fringe festival 2014 - preview

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headliners * jay pharoah interview * critic picks

SEPTEMBER 18-27, 2014 • DAILY BLOGS AT ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM

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[ INTRODUCTION ] BY JAKE CLAPP

n just three years, the First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival has grown to be one of the largest multi-arts festivals

in New York State. During its debut in 2012, the festival drew more than 32,000 attendees across 5 days, prompting a needed expansion for the next year. The 2013 Fringe grew to 360 performances, 28 venues, and 10 days, and brought in more than 50,000 people for dancing on buildings, gospel choirs, drag queens, kids shows, theater, stand-up comedy, music, visual arts, and any other kind of performance you can imagine — and a few that no one would have expected. Rochester enthusiastically embraced its fringe side. This year, the Rochester Fringe Festival will feature more than 380 shows, taking place Thursday, September 18, through Saturday, September 27, across 28 venues in and around downtown Rochester. The festival is put on by a nonprofit corporation spearheaded by some of the area’s key cultural institutions, including Geva Theatre Center, the George Eastman House, Garth Fagan Dance, and Eastman School of Music, among others. What makes Fringe stand out from other arts festivals is that participating venues curate their own shows. Acts applied earlier this year and the

various theaters, galleries, cafes, and other venues picked the shows that fit them best. Tickets for Fringe shows vary per venue, typically ranging between $6 and $16 (and headlining acts typically have higher ticket prices). Still, there are dozens of completely free spectacles, including Circus Orange, one of this year’s headliners. Tickets for individual shows are available online at rochesterfringe.com, by phone at 371-5017 (please note: the phone number printed in the Official Fringe Guide is incorrect), and in person at each venue starting an hour before show time. Fringe Fanatic Passes, which grant admission to all Fringe shows (except performances in the Spiegeltent), cost $190 and can be purchased online, by phone, or at the Spiegeltent box office. For a full schedule of the festival, a list of venues, maps, and other information, see the official Fringe Festival Guide, included in this issue or visit Rochesterfringe.com. City Newspaper will offer extensive coverage of the 2014 Rochester Fringe Festival. Look for daily blogs during the run of the festival, with photos, reviews, and our critics’ picks for best of the fest. And make sure to pick up our Fringe Review in print in the September 24 issue.

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Circus Orange’s “Tricycle” act is a true smorgasbord of a performance. Described as a “dramatic fusion of live music, clown, circus dance, aerial performance, mechanics, pyrotechnics and fire arts,” the show seems like something out of a Tim Burton flick. The performers walk through the crowd — so if you are scared of clowns you will want to stay far away. If you can get over the coulrophobia though, you’re in for a treat, as you can see an odd clown named Foo ride a ridiculously large tricycle, and a pyro wheel which I’ll leave up to your imagination. No, someone didn’t slip a hallucinogen, it’s just the show being that good.

Circus Orange will perform “Tricycle” on Friday, September 19, at Martin Luther King Jr. Park at Manhattan Square, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The show is free for all ages.

There has been many moments throughout my reading career where I thought, “Wouldn’t it be fun if I could live this story in real life?” This is what theatre group Method Machine’s Spoon River Rochester aims to accomplish. Based on Edger Lee Masters’ “Spoon River Anthology,” — which narrates the lives of 212 deceased residents of the fictional town Spoon River through poetic epitaphs — approximately 300 Rochesterians will take up roles of the residents, simultaneously performing their associated poems. Show goers can stroll through the interactive performance and create their own unique show. The show only lasts for a half-hour, so be sure to take in the largest performance anywhere of Masters’ work while you have the chance.

Spoon River Rochester takes place on Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27, 6:30 p.m. on Gibbs Street between Main and East. This performance is free and appropriate for all ages.

