Who better to guide us through the substantial gay-themed and gay-penned shows at the 2014 Fringe Fest than Logan Donahoo? The Orlando-based actor isn’t only a Fringe veteran, but the star and creator of the wildly successful Field Guide to the Gays, which returns for two shows this year.
“I’m also bringing Field Guide to the Logan to Fringe this year for five shows,” Donahoo says. “It’s more autobiographical. It’s like being on a date with someone who shares way too much about himself—and that date is me.”
Both shows offer a simple and hilarious safari into the gay community and what it means to be a part of the LGBT alphabet soup. Last year, Donahoo’s show sold out, which is why he’s bringing it back for two shows this year. He’s hopeful that the new incarnation of the “Field Guide” theme will do well, and he adds he’s not afraid to use some self-deprecating humor to make the audience laugh.
Donahoo’s shows are definitely comedies, as are many other shows in the 2014 lineup. But there are a fair share of dramatic pieces as well. All are styled in a way that theater lovers may not see elsewhere outside of the Fringe circuit.
“You get to see weirder, darker content, get to see shows that are questionable in their subject matter, even though the festival is expanded and rated ‘G’ to ‘OMG!'” explains Donahoo.
A full schedule of shows is available at OrlandoFringe.org.
We asked Donahoo to use his safari skills to help us make sense of what’s aimed at the LGBT community during the Orlando International Fringe Festival, which runs May 14-27 at the Orlando Shakespeare Center, 813 E. Rollins St.
Field Guide to the Gays
Our guide’s original show is a one-man multimedia safari into the gay community and is described as loud, irreverent and hilarious. Learn about LGBT history, drag queens, bears and more.
“I took my slot of seven performances and I’m doing two performances of my old show from last year,” Donahoo explains. “The other five are for new show.”
This hour-long variety show answers all those questions about the gay community you didn’t know you had.
Field Guide to the Logan
The next chapter in Donahoo’s creativity is an introduction to himself. A one-man autobiography that exposes his past while he exposes himself.
“If I’m going to shuttle people to a show, of course it’s going to be mine,” Donahoo laughs.
Learn about Catholicism, death, masturbation, all delivered with the honesty of a bulldozer. See what makes our cover man tick.
Fifty Shades of Gay: The Musical
When naive, college graduate Anastasia Steele meets rich, powerful executive Christine Grey, sparks fly. And whips. But is Ana ready for what her Inner Goddess has to say? From the co-creator of “Annie Todd” comes a hilarious raunchy musical spoof on the mommy porn sensation, featuring all original music.
God is a Scottish Drag Queen II: An All New Testament
This show’s creator and star, Mike Delamont, reminds Donahoo of of Eddie Izzard.
“It’s rambling, philosophical, observational comedy,” Donahoo says. “If anyone is a fan of Kids In The Hall-type comedy where you wax philosophic about life and the universe, Mike knocks it out of the park.”
This sequel has God taking on everything from the Mormons to circumcision. The testament may be new, but we’re hopeful the familiar floral power suit is back.
The Queer Diaries Goes to Fringe
This is a “Coming of age ensemble piece,” according to Donahoo, who adds that it sounds like it has a lot of heart and heartstrings.
The show tells the stories of a variety of characters and the ups and downs they experience living the LGBTQ life. From coming out, to going out, from overcoming bullying, to overcoming urges, from being a late life lesbian, to being to a drag show—this covers it all.
Simply Streisand
Carla DelVillaggio is an award-winning Barbra Streisand tribute artist who recreates the musical icon for Fringe followers. Tribute shows are rare, but not unheard of at Fringe, and Donahoo believes that for Streisand fans, this could be quite the experience.
“It sounds interesting,” he says.
Something’s Weird in Weeki Wachee
Orlando favorites Liz Murph and Peg O’Keef join forces onstage as faded Weeki Wachee Mermad performers living in seclusion This twisted comedy by John Ryan reveals some bizarre secrets about the real-life tourist attraction north of Tampa Bay.
“Women of a certain age sharing secrets?” Donahoo retorts. “I’m in.”
Tap Me on the Shoulder
This is one of Curve Magazine‘s “To 10 Hottest Lesbian Plays,” so ladies, listen up. Playwright Erika Kate MacDonald takes the audience on a tale of empowerment and creativity by using the English language in a rhyming way when discussing love and confrontation.
