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August 15, 2003
Out of the blue
In this morning's Journal, I report on the first weekend of the New York International Fringe Festival, which is presenting 202 shows in 21 off-off-Broadway houses through August 24. (At least I'm supposed to have done that--I haven't yet seen a paper this morning, though I assume it was published normally.) Here's what I wrote about one of the plays I saw:Saturday, 1:45 p.m. Mr. Miyagi's Theatre Company, about which I knew nothing whatsoever prior to laying eyes on its bargain-basement press release two weeks ago, has put together a deliciously knowing revue of sketches about what it's like to take part in a really, really bad audition. "Sides: The Fear Is Real" (the title refers to the script handouts given to performers who try out for a role in a play, film or TV show) includes every imaginable audition-related horror story. Awful actors, puffed-up playwrights, sexually frustrated directors--you name it, "Sides" spoofs it, all in an hour and 15 minutes of high-speed, whip-smart comedy. Cindy Cheung is wildly loony as Cass, the worst casting director in the history of Hollywood, and her five colleagues are fully as sharp. This one's ready for prime time....
To read about other Fringe plays (as well as my report on Melanie Griffith's performance as Roxie Hart in the Broadway revival of Chicago, already covered here on Wednesday by guest blogger Demolition Angel), pick up a copy of today's Journal. The "Weekend Journal" section, where I hang out on Fridays, is full of excellent things.
Next Friday's Journal will contain more Fringe reviews. In the meantime, go here to check curtain times and order tickets.
Posted August 15, 2003 10:58 AM
