Three to see: Fringe Fest in South Philly
The Fringe Festival heads into its final weekend with three compelling South Philly-situated shows among the offerings.
By Joseph Myers
With more than 1,000 annual performances sprinkled throughout Philadelphia neighborhoods and via online presentations, the Fringe Festival offers something to sate everyone’s creative curiosity. South Philly is drawing impressive crowds to a strong slate of shows. As the three-week celebration enters its last weekend, here are three standout South Philly shows to check out:
Beyond The Light
Theatre Exile
1340 S. 13th St.
Billed as “a captivating creation story of the origin of love,” this 50-minute brainchild from Pantea Productions runs through Sunday at Passyunk Square’s Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th St. Through what the Fringe website describes as “an elegant hybridization of dance, puppetry, shadow work, and lighting effects,” the audience will be treated to an all-ages piece that owes its existence not only to input from reputable puppetry-centric institutions but also the search for substance in an ever-changing world.
Women in Mummers Project
Golden Sunrise NYA
230 Greenwich Street
Thanks to the Golden Sunrise NYA, we do not need to wait until New Year’s Day to enjoy a little mummery. This Friday through Sunday, the Fancy Division group will do its part to provide “a voice to the hard-working women in the Mummers organization” through this 45-minute homage at its Pennsport headquarters, 230 Greenwich St. While the gentlemen involved with the Mummers Parade typically grab the lion’s share of the press, the association’s Fringe Festival labor of love will further cement the importance of their female contemporaries to the holiday revelry.
NecroPhillyAhhh: A FUNeral Cabaret
Ulana’s
205 Bainbridge St.
The title alone should be a compelling enough reason to see this REV Theatre Company opus set for 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday performances at Ulana’s in Queen Village, but plenty of substance combines with the work’s name to form a formidable duo. Bent on creating worlds that are “visceral and immediate,” the outfit is endowing audiences with the tales of three souls journeying from this life to their next existence. Rosemary Hay, one of REV’s co-artistic directors, is eager to share how this hour-long show aligns itself with the company’s artistic vision. Read our interview with her.
Learn more about the Fringe Festival and find other local performances.