Back after a popular reception at last year’s festival, the Spiegeltent is almost like a completely different world, sort of like walking through the magic wardrobe in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” It is made of wood and has mirrors and stained glass on the inside, and chock full of nostalgia. There are a number of shows going on in the tent, but a couple of discos are especially of note. First, get a bit of the silent treatment through the Silent Disco, a dance party where you hear nothing until you slip on a pair of headphones which give you the option of hearing one of two live DJs. Then there’s the Brown Bag Disco, which is the Silent Disco during the work day, except it includes a bagged lunch, and really, who doesn’t love a free lunch? Silent Disco takes place Friday, September 19, 26, and 27, at 11 p.m. and is appropriate for ages 18 and older. Tickets are $9. Brown Bag Disco takes place Friday, September 26, at 12 p.m. and is for all ages. Entrance is $9 and includes a bagged lunch from Pelligrino’s. If you want more 20 Penny Circus, the troupe will perform its own solo shows in the Spiegeltent on September 25, 26, and 27, at 9:30 p.m. $17. This show is for mature audiences.

For more information on all of the events taking place in the Spiegeltent and the adjoining Spiegelgarden, visit rochsterfringe.com.

Last year’s Cirque Du Fringe shows sold out, and with a new Mardi Gras performance, tickets will probably go quick this year. Taking place in the Spiegeltent — which is an experience in itself — the Vegas style, Circus themed act provides plenty of “did that really just happen?” moments, whether it be through feats of strength or high-flying acts. Adding to the circus vibes are the stunt clowns from 20 Penny Circus, who perform acts like playing Russian roulette with a nail gun (yikes!) and instantaneous teleportation (whoa!) among others. Much like Circus Orange, this is not a show for clown fearers but those with neutral clown feelings are in for a magical time. 20 Penny Circus will host Cirque du Fringe, and the Kenya Safari Acrobats will also perform.

Cirque Du Fringe has various show times each day of the Fringe Festival. For specifics, visit rochesterfringe.com. Performances are in the Spiegeltent. $36. Appropriate for ages 13 and older.

Circus Orange

Jay Pharoah

Spoon River Rochester

The Magic Crystal Spiegeltent

Cirque Du Fringe

see interview on page F4

HEADLINERS

HEADLINERS

BYTREVOR LEWIS

he man at the microphone is unmistakable, speaking in clearly enunciated words with a clipped,

precise delivery. President Obama is cool and collected no matter what crisis the world — or congress — throws his way. And if not for the laughs and his closing words, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” you could almost believe it’s him. But the man at the microphone is 26-year-old wunderkind Jay Pharoah, and there are a lot more people than Barack Obama residing inside the rising comedy sensation. Ready to spring out at the slightest provocation are Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Nicholas Cage, Bill Cosby, Kanye West, and dozens more. When he headlines the Rochester Fringe Festival, Pharoah will do far more than impersonations. In addition to his SNL work, Pharoah has been doing cutting-edge stand-up comedy for a decade all over the country. Born Jared Antonio Farrow in Chesapeake, Virginia, in 1987, Pharoah was honing his impressions when he was in single digits. By the time he was 15, he was already performing in clubs. Tapped for SNL in 2010, Pharoah took over the role of impersonator-in-chief in 2012. In doing so he joined an exclusive club whose members include Dana Carvey (George H.W. Bush), Darrell Hammond (Bill Clinton), and Will Ferrell (George W. Bush), Pharoah has become so well known for his dead-on impersonations that he often

learns of major and minor news stories through fans. Recently, when Stephen A. Smith, an ESPN commentator and a Pharoah persona, made some unfortunate remarks about the role of women, Pharoah was flooded with tweets telling him he had to do something. Trouble is, he does impressions of so many people it’s tough to keep up. City spoke with Pharoah recently for a phone interview. The following is an edited version of that conversation.

CITY: When did you have your first inkling that you would be a comedian?Jay Pharoah: When I was 6, I was watching “Aladdin” and I did Iago — the Gilbert Gottfried character. A friend said you’re really good at this. I thought, if a 6-year-old girl is saying that in a complete sentence, maybe I should continue. I’ve got a very heavy Christian base — my parents — so at the time I was doing jokes about the rapture.

