As DCist pointed out in their July Theater Preview, this month in the District is all about the fringe. We’re talking over 600 performances. More than 200 companies putting on shows in upwards of 30 venues scattered all over town. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the 2008 Capital Fringe Festival is at hand. If you’re reading about the festival for the first time, odds are that you don’t have a pass (the cheapest of which runs $110 for 10 shows). If you do want to get in to see some good (and, possibly, not so good) theater, a $5 button (one-time purchase) and $15 per show gets you in the door. The button, coincidentally, gets you crazy discounts at all kinds of D.C. landmarks like Tryst, Open City, the Diner, Love Cafe, and more. Pretty sweet, right?
At any rate, I don’t claim to be a theater expert, but I spent about two minutes and picked out a few plays that looked interesting from a few different genres. (And I tried not to overlap with DCist’s picks.) The list follows, complete with descriptions ripped right from the website. After the jump!
- Bargain Basement Game Show is a theatrical-based game show that combines high-brow trivia with low-brow humor. Everyone in the audience is a contestant, and all four episodes – Dating, Hades, Presidency, and Sleep – are different. Come test your wits for the chance to win fabulous (if inexpensive) prizes!
- Bear Beach is a celebration of life with fur wrapped snuggly in a catchy score and a clever book. Outpost souls from the furry fringe breach the carnal divide and land at Bear Blanket Bingo! It’s Sunday in the Park meets Hedwig meets Xanadu. Join the fun!
- Busted Jesus Comix by David Johnston. At nineteen, Marco’s been convicted of obscenity . . . for publishing his homemade comic book. Starting fresh in New York, a chance meeting will expose his past and change his life. A comedy about art, sex, the drive to create and the power of friendship. Based on real events.
- Fool for a Client. “BEST SOLO PERFORMANCE” 2007 D.C. FRINGE! Caught in a lie and facing 225 years in Federal prison, a comedian represents himself at trial. An AWARD WINNING political dramedy. “The foremost amateur attorney in the history of the United States.” NYTheatre.com. “Lewis Black meets Mark Twain!” Chris Davis, 2007 Tour Patron.
- A one-of-a-kind theatrical experience, Four Rooms Waking captures one gripping day in the lives of four sets of unique characters. By turns haunted and hilarious, they will lead you from Algiers to London, New York to Havana – questioning sexuality and nationality, war and liberation. Will love or necessity hold sway?
So… seriously. Go watch some interesting theater. The Capital Fringe Festival starts Thursday and runs through the 27th of this month. That’s 18 days to get off your ass and get cultured.
The AMT
Juice