AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - THE CONFLUENCERS

For us, the confluence refers to the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. I assume that the name of this very funny comedy group is a play on the modern horde of online influencers. The premise was that a wire over the stage held cards numbered 1 to 20. Each corresponded to a mini skit. The audience was given a slip of paper with the numbers and a short title. People called out a numbers while the group attempted to perform all 20 in an hour.

These are four examples. First, a sacrilegious version of the central Catholic ceremony, using Oreos and milk for the sacrament. Next, the very flamboyant professional wrestler Macho Man Randy Savage leading a meditation session. Third, a variation on charades where a game contestant places wet spaghetti on a board, while the others try to guess the subject. Last, two sisters billed as international classical music stars go onstage with cheap plastic recorders and play Hot Cross Buns.     

              

      

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - WOMEN IN COMEDY

Mollie Amburgey, seen first, put together a show with four women who are veterans of the local comedy club circuit.  I didn't bring a notebook and I regret that I didn't get the names of the other three. If someone can help me I'll modify the text.

The lighting was hard to work with and the acts were on the raunchy side. Since I am well into the old coot phase of my life it's no wonder that some of the stuff got by me. The younger members of the audience thought it was hilarious.       

           

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - MORE OZ(ES)

 A few final pictures from The Wizard of Oz(es) at The Fringe. Since I am out of touch with popular culture, I'm sure there were many references I didn't get. Towards the end of the show there were three Dorothys on stage, although I never understood the purpose of the last one. At the very end, there was a cameo by Dorothy Parker, which I thought was terribly witty. You have to be of a certain age and literary bent to notice.

 

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - THE WIZARD OF OZ(ES)

Didn't get a post done yesterday. I photographed 20 of 40 shows in six days and this old body runs low on gas sooner than it used to. Anyway, this was my favorite show of The Fringe, The Wizard Of Oz(es), a mash up of all the movies and stage shows on the theme. I've only seen the original Judy Garland film so I'm sure I missed references. Eight pictures is enough for one post. I'll probably have more tomorrow.                    

 

 

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - THE MOVEMENT(S)

 

Dance, drama and a bit of comedy. Na’ilah Majeed and K. Gloria Mwez, performing as That Untitled Project, spoke to friendship, community organizing, standing up for your needs against political indifference and just having fun.                      

AT THE ST. LOU FRINGE - EMPTY NIGHT

 

The scene is near an Indian village. An impoverished farmer and a proud tigress search for food for their starving children. His land has been taken for a pittance by rich industrialists. Her forest hunting grounds have greatly shrunk due to commercial development. Both have been injured in their search. The themes involve social, economic and environmental justice.                  

WOMEN OF THE FRINGE (BUT NOT ALL OF THEM)

 

Two powerful performances by women at the Fringe. Above, Toni Finch presents a cabaret act on a theme, this year the 80s Golden Girls TV show, called Thank You For Being A Friend. It is about the lives, loves and bonds of women over 50. Poignant is not a good enough word.

Below, a show called Shedding Skin. The performer does not provide her name. She is a  graceful and strong dancer, appearing on stage in skin tight, neutral colored garments, which appear to bind and restrain her. They seem to cause anguish. She slowly, gracefully, removes one piece at a time until she is completely naked. The transition appears painful but ends in liberation, as if she has revealed her true inner self. Strong stuff.