If you’re not careful, Capital Fringe, the all-encompassing, no holds barred, ginormous annual theater festival that starts tomorrow and runs through July 29, just may give you an aneurism. Or an ulcer. We’re just saying, choosing a few shows out of the thousands on offer can be a bit stressful. And while it’s always kind of fun to just show up randomly and hope for the best, if you’re the kind who prefers a plan, read on. Here are 10 shows you shouldn’t miss:
Beertown
Woolly Mammoth
641 D St., NW
If you’re looking for something experimental and interactive, buy a ticket for Beertown, a play developed by DC’s Dog & Pony theater troop. As an audience member, you will also become a citizen of Beertown and get to sit in and vote at one of their City Council meetings. Be as quiet or as vocal as you want. Run time: 120 minutes.
SINGLEMARRIEDGIRL
GALA Theatre at Tivoli Square
3333 14th St., NW
A strong divorcee on the outside; a hot mess online. That’s the setting for this one-woman play, starring Heather Bagnall Scheeler. Telling the story of a newly single gal and her blog, this show will have you LOLing IRL. LOLcats may or may not be involved. Run time: 50 minutes.
Why So Serious?
Caos on F
923 F St., NW
One of our favorite stand-ups, Trevor Joyner, is kicking down the fourth wall for this performance that seeks to illuminate why we get so serious so much about life. Have a laugh instead.
Me and the Devil Blues
Fort Fringe: Redrum
612 L St., NW
Described as a “dark experimental blues rock extravaganza,” this play explores the concept of trading your soul to the devil for some intense talent. Yet somehow, it’s still kinda funny. Run time: 60 minutes.
Apocalypse Picnic
Goethe Institut
812 7th St., NW
Presented by DC’s Orbit Chef theater group, this hilarious sketch comedy takes a look at a group of people directly after they experienced a world apocalypse. Look out for cameos by both Jesus and Superman.
DADA Returns! (20th Anniversary Edition)
GALA Theatre at Tivoli Square
3333 14th St., NW
The concept of dada has been one that has fascinated the art world for quite some time. Now it’s fascinating the theater world, or at least Legimiate Stage/Fraudulent productions, the group putting on this eyebrow-raising show. Run time: 75 minutes.
iConfess
Source Theatre
1835 14th St., NW
Presented by Washington Improv Theater, this musical experience explores the ups and downs of being honest…or not. Are you ready to tell the truth? Audience participation is encouraged. Run time: 75 minutes.
Flight of Fancy (A Steampunk Ballet)
GALA Theatre at Tivoli Square
3333 14th St., NW
Ballet meets punk in the Victorian era. Do you need more? It’s an indie rock dance experience that have you on your metaphorical toes while the dancers are on their literal ones. Run Time: 60 minutes.
Dr. Science’s Science Time Science-va-ganza!
Mount Vernon United Methodist Church
900 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Remember how awesome Mr. Wizard was? Well, the dudes behind this show are taking that inspiration and turning it up to 11. Brace yourselves. Lots of dry ice is involved. Run time: 60 minutes.
BFF
Meet at Fort Fringe Box Office
607 New York Ave., NW
This one’s not just out of the box; it’s reinventing the box into a race car or a secret castle or whatever else your imagination allows. With a 50-person cap per show, er, experience, BFF will take its attendants on some intense “friend-building” excursions. What does that mean? We’re not sure, but we’re certainly curious. Run time: 120 minutes.
To find a full list of shows, as well as show times and ways to purchase tickets, check out the full scoop on Capital Fringe here.
Avoid Being Overwhelmed: Your Cap Fringe Fest Guide
Thursday, Jul. 12, 2012
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