Dana Gooley, special to wtop.com
WASHINGTON – For 18 days this summer, performers and theater-lovers, alike, will converge on Northeast D.C. for Capital Fringe, a festival celebration of alternative performances.
The eighth annual festival will showcase 130 shows at 18 venues throughout the city, beginning July 11.
Here’s a quick guide on some scenes and shows worth checking out at this year’s Fringe Festival.
Go to the Fort
Fort Fringe, located at 607 New York Ave. NW, serves as the headquarters of Capital Fringe. Here, festival attendees can grab a bite, a drink and share a conversation about the shows, while also taking in some live music.
The bar serves dishes like ginger teriyaki turkey burgers and granny smith apple and cheddar paninis, along with your standard half-smoke and grilled cheese.
On tap, the Fort bar has local brews like Three Stars, Chocolate City and Flying Dog.
Fort Fringe also sells tickets and multi-show passes to the festival.
Take in the Shows
While the Fort is definitely the place to see and be seen, the performances are the core of the festival.
Here are some worth checking out:
Big River (and Other Wayfaring Ballets): Using the music of “The Man In Black,” MOVEiUS Contemporary Ballet mixes contemporary and classical in its modern ballet performance. The show will take place at GALA Theatre at Tivoli Square (3333 14th St. NW). This show is recommended for all ages.
A Day in the Life of Miss Hiccup: Japanese comedian Shoshinz plays Miss Hiccup, a little clown with a lot of noise in her life. Her shows delight kids and adults of all ages. This performance will take place at 612 L St. NW.
Mark Twain’s Riverboat Extravaganza!: If the old, tall tales of American history seem worn and boring, Mark Twain’s “Riverboat Extravaganza!” will make them new again. With music, dance, comedy and plenty of puppets, the Pointless Theatre Company brings Twain’s famous characters to life. Revisiting stories like “Rip Van Winkle” and “John Henry,” the characters get help from the ghost of Abe Lincoln to keep things historically accurate. This show is recommended for all ages and will show at Studio Theatre (1501 14th St. NW).
Urban Legends: Written and performed by West Potomac High School students, “Urban Legends” is a creepy, funny show that might leave you afraid to turn out the light. If you’re a fan of scary stories told around a campfire, this show is for you. It’s recommended to those 13 and older and is playing at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church (900 Massachusetts Ave. NW).
Tragedy Averted: Have you ever wanted to hear Ophelia’s side of things, before she threw herself into the lake? In “Tragedy Averted,” presented by the Ad Hoc Players, Shakespeare’s tragic heroines gather for brunch before their deaths and talk about their problems in a hilarious and touching way. “Tragedy Averted” is recommended to those 13 and older. It is showing at Fort Fringe (607 New York Ave. NW).
To Know A Veil: “To Know A Veil” is a multimedia exploration of what it means to veil and reveal the female body. Part documentary, part art installation, part party game, it’s sure to be an interesting and unique show. “To Know a Veil” is recommended for those 13 and older. It’s showing at Warehouse (645 New York Ave. NW).
H Street Housewives: H Street Housewives is a hilarious look at the changing dynamics of the H Street Corridor. The show description promises “Chickens in the backyard” and “Flame wars on the mommy listserv,” as well as promiscuous househusbands and an evil plan to change H Street forever. This show is recommended for adults only. It’s showing at 612 L St. NW.
Body Armor: “Body Armor” is a dark, unblinking look at war, responsibility and the differences (or not) between the insurgent and the peacekeeper. The story of stranded soldiers in Afghanistan poses serious questions about the U.S. “Body Armor” is best recommended for adults only. It is showing at Gearbox (1021 7th St. NW, 3rd Floor).
Kubrilesque: For Stanley Kubrick lovers and burlesque fans, there’s “Kubrilesque,” a burlesque parody of several of Kubrick’s films. The show combines different styles of dance to move from film-to-film. “Kubrilesque” is recommended for adults only and is showing at GALA Theatre at Tivoli Square (3333 14th St. NW).
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