Do you remember listening to any impressionists growing up? I had no clue about impressionists when I was small. When I got older I found out that Eddie did it. I thought, “Wow, Eddie Murphy does impressions?” I always knew he was funny, I just didn’t know he did voices. Then I started watching other ones. On David Letterman I saw Frank Caliendo and Reggie Reg — I thought he was great.

When you do some of your impressions, like Bill Cosby and Chris Rock, it’s not just the voice; you physically almost become that person. How does that work?You imagine a person’s face while you’re doing their voice and imagine them saying the things their saying. I shouldn’t have told you that; I just gave out my secret, man.

Almost every great black comedian, starting with Richard Pryor, has at some point addressed racial problems in their act. White comedians don’t bring that baggage, even though whites caused it.I don’t know if it’s really baggage; it’s more art. It’s just observation because it’s about the condition. You’re forced to observe stuff and then just make jokes about it. What part of my act are you thinking of?

Your Golden Corral story where you’re working in the kitchen and you throw a roll at an older black worker. He thinks your white friend did it.Oh yeah, that actually happened. It’s totally sporadic. It just falls into your lap and you think, “I can use that.” In my head when I see something like that, I make it like a little pocket of my set.

Comedians can get away with a lot. You can use the n-word and do jokes about ethnic stereotypes. But recently, when Marlon

Wayans tweeted a picture of himself rolling his eyes while Delta Goodrem danced in the background with the caption “Delta Goodrem can’t dance” — as in “White people can’t dance” — he got in trouble.Nowadays, people want to be so politically correct. Thirty years ago, you had to start a rally or some bullshit. Now you can speak out against small things especially when you have outlets like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. With technology you can voice your opinion so quick.

Do you ever watch what you say?Nah. There’s a certain line I know not to cross, but at the same time, edgy is what makes names. By playing it safe you’re not going to get there. You have to ride that line and figure

INTERVIEW— BY —

RON NETSKY

ImpersonatorImpersonatorImpersonator

JayPharoah

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out what you can say to push it but not go too far.

Where is that line?When you talk about physically harming somebody or you would do something to somebody that’s like a mortal wound. Most of the time it’s not, but a few of my peers have said some things over the years that have gotten them into major trouble. As a comedian you’re supposed to be allowed to say what you need to say and be unapologetic. At the same time you have to be very careful because the world has become so sensitive and everybody has that outlet where they can speak out against you.

How does it feel to join the elite group of people who have been presidential impersonators on “Saturday Night Live”?I’m in a prestige club and I’m the first black one. SNL is amazing. It’s an institution. It’s been around longer than me. SNL was on when I was swimming around and hadn’t been shot out yet.

Have you met President Obama? Do you know how he feels about your impression?I met him at Harvey Weinstein’s house. It was really weird because they had like 28 snipers on the roof. I didn’t want to say the wrong thing. I didn’t want to move the wrong way because if I would have, I would have been headless Jay Pharoah, and that wouldn’t have been cool because I can’t talk without a head. I had to be very careful. I was doing the impression and he was standing right there. It’s like you can’t move. You’ve got to be careful how you move. It’s kind of like you go out to a strip club, you can touch some but some you can’t. So you have do a test smack before.

I’ve never had that experience but I’ll take your word for it.It wasn’t the greatest one. You walk in and it smells like depression and regrets but at the same time … you’ve got to go at least once. It’s not a normal thing I do.

But, back to Obama…He said, [in Obama’s voice], “I think that guy’s very good. He sounds just like I do.” But I heard this through another person because by the time he came up to find me I was taking my makeup off. I was dressed just like him — it was great. I was checking with him the whole time while I’m doing the voice. Am I doing this okay? He looked at me and touched me and

said, “You’re doing it.” I told the snipers: Back off snipers.

