The IndyFringe Festival has been in full force this week, celebrating its 21st year with 63 different shows, each with multiple performances at several theaters in the Mass Ave Cultural Arts District. Many shows will continue into this weekend, through Sunday, August 23. With everything from musical comedies, dance performances, classical music, and Shakespeare to comic monologues, interactive improv, and experimental dramedies, the IndyFringe festival is an eclectic celebration of the performing arts, with a little something for everyone.
The “must-see” show at this year’s festival is the musical comedy “Scout’s Honor” written by Matt Kramer, directed by Rob Johansen, and choreographed by Emily Bohannon. This Defiance Comedy production is full of catchy tunes, hilarious dialogue, fun costumes, and impressive choreography. The cast is absolutely fantastic, full of enthusiasm and talent. Johansen also plays the old timey small town judge in this courtroom drama spoof that takes a comic look at the cutthroat capitalism of Girl Scout cookie sales. Whether you’ve been a Scout or troop leader, known a Scout, owed money to a Scout, or even just heard of Girl Scout cookies, this show will have you laughing out loud. But leave your young Scouts at home unless you want them learning colorful new words; this show is rated 16+. There are two more chances to see “Scouts Honor” at the District Theatre Main Stage, on Sat, Aug 22 (9:30 pm) and Sun, Aug 23 (3:30 pm).
Several other notably good shows have already come and gone. “Female Troubles” was a fun musical comedy cabaret full of laughs and a few relatable tears. The ensemble cast, which included writer Elle Tyler, were all very talented performers, singing their stories beautifully.
Another highlight of the festival was the dramedy “A Distant Sound of Thunder” written and produced by Eric Bryant. Set in New York City during a black out and heat wave, this story explored friendship, tension, trust, politics, and LGBTQ themes. It was funny, edgy, timely, and intense. Plus it made wonderful comedic use of the F word. It had an important moral, summed up in a line delivered by the good neighbor Bill character, played by local actor Steve Kruze. “We’re neighbors, ok? We gotta look out for each other; especially now.”
And last but not least, Fringe favorite Tim Mooney has returned with a ‘Breakneck” version of Shakespeare’s most popular comedy. “Breakneck Midsummer Night’s Dream” is nothing short of hilarious, full of sexual innuendo and the bawdiest jokes from the late sixteenth century. Departing from his usual one-man- show format, Mooney has assembled a cast of talented comedic actors from across the midwest, including Indianapolis’s own Matt Anderson. Practicing over Zoom for months, the cast only figured out staging when they met up in person, days before opening night. But the action came together perfectly, with the exception of a couple of fallen crowns. Obviously quite gifted in physical comedy, the entire cast pulled off an amazing performance. As always, “Breakneck” is the best way to watch Shakespeare. Don’t miss it. “Breakneck Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs for three more performances at the District Theatre Main Stage, including Thurs, Aug 20 (9:30 pm), Fri, Aug 21 (9:30 pm) and Sat, Aug 22 (5:00 pm).
IndyFringe tickets are $22 ($16 for Child/Student/Senior) per show with discounts for “flex passes” and day-of-show “rush tickets” and are available on-line and at the door. Each show is 45-60 minutes in length and it is easy to see multiple shows in one day. Check out IndyFringe.org to buy tickets, view the schedule, browse shows by genre or find family-friendly suggestions. There are still a lot of great shows coming up this weekend, and the IF Theater has productions year-round.
