Gannon University Theatre's Fringe Fest Erie 2016 Takes Multiple Stages Throughout February
A local university theatre department once again brings Erie a slice of Scotland as sweet as a strawberry scone.
_1453237530.jpg){kind=logo}
Opens Monday, Feb. 1
Inspired by Edinburgh's Festival Fringe, the world's largest outdoor arts festival, a local university theatre department once again brings Erie a slice of Scotland as sweet as a strawberry scone.
Now in its sixth year, Fringe Fest Erie 2016 (FFE), promises audiences "a taste of the experience of the Edinburgh festival – smaller cast shows, 'edgy' material, and non-traditional staging," according to Gannon University's Schuster Theatre website.
A fundraiser for the theatre program's triennial attendance at the Scottish fete, FFE is held at Gannon and other downtown locations.
"Over the last few years, we have expanded in size to include associate productions from local theatre companies, including the Erie Playhouse, All An Act, Performing Artists Collective Alliance (PACA), and Dramashop," said Jax Vadney, FFE producer and Gannon lecturer via email.
For 2016 there are three student-written productions: An Apartment with Grayson by Michael Fujito, Six Sigma by Michael Haas, and The Dog Logs by CJ Johnson.
Also at Gannon: Lazarus Laughed by Eugene O'Neill, who is best known for The Iceman Cometh and Long Day's Journey into Night.
Lazarus Laughed is a powerful exploration of the events following the raising of Lazarus from the dead by Jesus, and the lives that this extraordinary event touched, explained Vadney.
"It invites the audience to question their own faith and the strength of conviction in the face of tyranny and doubt," she added.
Associate productions include A Bright New Boise by Samuel Hunter at Dramashop, and Agatha Christie's Black Coffee by All An Act Theatre Productions, plus more.
"Having our Downtown Erie partners involved in Fringe has enhanced the experience for our students and we are very thankful to have them onboard," said Vadney.
But are there any FFE offerings that skate along propriety's "fringe?"
It depends.
Gannon's Schuster Theatre website offers a caveat that some material may not be suitable for some theatergoers, and suggests checking their website or brochure.
Hence avoiding any adverse fringe benefits. – Gregory Greenleaf-Knepp
Feb. 1 - 24 // various times and locations // engageu.gannon.edu/organization/schuster/calendar/details/661509
