Hollywood Fringe Festival Shows

Not only was 'Thenardier's Inn' a part of the Fringe Festival this year, for our first ever time participating in it, it was my first time seeing shows at the Festival in Hollywood.  There is now a Theater Row in Hollywood which is super exciting since theater has been such a huge part of my life since I was little.  Theater was also my first introduction into Acting as my Mom started taking me to shows at a very young age and I've loved going ever since!

Programs for the two Fringe Festival Shows I saw in June!

The first show I saw at the Fringe Festival was 'House of Rabbits - Charivari in Voyeurville.'  Ian (my Boss and fellow Bartender from Saint's & Sinner's and current Manager at Irish Times) and Jess, one of our regulars from S&S, both of which I've known for eight or nine years were in this show.  Jess came up with a concept for a show and the best way to describe it is a Vaudeville Rock-Musical Masquerade, or what I read in the Program about their style of music being like a Piano falling down the stairs.  It was described in reviews as weird, visually stunning, unbelievable aerials, sexy and mysterious, and more.  I agree with all of those statements!  It was definitely strange, even a little creepy at times but works with the music the band was playing.  Jess' voice fit perfectly with what was happening on stage throughout the show; I just wish his microphone had been louder so I could have heard him better.  The aerials were definitely my favorite part of the show and also nearly gave me a heart attack as this part went on for quite some time and I held my breath pretty much the entire time.  But it was beautiful and strong!  In fact, all of the characters were strong and worked really well as a team.  The music was a great blend with the story and it was a show like no other.  Congrats to the musicians, cast, and production team on an epic show!

I also saw my friends, Jamie, Spark, and Lyle in 'The Blonde and Other Slight Distractions.'  This show was wonderful.  Jamie and Spark opened it up with a Kidnapping scene that was crazy, wild, and made me laugh.  It was one of my favorites.  Both of them played their roles so well and then later on in other scenes played a different type of role, so the audience was able to see their versatility.  This was my first time being able to see Jamie perform and I was so excited and happy for her.  Also, this was the Curious Beast's (their production company) second time producing a show for the Fringe Festival!  Lyle closed out the show as a stockholder who was trying to charm his way into Heaven, being stopped by a Painter/God but who really knows.  My other favorite scene from the show was between Spark and Lyle.  This was yet again, a different side of Lyle, that I hadn't seen before and he was incredible.  He played a Mentally Handicapped gentleman, whether it was Autism or Asberger's, it was so real and honest, I couldn't help but laugh during the parts that were sweet and endearing and cry in those beautiful and heart-warming moments.  Spark was patient, kind, understanding, and professional, and this scene could not have been done better by anyone else.  The show was a lot of fun and they got extended at Fringe so you can still see their show!

Jamie and I after her show at Fringe Central for Live Band Karaoke Night!

Feel free to check out more details on the Hollywood Fringe Website at: Hollywood Fringe Festival and even see details for our show 'Thenardier's Inn' as well!  We've been extended for three more shows and tickets can be purchased at www.cacstudios.com using the promo code ENCORE for discounted tickets!  There's a reason we keep getting extended so it's a show worth checking out :)