After having to cancel in 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is back to celebrate its 30th outing with in-person shows May 18-31.
Lindsay Taylor was named Orlando Fringe’s theatre producer in July 2019 and was excited to take on her first festival in May 2020.
“I’ve wanted to be in this role since I became an artist 10 Fringes ago,” she says. “Because we had to cancel last year, the first time Orlando Fringe has ever had to cancel a festival, I’ve been waiting almost two years for this, so I’m ready to go.”
Taylor says the artists are just as excited and ready to get back on stage.
“You know, a lot of these artists have been sitting on their shows that they wrote for almost two years now without really anywhere to perform,” she says. “Now as the world is slowly starting to open, Orlando Fringe is one of the first places they are going to get to perform their shows live and they’re pumped.”
Orlando Fringe’s 14-day festival will be very similar to what attendees have been used to from past festivals, Taylor says, just slightly tweaked.
“The biggest difference this year is limited capacities for shows,” she says. “I think we’re used to those packed houses and, with social distancing guidelines, it’s not going to be that way.”
Along with smaller audiences, Fringe will feature all those COVID-19 protocols we have all become familiar with over the last year. Face masks will be required for everyone – audience members, staff, actors and volunteers – even if you have been vaccinated. Masks can be removed only when seated and actively drinking or eating in designated areas.
There will also be temperature checks and COVID screenings done at the entrance of each venue as well as when entering the Fringe lawn. You will also be expected to maintain a safe physical distance from other attendees, wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer.
How to Fringe
The process of Fringing outside of the new safety measures will be the same. You’ll first need to buy your Fringe button, the cost of which goes back to Orlando Fringe to help keep the festival going, and then buy tickets to the shows you want to see. 100% of ticket sales go directly to the artists performing in the shows you watch.
Keep in mind that there’s no late entry to any Fringe show, all ticket sales are final and no outside food/beverages will be allowed inside any venue.
Where to Fringe live
Orlando Fringe’s main hub of venues is located at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. This is where you will find the Blue, Orange, Pink, Red and Yellow Venues. Across the parking lot, at the Orlando Museum of Art, you will find the Gold Venue and next door to that, at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, you’ll find the Green and Silver Venues. Fringe will feature two Bring Your Own Venue (BYOV) partners – The Abbey Orlando and HÄOS on Church. There are also some BYOV around the Loch Haven Park area so be sure to check out the full Fringe schedule for more details.
The Fringe lawn will also make its return complete with the Beer & Booze tent, food trucks, vendors and more. You can also celebrate Fringe safely with one of their Party Pods – a total of 10 socially distanced tents with chairs, tables and coolers arranged throughout the lawn.
Where to Fringe online
If you are still not comfortable being out among the people yet, don’t worry, Fringe hasn’t forgotten about you. You will have the opportunity to stream some of your festival favorites when DigiFringe comes to you June 4-18.
“We opened DigiFringe up for artists who come here to Orlando every year but couldn’t get here this time because of the pandemic,” Taylor says. “It will also give the artists who are in the May festival an opportunity to earn some extra money by showing their show again virtually.”
Orlando Fringe is offering free filming for any show in the 2021 festival, as long as it is show at a Fringe-managed venue. Taylor says that as of right now about 40 shows from this year’s festival will also stream as a part of DigiFringe, along with 30 or more shows from artists who couldn’t physically be here for the Fringe festival.
What to Fringe
Orlando Fringe has more than 70 shows at this year’s festival. To help get you started on your Fringe schedule, we have gathered information on 20 shows from LGBTQ artists and/or that feature queer characters and themes that we think you will enjoy.
For pricing on these shows, to check out the full schedule for the 30th annual festival and for more information about DigiFringe, visit OrlandoFringe.org.
“Ain’t Done Bad”
By: Jakob Karr and Co. (Windermere)
Venue: Silver
Length: 55 Minutes
Rated: 13 & Up
Showtimes: May 20, 9 p.m.; May 24, 7 p.m.; May 26, 9 p.m.; May 28, 7 p.m.; May 29, 5:30 p.m.; May 30, 4:15 p.m.
“Ain’t Done Bad” is a story of becoming. A world premiere by choreographer Jakob Karr, the show takes inspiration from the story woven by Reba McEntire in her song “Fancy” and features the music of Orville Peck. “Ain’t Done Bad” explores the creator’s experience of growing up, coming out and finding love. Using dance, “Ain’t Done Bad” celebrates the journey of leaving shame behind to embrace your authentic, vulnerable voice.
