am

Friday June 28th @5:30pm

Sunday June 30th @12:30pm

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10248

Starring Hope Levy. Produced by Zipperbug Music. Directed by Tom Lavagnino.

Fringe Review: Grape Culture

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Grape Culture. Written by Toni Nagy and Sarah Buckner. Produced by Mike Blaha of Fringe Management and Lee Costello.

One of the reasons theatre has survived for more than 2,000 years is the fact that this artistic expression reflects society in all of its beauty and ugliness. In Grape Culture, performers Toni Nagy and Sarah Buckner take the audience out of their comfort zone to explore the struggles of coping with rape in a society that stills puts the blame on the victims.

From sexual remarks to a little girl to harassment in the workplace, this play conveys the uncomfortable situations faced by many women as a result of society’s objectification and ownership of the female body. In some instances, the non-consensual ownership of the body is exercised in medical settings, like when sedated women are used to practice gynecological procedures by medical students.

The stage serves as a platform to emphasize the fact that women own their bodies, and only them can use and manage them as they please. Whether is sex or medical procedures, the woman should be in control to avoid sexual abuse, even in relationships with sexual partners. The key is consent.

Even though the show presents the traumas generated by rape, one positive element is finding the way to heal. For Nagy and Buckner, this can be achieved by somatics and sharing the experiences with the audience to break the cycle of complicit silence. Grape Culture is an effort to dig deep and find the root cause of the toxic attitudes that promote and celebrate abuse.

One of the messages that comes across is that when women expose their bodies, it is not a permit to use them for exploitation, it might be just a way to regain ownership and the narrative about their bodies and womanhood.

For this radical, funny, and entertaining show, Nagy and Buckner use tap, modern dance, film, comedy, and storytelling to represent the challenges of being a woman and the opportunities to heal and find peace. The material might be uneasy for some, but shows like this one present an opportunity to start a meaningful and empathetic conversation.

Grape Culture

Broadwater (Second Stage)
6320 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Dates:

Monday June 17 2024, 6:30 PM

Friday June 21 2024, 9:00 PM

Wednesday June 26 2024, 9:30 PM

Saturday June 29 2024, 5:00 PM

Sunday June 30 2024, 12:30 PM

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10853

Written and performed by Toni Nagy and Sarah Buckner. Produced by Mike Blaha of Fringe Management and Lee Costello.

Fringe Review: Ice Cats

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Orgasmico Theatre Company proudly presents Ice Cats, A Dead Mother Traumedy. Written and performed by Alli Miller-Fisher. Directed by Marissa Jaret Winokur. Produced by Chadd McMillan and Michael Shaw Fisher.

A eulogy turned into a comedy, or vice versa. This solo show delves into the processed and unprocessed emotions of loosing one’s mother. With her characteristic witty humor, Alli Miller-Fisher (CLUELESQUE, The Nightlesque Before Grinchmas) relates the emotional journey of dealing with her mom’s passing.

Cancer, with its ups and downs, becomes pretty intense. Loosing the battle is the end of a journey and the beginning of another one. For Alli, the second journey started with cleaning her mom’s house, where surprises were abundant. Mice, letters, bills, newspapers, you name it. Oh, and the cats. Frozen cats. Ice cats. Was mom waiting for a burial special?

The show combines black humor, tender memories, and even music thrown in the mix. The healing process might take time, but it’s a learning curve, exhausting, rewarding. The discovery of material things it’s also the discovery of hidden feelings that need to be addressed and come to terms with. The more the time advances, the more we understand our parents, in life, in grief, in healing.

Miller-Fisher presents a deeply personal and relatable account of her struggles coping with her loss, but in a funny and entertaining way. She pays tribute to the cherished memories with her mom, connecting with the audience instantly. Above all, her story reminds us that despite the pain, the show must go on.

Ice Cats, A Dead Mother Traumedy

The Three Clubs
1123 Vine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Dates: June 15th 6:30PM, June 21st 8:30PM, June 23rd 2:30PM, June 26th 7:30PM

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10563

Written and performed by Alli Miller-Fisher. Directed by Marissa Jaret Winokur. Produced by Chadd McMillan and Michael Shaw Fisher.

SAM Premieres at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

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“SAM”

Premieres at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

Hollywood CA. April 26, 2024. Prepare for an unparalleled theatrical experience with “SAM”, a one-woman musical that defies conventions and captivates audiences with its blend of existential comedy, showbiz satire, and meta musical numbers. Join Sam Labrecque, a seasoned actor, singer, and comedian, on a voyage through her career featuring the eclectic voices in her head. Through an inspiring exploration of identity, “SAM” unveils the raw struggles of a pre-successful career as an actor, taking you beyond the glitz of Hollywood. “SAM” opens June 6th for nine performances at the Broadwater Studio.

WHERE: The Broadwater Studio – 1078 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038

PERFORMANCE DATES::  Tickets go on sale May 1, 2024

Thursday | June 6th @ 6:30pm (Preview)

Monday | June 10th @ 8pm (Preview)

Friday | June 14th @ 7pm (Opening Night)

Sunday | June 16th @ 12:30pm

Wednesday | June 19th @ 6:30pm

Saturday | June 22nd @7:30pm

Sunday | June 23rd @ 11:00am

Saturday | June 29th @ 2:00pm

Sunday | June 30th @ 8:00pm (Closing Night)

Starring: Sam Labrecque

Composer: Edith Mudge

TICKET INFO: $15.00 –  The Hollywood Fringe Festival – Sam

Admission age: 13+ (some profanity use for comedic effect); Running time 55 minutes

Appealing to fans of “La La Land”, “Schmigadoon!”, and Bo Burnham’s “Inside”, “SAM” delights with its meta narrative, blending improv, parody, stand-up comedy, and original music. Experience Sam’s journey through the entertainment industry, from uproarious laughter to poignant introspection. With over two decades in the business, the star of “SAM” brings authenticity and depth to her portrayal of internal and external battles faced throughout her time in Hollywood.