What’s it like alone on the stage — just you having to fill a large venue with your personality? Is it empowering or is it scary?It’s a little bit of both because as a comedian you have the opportunity not only to influence people but to touch people. And any comedian should have some kind of message at the end to try to empower somebody so one day that person can change something. History’s made by people saying things and wanting to change something. I feel honored to be able to have that mouthpiece. It is scary though.

I read that you were born premature and that you had a twin brother who died at birth. Do you think about that at all? Has it had any impact on you?I think about it from time to time. I don’t know if the world could have handled two of us. Would one of us have been evil and one good? Was he the good one? Am I the evil one? We would have been a tag team. We would have taken over the world. Sometimes I wonder how that would have played out.

As it is you’re about 50 different people already.A hundred — I got over a hundred. So I guess we would be 200 people. We would fight over who could do who.

Is there anyone you’ve tried but you just can’t do?P. Diddy — I don’t really mess with that guy. It’s like I’m not supposed to do this one.

You’ve accomplished so much at the age of 26; what do you see in your future?I want to be somebody who’s known to have done it all. I’ve got music coming out, I’ve got movies coming out and more of those are in the pipeline. Just more SNL stuff, movies, music and whatever comes after that. Babies … whatever.

You could follow in the footsteps of another SNL star, Al Franken, and become a senator. Then maybe you could really become president.I don’t want to be president, man. Hey man, I’ve got enough things to worry about day by day than to worry about the rest of the world.


Rochester Laptop Orchestra

The best part about the Rochester Fringe Festival is how easy it makes it to discover the offbeat, unusual, and slightly weird acts that might slip past. And by the sound of it, the Rochester Laptop Orchestra is exactly the sort of thing I’d hope to see at a fringe festival. Students from the University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music will demonstrate this relatively new art form, which blends art and science by using computer technology to create completely unique musical compositions. I could not be more intrigued. (Thursday, September 18, 6 p.m.; Saturday, September 20, 2:30 p.m. The TheatreROCS Stage at Xerox Auditorium. $5. All ages)

“Trending”

Two separate shows at this year’s festival set out to exploit the comedic potential

and interactive nature of Twitter. In “Trending,” performers from Unleashed! Improv will create impromptu musical comedy based on their audience’s live suggestions. (Saturday, September 20, 7 p.m.; Friday, September 26, 7:30 p.m. The TheatreROCS Stage at Xerox Auditorium. $10. Appropriate for ages 13 and older)

“140 Characters or Less”

Meanwhile, “140 Characters or Less: A Twitter Comedy Show” takes a slightly more scripted approach, as local comedian Dario Josef hosts a set of stand-up comedy centered around the social media network. Plus, there’s something called a Tweet-Off, in which audiences get to judge which of the featured comedians’ tweets are the most gut-busting. #hilarity. (Thursday, September 25, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 27, 3 p.m. RAPA’s East End Theatre. $10. Appropriate for ages 18 and older)

Solo Drum Solo

Be-mohawked Eastman School alum Aaron Staebell presents Solo Drum Solo, a set of percussive music featuring world-premiere

works by 15 composers commissioned specifically for this show. Along with the new written works, Staebell will intermix his own improvised compositions. (Sunday, September 21, 6:30 p.m.; Monday, September 22, 6:30 p.m. Bernunzio UpTown Music. $10. All ages)

“Vintage Hitchcock”

I missed the live radio show of “The 39 Steps” at last year’s Fringe Festival, so I’m really looking forward to catching “Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play.” Local theater company Screen Plays will perform this 1947

radio drama based on two early films by the Master of Suspense. It’s a show that promises to transmit spine-tingling thrills and chills straight to my face. What could be better? (Sunday, September 21, 1 p.m. The Dryden Theatre. $10. Appropriate for ages 5 and older)

“God of Carnage”

“God of Carnage” is one of those plays I’ve always wanted to see, but never had the opportunity to cross off my list, so naturally I’m excited to see what local performers can do with the dark comedy

