Fringe Finale
A lot of people in Orlando’s cultural community slept in last week. Orlando’s Fringe Festival ended the day after Memorial Day, capping almost two weeks of non-stop theatrical creativity. As usual, LGBT offerings were among the most popular. In fact, six of the twelve Patron’s Picks (most popular shows at each venue) had LGBT themes: Pillow Talk, A Field Guide to the Gays, Blue and Tod: In the Black, Fetish, God is a Scottish Drag Queen and Celebrity Match Game. Mike Delamont’s Scottish Drag Queen was also named Best Comedy by a panel of reviewers.
Wanzie Gets Serious
During performances of Celebrity Match Game, playwright/producer Michael Wanzie announced his intent to create a “serious play” for next year’s Fringe. But fans won’t have to wait that long. Wanzie just announced he will produce Lizzie Borden: The Musical at Theatre Downtown for three weeks starting Aug. 23. The show, with book and lyrics by Wanzie, music by Rich Charron, and directed by Kenny Howard, will also be an investor showcase for a potential New York production. The cast includes Andrea Canny as the infamous axe murderess, Becky Fisher, Frank McClain, David Dorman, and Blue. Listen to Wanzie & Doug’s movie reviews on Mondays at 4:50 p.m. during the Philips Phile on Real Radio 104.1.
Farewell, Janine
Orlando is losing its Gay Bar Star for the summer. Orlando songstress and local theatre staple Janine Klein has announced she’s headed to the Big Apple on June 6, not to return until mid-August at least. According to Klein’s Facebook page, she’ll be “following my dreams to one day sing ‘Gay Bar Star’ in The Village, audition for a show or two with confidence, and work towards having a cabaret in mid-town. (And I’m certain a catering job or two will be involved.) Thank you for believing in me, and ultimately helping me believe in myself. I love you friends!” Gay Bar Star was the title of Klein’s comedic cabaret Fringe festival shows in 2010 and 2012. Break a leg, Janine!
Radio Notes
Fans of radio legend Gene Burns can attend a celebration of his life on Saturday, June 8 at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando on Robinson St. Burns died on May 25 in San Francisco, but he hosted a talk show on WKIS-AM in Orlando during the 70s and 80s. “He set the town on fire,” said friend Bob Poe. * And fans of The Qiew, the LGBT radio show broadcast locally in 2012, can now catch the show on Saturdays from 6-7 p.m. on 1470 AM in Fort Lauderdale. But locals can listen live at wwnnradio.com. Hosted by ex-Orlandite Paul Karle, The Qiew looks at LGBT culture and features celebrity interviews.
