Life on the Fringe Blog – July 18

Babies on Board

A couple of baby stories to start today’s blog. During the rehearsal processing for RUNNING OUT, director Jolie Lesperance had a baby daughter Ezri. Unfortunately, the baby came six weeks early. They had hoped to finish most of the rehearsal process before the baby was born but unfortunately Ezri had other plans. During the six week hiatus, performer Ruth Baines rehearsed the show by herself. After rehearsals with the director resumed, they had to rehearse around Ezri’s schedule, so if Ezri wanted a break they would take a break. Although, Ruth tells me that having Ezri involved in the rehearsals has improved RUNNING OUT, because the 2 characters in the show have different views about pregnancy. Ruth also admitted that this has been the most unique rehearsal process that she has ever been involved.

 

In addition, local playwright Primose Madayag Knazan gave birth to her first child (a boy named Jericho) in December. Two days after the pregnancy and while still in hospital, she had to make a decision – whether or not to participate in this year’s Fringe. She decided to participate in this year’s Fringe because she is on maternity leave this year. She also decided that she wanted to bring back her hit of the 2002 Winnipeg Fringe Shades of Brown because there were a lot of people that didn’t get a chance to see it in its original run.

 

A Bash in New York

One of the hits on the Fringe circuit last year was Bash’d, a gay rap opera. Created and performed by Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow, this show opened off Broadway in New York at the end of June. Tickets for the show are 25 to 55 dollars. And you could have seen it at last year’s Winnipeg Fringe for 9 dollars. I thought Bash’d was a perfectly Fringe show – it was both creative and energetic.

 

Darn Technology

Even though it was not hot outside last night, unfortunately it was hot inside the Exchange Community Church (Venue 12) because the air conditioner broke down. Additionally, during last night’s performance of The Spy, they had numerous problems with the sound board which prompted performer Jonno Katz to ask “Is there a sound technician in the audience?”

 

Quote of the Day

“Happiness is being satisfied with what you have.”

From Big Ease, Big Sleaze.