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ADAMLUBITOW

CITY’s arts and entertainment writers sound off on their most-anticipated shows at Fringe 2014



about the chaos that ensues when two sets of parents agree to a civilized meeting to discuss a recent schoolyard fight between their sons. (Sunday, September 21, 9 p.m. RAPA’s East End Theatre. $15. Appropriate for ages 18 and older)

“Puppeteers in Love”

The description of “Puppeteers in Love” presents a simple concept: Four types of puppetry are used to tell the story of two people who fall in love, but that’s all I need to read. I mean, romance is swell and all, but really, they had me at “puppets.” (Wednesday, September 24, 8 p.m.; Thursday, September 25, 7 p.m. MuCCC. $10. Appropriate for ages 13 and older)

“Pre-Verb Showcase”

Once a year, veteran Rochester jazz musician and artist Hosea Missouri Taylor Jr. assembles a showcase of musicians, singers, poets, filmmakers, and interdisciplinary artists, taking places this year as the 90-minute show, “Pre-Verb Showcase.” (Thursday, September 18, 8:30 p.m. MuCCC. $5-$10. All ages)

“Traveling witha Dancing Tiger”

Enjoy storytelling through many musical folk traditions at “Traveling with a Dancing Tiger: An Evening with Howie Lester,” which is described as a Gypsy campfire, Turkish coffee house, experimental theatre, high drama, and low comedy wrapped

in one. Lester will perform Blues, Gypsy, Klezmer, Cajun, Irish, and Appalachian traditions, as well as stories from around the world. (Friday, September 19, 9 p.m. The Little Theatre 1. Free. All ages)

“Rochester Stories 2014”

On Saturday, September 20, Aprille Byam, aka Storychick, will present “Rochester Stories 2014,” to be held at RAPA again this year. The aim of this hour-long show, in which everyday people from all neighborhoods and all walks of life share engaging personal stories, is to strengthen our community by helping people make new connections. (Saturday, September 20, 12 p.m. RAPA’s East End Theatre. $10. All ages)

“WonderStreet”

Politics, the stock market, health insurance, and the education system run America, but treat people like numbers instead of beings with voices, say the creators of “WonderStreet,” a puppet show created by choreographers Zhaklin Ivanova, Gina Krempasky, and Margaret Moreno. In this production, Wall Street becomes a wacky wonderland where the people are fighting for their right to be individuals. (Saturday, September 20, 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 27, 12:30 p.m. The TheatreROCS Stage at Xerox Auditorium. $7. Appropriate for ages 13 and older)

“A Page of Madness”

Don’t miss your chance to see a rare screening of the Teinosuke Kinugasa classic silent film, “A Page of Madness,” which was lost for 45 years, but rediscovered by the director in 1971. The film tells the story of a janitor who works at the asylum where his wife is committed, and his daughter, who arrives one day to tell her

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mother of her engagement. Acted by an avant-garde kabuki theater group, the drama employs pioneering visual devices which lead the audience back and forth between “irrational” and sane worlds. The film will be paired with live percussion accompaniment, as originally intended by Kinugasa, composed by NEXUS member Bill Cahn, who will lead a group of well-known local percussionists. (Sunday, September 21, 3 p.m. Kilbourn Hall. $11. All ages)

“Future Weather”

“Future Weather” tells the story of Lauduree, a 13-year-old loner who is passionate about nature and obsessed with ecological disaster, and Greta, Lauduree’s grandmother, a fiery nurse jaded by alcohol and disappointment. When Lauduree’s mother abruptly abandons her, the young teen decides to take survival into her own hands. Courtesy of the High Falls Film Festival. (Sunday, September 21, 7:30 p.m. Spiegelgarden. Free. Appropriate for ages 18 and older)