“An Adele Horror Story”
By: 11th Hour Productions (Orlando)
Venue: Entrance of the Orlando Museum of Art
Length: 75 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 20, 6:30 p.m.; May 21, 6 p.m.; May 22, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; May 27, 6:30 p.m.; May 28, 6:30 p.m.; May 29, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; May 30, 6:30 p.m.
Just on the outskirts of the Fringe lawn lies a campsite. When seven college students enter, bad things happen. “An Adele Horror Story” is a musical horror comedy that will answer the question of “Wait, so where is Adele anyway? Also, why does she disappear between albums?” Bring your own seating for this show, which takes place outside of the Orlando Museum of Art. Blankets and chairs are recommended.
“Alchemist of Dreams”
By: The Imagination House (Orlando)
Venue: Orange
Length: 55 Minutes
Rated: 13 & Up
Showtimes: May 21, 7 p.m.; May 22, 5 p.m.; May 23, 3:30 p.m.; May 26, 9:30 p.m.; May 27, 9 p.m.; May 29, 7:30 p.m.; May 30, 4:45 p.m.
Join award-winning VarieTEASE in the alchemist’s shop. “Alchemist of Dreams” is filled with imagination and the endless possibilities of love, adventure and sometimes the fears that lurk in the dark. Every seeker who enters is immersed in a world of music and dance with each being granted a dream, though they may be surprised with the dream they’re given. Cast aside your hopes and wishes and come in with an open mind. In this quirky little shop, the dream chooses you.
“Arden”
By: In the Wings (Orlando)
Venue: Silver
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 13 & Up
Showtimes: May 19, 6:45 p.m.; May 21, 9:30 p.m.; May 22, 9:45 p.m.; May 23, 6:45 p.m.; May 24, 9 p.m.; May 29, 1 p.m.; May 30, 8:45 p.m.
“Arden” is an all-new jukebox musical set in a magical forest where the stories of William Shakespeare collide in an explosion of color and song. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star, Ginger Minj joins the fairies from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the lovers from “As You Like It” and the witches from “Macbeth” on a musical romp through the Forest of Arden set to mash-ups of iconic pop songs from the 70s and 80s.
“Dogtanic”
By: BC Theatricals (Orlando)
Venue: Gold
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 13 & Up
Showtimes: May 22, 7 p.m.; May 23, 4:30 p.m.; May 25, 7 p.m.; May 27, 10:30 p.m.; May 28, 6:15 p.m.; May 29, 12 p.m.
Did you know there were a dozen dogs onboard the Titanic? Just how many Lassies were there? Did anyone REALLY call them freedom fries?! Join amateur historian and professional dog person, Bruce Ryan Costella on a madcap comedy voyage perfect for fans of author Mary Roach and podcasts “Reply All” and “Radiolab.” From the creator of Orlando Fringe 2018 winner of Best Solo Drama, “MUTTNIK,” and Fringe Winter Mini-Fest 2021’s “Unhappy Accident.”
“The FROGPIG and Friends Variety Hour”
By: Joel Swanson Productions (Orlando)
Venue: Silver
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 20, 7 p.m.; May 22, 2:30 p.m.; May 23, 8:45 p.m.; May 25, 9:45 p.m.; May 29, 8 p.m.; May 30, 6:45 p.m.
FROGPIG is back! The half-breed hamphibian at the center of 2018’s Critics Choice Award for Best Solo Show (Variety) is returning to Orlando Fringe for more. This time, he’s sharing the stage with some of his famous friends. Inspired by shows like “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour” and yes, “The Muppet Show,” “The FROGPIG and Friends Variety Hour” is a campy, kitschy 1970s fever dream you’ll have a difficult time forgetting.
“Fucking Men”
By: Unseen Images Theatre (Orlando)
Venue: Gold
Length: 90 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 19, 8:15 p.m.; May 23, 9:15 p.m.; May 24, 6:15 p.m.; May 26, 9:30 p.m.; May 28, 10:45 p.m.; May 29, 9:30 p.m.; May 30, 6:30 p.m.
“Fucking Men” focuses on the lives of 10 men with wildly different ages, professions and priorities. You’ll meet the married couple, the soldier, the actor, the porn star, the escort, the grad student, the college kid, the playwright and the journalist. Written by Joe DiPietro – best known for his Tony Award-winning musical “Memphis” and for the Off-Broadway hit show “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” – “Fucking Men” looks at how 10 men face their problems while in different emotional places, especially in terms of their sexuality.
