Art

Nine shows and a bottle of rum: Philly Fringe Weekend Guide

I hope you don’t mind that I have completely planned your weekend for you with nine performances over the next three days from Philly Fringe. For the newbies, imagine 16 days of uncensored and unmoderated performances by artists doing exactly what the muse tells them too. That’s Philly Fringe. Like it or taste hot lead, polecats! Just kidding. Haven’t had my caffeine yet this morning. My entire mission in life as your newfound Suggestor Guy is to make it easy for you to decide what to see on the Fringe. You physically can’t make every show unless you have an operational time travel device. There are too many and some of them at the same time.

Having said that, get thee hence and try these!

August 30, 2008
“Thee Spectacular Waterboarding Adventure” (3rd and Arch Streets, 12 noon, FREE)
Go to website.
Join the Find Art Collective for a fun and captivating look at the wonderful world of waterboarding. Trip to Cuba not included.

“Jesus Rant” (William Way Community Center, 5:30pm, $10)
Go to website.
The religio-comic ravings of a former Christian. 50% humor, 30% soul searching, and 20% pure ranting. Enjoy the reflections of a fundamentalist upbringing and delicate sketch of the historical Jesus.

“His, Her’s and Larry’s” (Projects Gallery, 7:00pm, $10)
Go to website.
Larry washes laundry in the dishwasher, buries the furniture beneath Rice Krispies, and trails dirty tissues. The great thing is he’s the secret weapon to Dee and Carl’s perfect marriage.

August 31, 2008
“Etiquette by Rotozaza” (Last Drop Coffeehouse, various times, $25)
Go to website.
Star in your own two-person show sitting in a coffeehouse while being fed a script through headphones. Imagine being able to talk to someone without having to think of what to say. Bloody brilliant!

“Beyond the Pale” (Germ Books, various times, $10)
Go to website.
Tour heaven and hell in Fishtown guided by an audio track instead of your own consciousness. This interactive audio is for those seeking a non-traditional performance experience.

“Illegal Refill” (The Adrienne Mainstage, 7:00pm, $10)
Go to website.
See one of Philly’s newest and most exciting long-form improvisational comedy troupes make their Fringe debut. Thirty years of combined experience among its six young members.

September 1, 2008
“Project ME9” (International House Video Lounge, 12 noon, FREE)
Go to website.
Through installation, video, and performance art, an exploration of artist branding and visual art marketing, combined with meditations on narcissism and modernity.

“The Maguffin” (2nd Stage at the Adrienne, 4:00pm, $10)
Go to website.
Stone Soup Theatre Arts riotous political comedy imagines the gay marriage issue is dead this political season. Why would right-wing mastermind Cy Mason fight to bring it back? You’ll have to go to find out.

“Wawapalooza 2” (2nd Stage at the Adrienne, 7:00pm, $10)
Go to website.
Write what you know. IDRATHERBEHERE knows ALL about oil changes, Guitar Hero addictions, Match.com, sweatpants, and more. Last year’s Wawapalooza was called “pretty ballsy” by Philadelphia Weekly. I doubt they’ve mellowed much.

There you are. Nine shows in three days. Take your vitamins and drink lots of water. Stay safe and watch for falling coconuts.

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