Hopeless Romantic

Vocal chanteuse Sage Melcher has belted and bopped from the underground smolder of NYC jazz clubs to oft-lamented palaces of excess like Studio 54, the Iridium, the Metropolitan Room, and the Del Ray in L.A. However, this time around, it’s all about the pop original arrows in her quiver. (Thursday, September 18, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, September 23, 5 p.m. Java’s Café. Free. All ages)

perCepTION

PerCepTION is a modern jazz quintet that views limits and parameters and the notes on the page as lines in the sand just begging to be crossed — all served up hot and fresh... some for the very first time. (Thursday, September 18, 6 p.m.; Tuesday, September 23, 6 p.m. Java’s Café. Free. All ages)

Younger Gang

The Younger Gang is more of a old-tyme music salvation than a straight-up hijack. Electric elements break down bluegrass walls, rebuilding them for those who want

their picking not doing sepia tones and antiquated. It swirls; it swings; it rocks. (Friday, September 19, 5 p.m.; Manhattan Square Park. Free. All ages)

Al Biles and GenJam

If you pray for danger in your music why not invite an intelligent computer to the affair and jam with it as it reads and interprets the human component. That’s what brave human trumpeter Al Biles has done with a computer called GenJam. He and his electronic counterpart play around with the notes in bebop to swing to Latin pop. Someday computers will rule the earth, they might as well sing to us, too. (Friday, September 19, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 21, 12 p.m.; Friday, September 26, 5:30 p.m. The Little Café. Free. All ages)

Garth Fagan Dance Up Close & Personal

Garth Fagan Dance — led by Fagan and

his Tony and Olivier award-winning choreography — is now in its 44th year. During Fringe, the company offers the unique opportunity to view works in progress by both Fagan and his protégé Norwood Pennewell in the intimacy of their own dance studio — an inside look at this renowned company dancing in the very space they create and rehearse in. The 75-minute-long performance costs just $16 to attend — far less than their home season tickets. (Thursday, September 18, 7 p.m.; Friday, September 19, 9 p.m.; Saturday, September 20, 7 p.m.; Thursday, September 25, 7 p.m.; Friday, September 26, 7 p.m.; Saturday, September 27, 7 p.m. Garth Fagan Dance Studio. $16. All ages)

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PUSH Physical Theatre

Another big name local company, PUSH Physical Theatre, will also perform at Fringe in what may be the troupe’s only home performance this year; PUSH will be busy competing on a reality television show airing on major cable. PUSH was founded by husband and wife team Darren and Heather Stevenson in 2000 with the intent to “push” the boundaries of theater. Their distinct mix of dance, mime and acrobatics combines humor, excitement, and insightful storytelling to delight audiences. Last year’s Fringe performances sold out. (Saturday, September 20, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, September 27, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Kilbourn Hall. $16. All ages)

“Germination”

A big part of Fringe is the thrill of discovering fresh talent, the satisfaction of hitting upon a show that grabs you — one you want to give a big shout out to. Last year, a work called “Transient Being,” choreographed by Eran Hanlon and danced by Alaina Olivieri with visuals by Joseph Tarentelli, exemplified that state of joyful viewing for this reporter. Thrillingly, Hanlon is back in collaboration with Tarentelli to present “Germination.” Directed by Hanlon

and using Taeantelli’s projected video “Torrit Oak,” painting and dancing again intersect in this production. Here’s hoping it’s as good as last year’s. (Saturday, September 2, 6 p.m. Gallery r. Free. All ages)

“Diaghilesque”

Another show promising to be way different is “Diaghilesque,” a collection of Ballet Russe gems reimagined by NYC dance company KineticArchitecture! And choreographed by Faux Pas le Fae (this company obviously has a sharp sense of humor). The company bills itself as a combination of burlesque carnival and modern dance. Time Out NYC describes it as “A mixture of dance, gravity-defying gymnastics, yoga and S&M.” Hmm. The show includes nudity and is intended for mature audiences only. Add sylphs, swans and fauns to the mix and exploration of feminism, trans issues, abuse, and primal sensuality and you’ve got something to contend with. Here’s betting the costumes are fabulous, too. (Wednesday, September 24, 9 p.m.; Thursday, September 25, 9 p.m.; Friday, September 26, 9 p.m.; Saturday, September 27, 9 p.m. Geva Theatre Center Nextstage. $16. Appropriate for mature audiences)