“Girly Girl”
By: The Euphoria Project (Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts)
Venue: Gold
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 13 & Up
Showtimes: May 19, 6:15 p.m.; May 20, 9:30 p.m.; May 22, 12 p.m.; May 23, 2:30 p.m.
“Girly Girl” is a queer coming-of-age story that takes us through the different phases of Lily’s adolescence in their search for authenticity during the Golden Era of YouTube. Life cannot be planned and “Girly Girl” reveals what happens when a child influenced by social media showcases their life online before even knowing who they are.
“Happily Ever After Dark”
By: The Viera Studio for Performing Arts (Melbourne, Florida)
Venue: BYOV – The Abbey Orlando
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 13 & Up
Showtimes: May 20, 5 p.m.; May 21, 6:50 p.m.; May 22, 4:30 p.m.; May 23, 11:30 a.m.; May 27, 8:30 p.m.; May 28, 10:10 p.m.; May 29, 4:30 p.m.
“Happily Ever After Dark” is an original cabaret that follows your favorite fairy tale characters on a crazy night out at the club. What happens when nothing is as it seems? Get ready for the insanity that ensues after a big secret is revealed.
“The Impossible Club”
By: Mental Multitrack (Winter Park)
Venue: Green
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 7 & Up
Showtimes: May 19, 7 p.m.; May 23, 5:15 p.m.; May 25, 9:30 p.m.; May 26, 9:45 p.m.; May 29, 5:15 p.m.; May 30, 4:45 p.m.
At Versailles Middle School, the new “no bullying” policy hasn’t stopped big, intimidating Rhine from terrorizing small, clumsy Birch. Aspiring popular girl Cherry becomes annoyed by younger, excitable Trillium. Despite strategic alliances, they inevitably descend into a war which threatens to send them all to juvenile hall and certain oblivion. “The Impossible Club,” by Ned Wilkinson, was featured in the 2017 Florida Festival of New Musicals.
“It All Started At The Radisson Inn”
By: Wanzie Presents & D Squared Productions (Orlando)
Venue: Gold
Length: 75 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 21, 9:45 p.m.; May 22, 4:45 p.m.; May 23, 7 p.m.; May 25, 9 p.m.; May 27, 6 p.m.; May 29, 7:15 p.m.; May 30, 3:45 p.m.
Wanzie’s newest, most unusual comedy-drama, “It All Started At The Radisson Inn” tells the story of handsome, young and straight Brett (played by Zach Lane) and charming, persuasive and gay Connor (played by Mike Van Dyke) bonding over the party drug ecstasy. The unlikely pair become frequent fantasy, fetish role-play partners, which Brett strives to keep secret from his fiancé, Julie (played by Dina Najjar). When Connor professes his love for Brett in Julie’s presence, all hell breaks loose.
“Josie & Grace”
Dynamite Lunchbox Productions (Orlando)
Venue: Silver
Length: 75 Minutes
Rated: 13 & Up
Showtimes: May 22, 7:30 p.m.; May 23, 1:30 p.m.; May 25, 7 p.m.; May 27, 7 p.m.; May 28, 9 p.m.; May 29, 10 p.m.; May 30, 2 p.m.
“Josie & Grace” is a mostly historical cabaret dream play about the legendary friendship between two of the most iconic women of the 20th Century – Josephine Baker and Grace Kelly. From the creators of the award-winning international hit show “Josephine” comes the world premiere play about two American women who became immortal in Europe after meteoric rises to success that challenged the limits placed on them by a racist and sexist world.
“Judas”
By: The One Guy Productions (Orlando)
Venue: Red
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 22, 7:15 p.m.; May 23, 1:30 p.m.; May 24, 7:30 p.m.; May 25, 6:45 p.m.; May 28, 10:15 p.m.; May 29, 4:45 p.m.
“Judas” is coming! Hear this all-new testament about his savior and (spoiler alert!) lover in a sinful, spirited and sassy romp that reveals the truth, revs up the sex appeal and makes the Good Book even better. There will be mystery, there will be murder, there will be loooooove – but most importantly, one of you will betray him! Just kidding, but this is definitely NOT your mother’s Bible story.
“The Little Merman from The Black Lagoon”
By: Christian Kelty (Orlando)
Venue: BYOV – HÄOS on Church
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 19, 7:30 p.m.; May 20, 5:30 p.m.; May 22, 5 p.m.; May 25, 7:30 p.m.; May 27, 7:30 p.m.; May 29, 5:30 p.m.