There’s no place like home
Last year, Michael Wanzie said he was returning to Fringe 2014 with a play. It looks like he delivered.
In this offering, Wanzie plays a Catholic priest unexpectedly visited by a former accusation-wielding alter boy in one of three short plays. Brooklyn Jews are the subject of another and the third is a misadventure featuring a late-life Judy Garland hallucinating to a post-apocalyptic Munchkinland.
“These always have that interesting Wanzie touch to it where we’re left laughing at something and there’s a happy upturn at the end, regardless of the subject matter,” Donahoo says.
By the way, the official description warns that Glinda doesn’t age so well in this one.
Tired old Whore
Taffy is retiring after 40 years in the “business” and she’s got stories to tell, via a lipstick wearing, dragtastic Doug Ba’aser. The old gal reminisces about drug abuse, celebrity “clients”, sexcapades, violence, debauchery and more. This funny, dark & poignant piece was written by Fringe favorites David Lee, Wanzie, John Ryan, Jeff Jones and Doug Ba’aser.
“Ba’aser always brings that chunk of drag and controversial humor to the festival,” Donahoo says. “His stuff is really brave for comedy.”
This one warns that Taffy may just have time to take on a few new clients, so beware.
Tod Kimbro Does Everything
Tod Kimbro is an icon, and he knows it. In this show he recounts his 16-consecutive Orlando Fringe appearances with a song and a story to reflect each year.
“If his other shows are any indication, this will be really fun,” Donahoo expects. “He’s very rock, very fun and very interesting. If someone is a fan of Tori Amos or Richard Cheese the parody performer, they’ll see his name and get excited.”
Truth or Dare with Pepe
Full disclosure here, our guide has collaborated with the man behind Pepe, so Donahoo may be a bit biased. But he highly recommends this show.
“You’re down in the basement of a weird character with special guests, games and Jell-O,” Donahoo says. “It’s a party show and it’s not high art. There’s no thick plot line here.”
The talk show features host Pepe interviewing Fringe celebrities and getting them in a game of Truth or Dare.
“The dares are always raunchy,” Donahoo says. “They’re things like fellating a bana or stripping down naked. It’s a must see.”
Under the Rainbow
Can a distraught mother cast aside her religious beliefs to support her son’s marriage to another man? Will she attend the wedding, or will a family be torn apart forever? This premier opera dealing with the politically charged topic of today—Marriage Equality—is presented by Valencia College’s Opera Theater Workshop Ensemble, and was written and directed by Valencia Faculty.
“It’s nice to see that done,” Donahoo says of the school’s involvement. “This sounds topical and serious and it’s a great piece if you’re looking for a drama to sink your teeth into.”
VariaTEASE
After a three-year hiatus, babyBlueSTAR arrives at the Fringe Festival in a big way. Descriptors are vague, but guarantees innovative dance, music, sex and art.
“I call this dream theater,” Donahoo says. “It’s a wonderful show, whichever incarnation.”
This is the 50th installment, according to press materials, and in years past VariaTEASE has won the Patrons Pick—five times!
“It was the smash of the festival when she did a Carnivale theme,” Donahoo recalls. “It’s that weird mash up of interpretive, artsy visions with a really good, obscure soundtrack. Each VariaTEASE is something different, so this may not be what we’ve seen before.”
VGL 5’4″ Top
The creative mind of Lucas Brooks brings this show to life as he shares his thoughts on short jokes and snobbery among the gay population. The vertically challenged young top is ready to fight back.
“This description sounds funny,” Donahoo says. “He’s an out-of-towner and I know some people who don’t take chances on visitors. But this seems fun. Not only do I like the description, I’ll be stalking him down.”
Armed with only a laptop and a quick wit, our gallant hero addresses the loaded topic of sex and how it divides us, rather than unites us, in a time of need.
Hungry! The Musical
Do you love The Hunger Games books and movies? Then maybe you should skip this one. But if you love parody, get your ticket.
All we know is that there will be food, fighting, singing, sex and more food!
“I worked with one of the co-writers of this years ago on Cannibal: The Musical, and she has a fun, dark sense of humor with the writing. If you are ready to laugh, you have an outlet. Congratulations.”