Biodance

Local company Biodance, led by Artistic Director Missy Pfohl Smith, also had a big hit at last year’s festival with “Anomaly.” This year, Biodance is back with a collection of works by seven nationally and internationally known choreographers: Heidi Latsky, Bill Evans, Ivy Baldwin, Jeanne Schickler Compisi, Eran Hanlon, Courtney World, and Smith herself. Expect virtuoso dancing and cutting edge choreography. (Wednesday, September 24, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, September 25, 6 p.m.; Saturday, September 27, 4 p.m. Geva Theatre Center Nextstage. $12. All ages)

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“Merged II”

Finally, look for Merged II, also at Nextstage. Exceptional local choreographers Heather Roffe and James Hansen join forces with choreographer Melanie Aceto to showcase hot contemporary dance. Last year’s Merged I was an audience favorite. (Saturday, September 20, 9 p.m.; Sunday, September 21, 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, September 24, 6 p.m. Geva Theatre Center Nextstage. $12. All ages)

“The Last Five Years”

Rochester theater’s musical power couple, Janine Mercandetti and Carl Del Buono, team up again after their performances at the JCC last season of this very popular Jason Robert Brown two-hander. It ingeniously tells the story of a failed marriage from two points of view: his (told from beginning to end) and hers (told from end to beginning). Yes, it’s been made into a movie, but you know this is going to be better. (Sunday, September 21, 7:30 p.m.; September 27, 9 p.m. The TheatreROCS Stage at Xerox Auditorium. $16. All ages)

“SaMe SeX sHaKeSpEaRe 2014” and “Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits”

The title may be tricky to type, but “SaMe SeX sHaKeSpEaRe” was a hit of the 2013 festival and it is back again, with boys playing female roles, women playing men’s roles, and any other approach to performance that can get the Bard

gender-bent. (Thursday, September 18, 9 p.m.; Friday, September 19, 6 p.m.; Friday, September 26, 10:30 p.m. The TheatreROCS Stage at Xerox Auditorium. $9) And for traditionalists who don’t have a lot of time on their hands, “Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits” will zip through two of his greatest albums, uh, plays — “Hamlet” and “Romeo and Juliet” – in one hour. (Monday, September 22, 7 p.m. MuCCC. $5. Appropriate for ages 13 and older)

“Rochester Playwrights II”and “You Are Where”

Two interesting presentations taken from Rochester’s history: For “Rochester Playwrights II,” The Geriactors, a troupe of “mature,” and greatly experienced actors, who put on a charming show in 2013, return with more short plays by local writers, interspersed with old songs about Rochester. (Sunday, September 21, 1 p.m.; Wednesday, September 24, 7 p.m.; Saturday, September 27, 6 p.m. Writers & Books. $15. Appropriate for ages 13 and older) You may remember the old CBS show (radio and then TV), “You Are There,” which took viewers back in history through re-inactments. In the case of “You Are Where,” the “where” is “here” and the history is Rochester’s. Don Bartolo produces and directs this unique view of Rochester history. (Friday, September 26, 7 p.m.; Saturday, September 27, 7 p.m. MuCCC. $10. All ages)

“M.I.A.”

A revival of a well-regarded production written and acted by Spencer Christiano, who plays his own great-uncle, Lt. Col. Joseph Christiano, missing in action for 46 years after his plane was shot down over Laos on Christmas Eve, 1965. Proceeds from “M.I.A.” will benefit Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20. (Friday, September 26, 8 p.m.; Saturday, September 27, 8 p.m. MuCCC. $12. Appropriate for ages 13 and older)

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fringe festival 2014 - preview

Documents

fringe review

official fringe festival

official fringe guide

fringe fanatic passes

individual shows

downtown rochester

daily blogs

list of venues