A group of scientists in search of the evolution of life come face-to-face with Ethyl the Merman and his friends from “under the sea.” A comedy mash-up of “The Creature from The Black Lagoon” and “The Little Mermaid” with puppetry. From the creator of Fringe hits “Joe’s NYC Bar,” “The Boy Who Stole the Sun” and “The Karate Guy.”
“One Night Only in the HÄOS aka La La Lounge”
By: Blue LaLa Entertainment (Orlando)
Venue: BYOV – HÄOS on Church
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 20, 9:30 p.m.; May 22, 3 p.m.; May 22, 7:30 p.m.; May 26, 7:30 p.m.
Five different shows, one night only! Come check out the daily show schedule for Broadway HÄOS Sessions, Devil’s Nosebleed, Let it Bee, The Peek-a-boo Lounge and Re-wine the Cabaret. There’s something for everyone in the LaLa Lounge.
“Oscar Wilde and Jesus Christ Walk into a Gay Bar”
By: Renaissance Theatre Company (Orlando)
Venue: Orange
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 13 & Up
Showtimes: May 21, 9 p.m.; May 22, 7:30 p.m.; May 23, 1:30 p.m.; May 25, 9:30 p.m.; May 28, 9:30 p.m.; May 29, 3 p.m.; May 30, 9:15 p.m.
Dorian is a drag performer at a small town gay bar. He’s known for his wit, the outlandish songs he sings and his infamous drag persona – Oscar Wilde. A self-proclaimed “recovering Christian,” Dorian entertains and opens up through monologue, music and self-deprecating humor. A new musical from Donald Rupe, writer of Fringe hits “From Here,” “Once I Laughed,” “Bitch, Perfect!” and “Gorgeous!”
Sareth Ney presents “Stories on Sunset”
By: A Quarter and a Dream Pictures (Palm Coast)
Venue: Blue
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 22, 8:30 p.m.; May 25, 6:45 p.m.; May 28, 11 p.m.; May 29, 2:15 p.m.
“Stories on Sunset” is Sareth Ney’s three-act monologue. The first act, “City of Angels & Demons,” details how he became Clive Barker’s intern turn apprentice, and fond memories of the times they spent together. The second act, “Stories On Sunset,” is how Ney became a superhero journalist. The third act, “Sex, Jokes and Rock & Roll,” goes into full detail about his wild misadventures (without the use of curse words) in the form of stand-up comedy.
“Slut Like Me”
By: Logan Donahoo (Orlando)
Venue: Green
Length: 60 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 20, 9 p.m.; May 24, 7 p.m.; May 26, 9 p.m.; May 28, 7 p.m.; May 29, 5:30 p.m.; May 30, 4:15 p.m.
Award-winning Orlando Fringe veteran, Logan Donahoo returns with his NEW & IMPROVED, tell-all, multimedia comedy romp. Learn ALL the sexy secrets and skills you need to release YOUR inner slut. Learn to flirt like a pro, get the most out of your dating profile and find out what to do when the health department calls. Be ready to take notes because class is in session.
“Tired Old Whore”
By: Ba’aser Presents (Orlando)
Venue: Pink
Length: 55 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 21, 9:15 p.m.; May 22, 10:45 p.m.; May 23, 9:30 p.m.; May 27, 8:45 p.m.; May 28, 9:15 p.m.; May 30, 9:30 p.m.
Taffy is retiring after 47 years as a “working girl,” but not before she tells you some stories, and boy, has she got stories. Join her on this hysterical musical journey. We don’t want to give away too much but celebrity sex, drugs, a traveling circus, Republicans, death and a pork chop are all involved. This show sold-out in its original run at the Orlando Fringe seven years ago so get your tickets early.
“We Got Love”
By: Brett McMahon (Brentwood, California)
Venue: BYOV — The Abbey Orlando
Length: 75 Minutes
Rated: 18 & Up
Showtimes: May 19, 8:30 p.m.; May 22, 10:40 p.m.; May 23, 7:10 p.m.; May 28, 5 p.m.; May 29, 7:10 p.m.
This Modern Cabaret is all about LOVE through the eyes of an All-American ‘Gurrrrl.’ There is no wrong way to love, only THAT you love. Brett McMahon’s voice and mix of popular music will have you bouncing in your seat and might make you shed a tear. From “Watermelon Sugar” and the excitement of feeling butterflies to a new rendition of “Rain on Me” to remind us even when it’s raining, we know the sun will come out again.
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