Placing their mark on the local arts scene, residents tell of their involvement in a citywide extravaganza.
Headlong Dance Theater has created more than 40 original works in its South Philly studio. During this year's Fringe, the company takes audiences on an interactive journey during its avant-garde performance, "Cell."
The stages are set and rehearsals have ended. It's now time to shine. Whether in the mood for a good laugh or a thought-provoking piece, local artists in this year's Philly Fringe, taking place through Sept. 16 in conjunction with the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival, are sure to please.
The Review concludes its two-part series profiling residents participating in the event that includes actors, musicians, dancers and comedians who intend to provoke reaction throughout citywide venues.
Jennifer Blaine
"My grandfather had me telling dirty jokes when I was 3," a bubbly Jennifer Blaine said. "I don't know what I was saying, but I loved the shock on people's faces."
Apparently, reciting zingers has become a forte for the resident of the 700 block of South 17th Street. In 1995, she began her comedic career with a one-woman show in New York and then she relocated to Philadelphia.
"The reason I stayed is because the audience here is so awesome," the 36-year-old said of Philly.
Her newest show, "Hearing Voices," recalls her career path, which included "acting jobs that are humiliating and hysterical."
By performing across the country, Blaine is spreading some sunshine. "The shortcut to getting connected to people is to make them laugh," she said.
It's not uncommon for Blaine to engage audience members and hand the microphone to them during performances. "My audience really shocks me at times," she said. "I say something funny and they say something funnier. I enjoy giving the stage to whoever is funniest."
Aaron Cromie
A founding member of the Hotel Obligado Theater Company, Aaron Cromie is expanding his repertoire.
His first full-length work, "Carlo vs. Carlo," examines the feud between Carlo Goldoni, an 18th-century Italian playwright, and Carlo Gozzi, who began writing strictly to eclipse Goldoni's works.
"That sounds like the start of a play if ever I heard one," Cromie, of Fourth and Wilder streets, said.
His show functions as a performance piece and playwriting workshop, which includes a dialogue on the process of researching, writing and translating the play.
The Fringe finds a place for "strange, unique, unusual theater," Cromie said. "This is the best venue for it. There's room for everybody."
Multitasking during the event, Cromie also will take part in "Eye-95 re-tarred," but "Carlo" is somewhat of a departure.
"For me, I'm taking a big step because I've done a lot of creative theater that's wordless," the University of the Arts teacher, who also has experimented with puppetry, said. "This is a big step for me to sit back and work as a playwright."
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