Lineup Revealed For This September's Philadelphia 'Fringe' Festival
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The nonprofit organization Fringe Arts today announced the lineup for this year's Philadelphia Fringe Festival, beginning September 5th.
The new Fringe Arts headquarters is located on Columbus Boulevard, near Race Street. The old water-pumping station now includes a 230-seat theatre, an outdoor plaza, and a new brasserie called La Peg.
"These are some of the biggest works we've ever brought to Philadelphia," says Nick Stuccio (below), producing director of the 2014 lineup.
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The festival comprises more than 130 shows, including 12 "presented" shows, such "100% Philadelphia," a large-scale production starring everyday Philadelphians.
"It's the citizens of our city telling the story of who we are and what we believe," says Stuccio. "We'll ask 112 questions of both the audience who will come and to the cast -- like, do you believe in gay marriage? Should the United States have gone to Iraq? What should we do about the schools? All of these questions will be addressed, but it's done in a very delightful way. There's a band, and it's a very compelling work."
Other highlights include "Experiment #39," a theatrical walking tour.
"It's a cultural adventure," Stuccio explains. "You get a map and you walk from point to point, and at those points you'll see a beautiful little dance for you, or a little cello just for you."
Neighborhood Fringe makes up the remaining 120 independently produced shows, presented right in area neighborhoods. The festival also includes night programming; Martha Graham Cracker is the opening night performer.
The festival runs September 5th through 21st. Tickets are on sale now. Details at fringearts.net.
