You know deep down you want to be inducted into the Hall of Fringe Fame. So do something to get our attention. Good or bad…you never know who might make it onto this, the most sacred of all Minnesota Fringe Festival lists.
—2011—
John Middleton — If you haven’t been keeping up on your JM blog reading, you’re just not doing your part. It’s the blog to read if you’re a fringer with a sense of fuck-off. It’s also fun to see him slinking around seeing shows by his lonesome. You want to touch him, but you also don’t. It’s a fun game to play with yourself. Try it!
The McEwens — The Brave New Workshop artistic directors (Caleb & Katy) are normally absent from fringie fun. This year, however, they’re both gracing the same stahge in two different hit shows (Comedy = Tragedy + Someone Else and Once Upon a Time in the Suburbs). They’re also married with a kid…now THAT’S how you become fringe famous, people! If you see either (or both), you’re assured at least one pants-peeing moment, or your money back.
moto-i — That’s right! This year’s Fringe Central has been pretty much constantly slammed by The Fringerati. There’s been more Twitter buzz about moto-i than any actual show. We haven’t seen this much Fringe disappointment since the Great Guthrie Debacle of aught nine. Next year, Robin Gillette should just bite the bullet and turn her house into Fringe Central.
—2010—
casebolt and smith — Here we go; the first dancers to be inducted into the Hall of Fringe Fame — and for good reason. After smashing the Twin Cities in the face with a cream pie of awesome movement in 2009, they’re back this year selling the shit out of one of the largest venues at the festival. Making dance cool isn’t easy…even though in this case, it sure seems that way.
Pommelhorse — Want to find out if you’re a dumb twat? Easy. Reach into your back pocket. Feel that piece of paper? Grab it. It’s your Fringe Must-See List. Now, open it up. Look to the right of #1. If it says anything other than A Sad Carousel, boom — you’re a dumb twat.
Matthew Foster - Have you heard about the website this year? The way everyone’s reacting, it’s like the guy figured out flying cars or discovered the Higgs boson (Google it). But, it’s true! The little Fringe Communications Director that could, nailed it. The 2010 festival website is mind-blowingly useful. Unlike this blog, amirite?
Tom Reed - This gangly motherfucker was actually Fringe famous last year, but we ignored it because…well…we couldn’t get into his show and it pissed us off, okay?! If the Fringe-for-Alls mean anything (and they do), he’s off to another house-packing start in 2010.
—2009—
Carolyn Pool & Shanan Wexler - Take a moment to grab the paper sitting on your coffee table. Now open it. What do you see? Carolyn Pool and Shanan Wexler. Now turn on your t.v. Turn to channel…oh, let’s say 8. Who’s there? Carolyn Pool and Shanan Wexler. Now go inside the way-too-tiny-for-these-guys Rarig Xperimental Theatre. Who do you see on stage? Not Carolyn Pool and Shanan Wexler because, let’s face it, the show is probably sold out.
Mike Fotis - The “late night” slot is gone (hopefully forever), but that hasn’t stopped Mike Fotis from 10pm-ing the hell out of this year’s Fringe. That bearded, thick-rimmed glasses MFer has taken on slots that, for most shows, would mean certain doom. And what has he done with them? Nothing but pack the living shit out of the Mixed Blood night after night after night. Read on, Mr. Fotis…read on.
Lt. Andrew Falkland - Despite the fact that he’s been suspiciously absent from Fringe Central, Lt. Falkland has become one of the most fringe famous performers in the 2009 Minnesota Fringe Festival. And with a gun like that, I think we can all understand why.
—2008—
Robin C. Gillette – Nobody’s more fringe famous than the Executive Director of the MN Fringe. Nobody. And check out how well she rocks that little black dress. I wouldn’t mind being the Executive Director of her fringe…if ya know what I mean. I bet you know what I mean.
Joseph Scrimshaw – Ah, duh. This guy would be fringe famous if his show consisted of nothing more than him belching the theme to “One Day At A Time”. He could have a show description that read “Fuck off, everybody!”, and he’d still sell out 4 of the 5 performances. Is it the beard? I think it’s the beard.
The Cody Rivers Show – You can’t get within two blocks of a Fringe venue without having somebody tackle you from behind and scream “YOU NEED TO SEE THE CODY RIVERS SHOW!! OH MY GOD, I JUST SAW IT AND IT GAVE ME THREE ORGASMS! I HAD A SEIZURE AND TALKED TO GOD AND JESUS AND THEY WERE BOTH MAKING OUT WITH SANTA CLAUS AND IT WAS SO EFFING UNBELIEVABLE!!!” Yeah…it’s that good.
The Cast of Audish – Surely you’ve heard of these kids, yes? If not, you’ve been nowhere near the Jeune Lune. Every person with the word “teen” in their age is currently frothing at the mouth for this show. And if you blame them, you haven’t seen it.
John Heimbuch, Amy Rummenie, & David Pisa – The Walking Shadow masterminds are everywhere this Fringe. With their crazy-ass zombie show bringing in hoards of non-traditional theatre-goers, nobody deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fringe Fame more than these three. How do they come up with all their brilliant ideas? Two words: Braaaaaaiiiiiiins!…Braaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiins!
