For many people, the Fringe Festival is all about the comedies. They go to see the newest Scrimshaw show. They go to see spoofs with the words "the musical!" tagged on the end of the title. They basically wand to enjoy a bit of the lighter side for a few days.
I am not holding anything against those people in any way, shape, or form. The need to laugh is valid, especially this year. However, the beauty of this thing called Fringe is that there is so much more than just comedies. For those who are looking for something more challenging, today I'm going to tackle the dramas. With apologies to vegans everywhere (Hi, Mom & Dad!), here are five meatiest dramas into which I would want to sink my teeth, if the buffet were limited to a single plate (read: Five-Show Punch Card).
1. The William Williams Effect - Balance Theatre Project - Great story, great cast. The story of the last man to receive the death penalty in Minnesota. The crime. The punishment. Heavy topic done by one of the most solid casts I've seen in the Fringe across the board.
2. Harold Pinter's The Dumb Waiter - Paul von Stoetzel - As you may have guessed one line up, one of the main things I use to judge a drama's potential is the cast. When it comes down to it, you don't want to watch something serious acted badly. Erik Hoover and Ariel Pinkerton are sure to deliver in this show.
3. Phi Alpha Gamma - Dan Bernitt - I am not one to usually go see a show twice at the Fringe Festival, although there are some exceptions. This is one of them. I saw it last year. Dan does a masterful turn in this one man show about a gay brother in a not-too-welcoming fraternity.
4. Curse of the Yig - Tim Uren - This play strays a bit from the traditional drama, as it is also a genre piece, specifically "horror". Perhaps "suspense" would be better, perhaps. Tim has proven over the years that he is a genius when bringing Lovecraftian tales to life on the stage.
5. Strong - The New Theatre Group - Director Brian Balcom has a history of teaming with great local playwrights and terrific acting talent. This year is no different in a set of two plays by Dominic Orlando.
There aren't as many dramas in the Minnesota Fringe Festival as there are comedies. However, sprinkling one or two in for a respite from all the hilarity is a wise choice. Reward those who take the risk of putting up solid theatre with your attendance, please.
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