This June, Downtown has become a vibrant hub for live theater enthusiasts with the launch of its inaugural Fallout Fringe Festival, a celebration of diverse performances that has delighted audiences.
The festival has featured over 115 performances from 30 acts across five venues, showcasing a rich array of talent and creativity in the theater space.
With performances running until June 25, festival-goers still have a chance to experience the magic of Fringe. Tickets can be purchased at falloutfringe.org.
Among the highlights this year, ‘Doing Time with Lavinia’ captivated audiences with its bold presentation. It marked the festival’s opening day at Vegas Theatre Company, delivering an impactful solo performance by Susan Campanaro.
In her role as Lavinia Draper, Campanaro commanded attention from her jail cell in Palm Beach County, drawing the audience into Lavinia’s tumultuous journey.
The minimalist set—consisting only of essential props—allowed Campanaro’s powerful delivery and the accompanying live piano music composed and played by Lynn Portas to take center stage.
As Lavinia shared stories filled with humor and hardship, audiences found themselves rooting for her, empathizing with her struggles in aspiring for stardom while dealing with the harsh realities of life.
Next in line, ‘Puppet Slam: Pride Edition’ brought levity and entertainment to the festival with a show that embraced humor and raunchiness.
Hosted by the Loose Thread Puppet Cult at Vegas Theatre Company on June 7, the performance included a variety of acts, all showcasing puppetry in an amusing and playful manner.
Among the highlights was an improv speed dating segment with puppets, featuring an eccentric character named Peepers—a 50,000-year-old extraterrestrial creature.
The act followed with a one-handed striptease by puppeteer Maura Grace and a rendition of ‘Seasons of Love’ from Rent, bringing a delightful twist to the stage.
A memorable moment arose with puppet Starlett O’Hair’s cover of ‘Born This Way,’ capturing the spirit of Pride celebrations.
Those who missed the June 7 performance have another opportunity to catch the show on June 18 at 10:30 p.m. at Vegas Theater Company, with tickets priced at $28.
In a different vein, ‘Knives, Knives, Knives’ offered a provocative and hilarious take on marital drama, utilizing lines from President Donald Trump’s speeches as the script.
Opening with a familiar portrayal of Trump’s speaking style, the play unfolds as a cuckolded husband confronts his wife and her lover during an unexpected encounter.
The script, composed entirely of verbatim phrases from Trump’s speeches, created an absurd yet entertaining atmosphere, showcasing the improv skills of the cast from the Bleach troupe.
This inventive approach allowed the story to explore themes of betrayal and absurdity while reflecting on societal norms through humor.
As the play goes on, the performers navigate through the chaotic language, turning seemingly nonsensical phrases into comedic gold.
‘Knives, Knives, Knives’ is scheduled for performance on June 22 at 6 p.m., tickets available for $17, offering audiences a fresh perspective on both comedy and societal commentary.
Adding another layer of humor, ‘Legoland’ is a comedic prequel to the previous work by playwright Jacob Richmond, known for ‘Ride the Cyclone.’
Directed by Troy Heard at Majestic Repertory Theatre, the production narrates the adventures of siblings Penny and Ezra Lamb, homeschooled children seeking excitement beyond their sheltered lives in Uranium City, Saskatchewan.
The quirky characters discover their unique aspirations, with Penny striving to be a conservationist and Ezra captivated by puppet shows filled with dark themes.
Their journey through a boarding school and an unexpected cross-country trip brings both laughter and heartfelt moments, reflecting on the challenges of growing up.
The chemistry between the actors, Emma Newton and Jeremy Dubey, enhances the comedic timing and emotional depth, ensuring audiences remain engaged throughout.
Performances of ‘Legoland’ continue on June 21 and June 28 at both 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $17, promising a theatrical experience that captures the essence of childhood wonder and rebellion.
Rounding out the festival is ‘Take Your Shot With Motivational Speaker Luigi Mangione,’ which offers a satirical glimpse into corporate culture through its exaggerated titular character.
Collaboration between INDECLINE and TSTMRKT, the play features writer and director Ernest Hemmings as a representative from Ramco Laboratories, presenting motivational speaker Luigi, portrayed by Joshua Berg.
Opening with an earnest tone, Luigi’s speech begins earnestly before spiraling into absurd critiques of capitalism and radical rhetoric.
His character challenges traditional notions of motivation while using humor to address complex societal issues, culminating in a powerful finale where the absurdity of the performance is highlighted with a dramatic act.
‘Take Your Shot With Motivational Speaker Luigi Mangione’ encourages audiences to reflect on their own aspirations amidst the spectacle of hilarity, showcasing the creativity flourishing at the festival.
This engaging performance is set for its theatrical run at Cheapshot, inviting attendees into a world where satire meets serious undertones in a thought-provoking yet entertaining manner.
The Fallout Fringe Festival continues to shine a light on innovative performances and the unique voices of artists, making it a highlight of the season for theater enthusiasts.
With an exciting variety of shows still to experience, there are few better ways to enjoy the summer than immersing oneself in the dynamic world of Fringe.
Tickets for various performances are still available, allowing audiences to delve deep into the mesmerizing stories and characters that define this inaugural festival.
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