More than a musical, “SAM” celebrates resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of authenticity in an industry often defined by its superficiality. Featuring interactive elements, “SAM” promises an unforgettable theatrical experience that will leave you laughing, pondering, and cheering for more.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM:

Sam Labrecque (Actor, Writer & Lyricist, Director, Producer) Sam’s journey in the entertainment industry began at the age of 5 when her first director, Gloria Watts, recognized her talent and cast her in numerous youth theatre musicals, defying gender norms with comedic roles. Fast forward 20 years, Sam discovers her non-binary identity, believing Gloria had known all along. Opting for a serving job over college, Sam spent her adulthood exploring various creative avenues, from performing on stage and screen to working behind the scenes and founding her production company, SamSkape Productions Inc.

Despite claiming she lacked time to hone her skills, Sam eventually wrote, produced, and starred in SamSkape’s debut film, “Trying,” showcasing a team of thirty and an all-woman crew. Trained in acting, improvisation, and singing, Sam is now developing a semi-autobiographical TV series combining elements of “Trying” and her solo stage show, “SAM.”

Edith Mudge (Composer) Edith “Emmy” Mudge is a Los Angeles-based composer, songwriter, producer, orchestrator, and music editor. Her music can be found in thousands of TV episodes and films, including Booksmart, Saturday Night Live, Sam Labrecque’s 2021 short Trying, and – almost guaranteed – your guilty pleasure reality show. She worked as an assistant at Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Productions and Bleeding Fingers for 3 years, composed in-house at Jingle Punks for 2 years, and has been a freelancer since 2019, often as a lead orchestrator at Joy Music House. She recently returned from a songwriting camp with Ben Folds, and is thrilled to return to live performance after a decade in windowless rooms.

https://www.samlabrecque.com/samshow

Instagram: @sluhbrek

Theatre Review: Cherry

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Cherry is playing as a part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Co-written by Sarah Carroll and Nadia Townsend.

Sarah Carroll‘s obsession with Katy Perry started when she was a 13-year-old growing up in Australia. Sarah was watching MTV when “I Kissed A Girl” came on and an infatuation took hold of Sarah’s awkward teenage years. As her body and personality was developing, Sarah related to Perry’s music at a very personal level. Getting into Katy Perry’s fans forum was a way for Sarah to get closer to her idol and receive important information on Perry’s touring schedule, specially the Australian dates.

Cherry is not only a tribute to Katy Perry. It’s also a lens through which a very dedicated fan tells her personal story and the challenges she faced growing up. Topics about body image, insecurities, relationships, family, and the preparation for adult life are all packed into this funny and entertaining solo show. It’s an interactive show with catchy tunes and the reflection of a whole generation.

Sarah is a talented actress with a great taste to tell a story. Her passion is evident all through the show; she offers a vivacious, funny, and relatable performance till the very end. Cherry is an excellent find this Fringe season, full of bubblegum and cotton candy energy.

Cherry

Asylum @ Thymele Arts (Kansas Room)

5481 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90029

June 4th, 2023 – June 24th, 2023.
Saturday June 24 2023, 10:15 PM

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9782

Sarah Carroll (Co-writer, performer, and producer). Nadia Townsend (Co-writer and dramaturg). Marissa Saroca (Sound Designer). Mollie Webb (Production Manager).

 

Cherry poster
A scene from Cherry
A scene from Cherry

Theatre Review: Grown Up Orphan Annie

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Grown Up Orphan Annie will be running during the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Written and performed by Katherine Bourne Taylor. Produced by DJ Taylor.

The beloved character Annie (Katherine Bourne Taylor) is now grown up and some details about her life are now disclosed. Being the adopted daughter of Daddy Warbucks created some moral conflicts on the young girl, and now she needs to come to terms with her new reality as a grown up, living the lifestyle of a celebrity. After the death of Daddy Warbucks and the dog Sandy, Annie starts searching for a new sidekick. Unfortunately, she is mislead to believe that Keiko the orca can be her new friend. Unbeknownst to her, Keiko died years ago, creating a new disappointment in her life.

The picaresque style of Harold Gray‘s Little Orphan Annie comic strip continues in this new solo performance. Taylor develops a series of adventures to find new friends and a new sidekick, all of this with an ambientalista undertone, trying to save the planet from the billionaires of the world.

The show is interactive, creating very funny situations with the participation of the audience, specially the first half of the play. The show was workshopped with the innovative Elysian Theatre, and Taylor will be taking her solo performance to the Edinburgh Fringe after the Hollywood run. As part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Grown Up Orphan Annie will be playing during the month of June.

Grown Up Orphan Annie

The Broadwater (Studio)

1078 Lillian Way

Los Angeles, CA 90038

Sat June 10th at 3:30 PM

Fri June 16th at 10:30 PM

Thurs June 22nd at 8 PM

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9585

Written and performed by Katherine Bourne Taylor. Workshopped with The Elysian Theater’s Very In Progress Programming. Original Music by Gabriella Hirsch. “Hard Drive Daddy” Music by Katie Greer. Produced by DJ Taylor.

 

Grown Up Orphan Annie poster
Grown Up Orphan Annie
A scene from Grown Up Orphan Annie