South Philly Review

South Philly is bursting at the seams with talent, many of whom will grace the stages of this year's Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

Heading into its 11th year, the festival runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 15, weaving its way through local neighborhoods. In a two-part series, the Review will spotlight the local musicians, actors, writers, dancers and more. Audience members can sit back, relax and prepare themselves for a taste of everything from satirical comedy to music to a dance-inspired housewarming with a lineup -- the majority of which begins next week -- that will wow.

The doors of Connie's Ric Rac at 1132 S. Ninth St. are slated to open (pending approval for a permanent re-opening by the city) and will be the perfect place for those wanting a good laugh. The seven performers of The Sixth Borough -- including Frank Tartaglia of Ninth and Ellsworth streets, Jason Messina of 10th and Morris streets, Pat Kelly of 13th and Clarion streets and Tabitha Vidaurri of 11th Street and Washington Avenue -- present "ADULTS," an hour-long sketch comedy aimed at answering the question, "What does it mean to be an adult?" Cast members at various stages in their lives, ranging from college to marriage, revisit the hardships of getting older in the production that begins its run Aug. 31.

The group came together in January, and Vidaurri said she's been working on putting together a sketch comedy show for the festival since Connie's close in March.

"I really like the Fringe Festival. I've been wanting to do it ever since I've lived in Philadelphia," said the University of the Arts graduate who moved to the city in 2000.

Vidaurri, who began screenwriting as a child and plays several characters in the show, said just making her way to rehearsals is a new experience.

"South Philly, to me, is the true heart of Philadelphia," the 23-year-old said. "Every time I drive to Connie's I notice so many things about the area. In a three- to four-square block area, you'll see old ladies who've lived here for a few decades on their stoop talking, a Mexican working in a taqueria, Vietnamese grocery stores, tourists going to Pat's and Geno's ... Every trip down to Connie's ... is completely different. That helps make every practice and rehearsal for me different."

Those looking to take refuge from the sunshine of summer can turn to "The Burrow," a one-man play performed by Andrew Gorell adapted from a short story by Franz Kafka. The performance -- debuting Aug. 31 -- takes its audience through the life of a home-obsessed man and his ultimate downfall.

The performance may have been pieced together right on local streets, where Gorell says he draws a good deal of inspiration.

"While going about my daily life, I get to watch and interact with some true characters who will no doubt make their way on stage with me," the resident of the 1000 block of Latona Street said.

If not their personalities, Gorell added, residents still work their way into his show: "For this performance in particular, many South Philly neighbors have donated their unwanted items to my set. Trash day is a gold mine!"

Shawn O'Shea took the comfort of having a safe haven on the 600 block of Sigel Street and turned it into a short story-turned-play. "Starlight Supply," written by O'Shea, who also produced the show, will be presented by Writing Man Productions beginning Aug. 31. While recovering from health issues, O'Shea penned the tale of William William Williams, a man who views his world differently than those around him. When the character crosses paths with another possessing an opposite state of mind, the two are changed forever.

O'Shea said art in South Philly can help bridge a gap suffered by many in the 21st century.

"Bringing culture to any area can help to bring more of a community together," he said. "Unfortunately, what we see is community separation. I think bringing culture and the arts to any area can help."

For the entertainment-seeker who wants it all, "Grace: Kingdom" is sure to tap into at least one of the senses. Presented by A Grateful Company beginning Aug. 31, the patchwork of multimedia is based on Jeff Buckley's album "Grace" and uses hip-hop, rap, live music, theater, painting, dance, including break dancing, and even double-dutch on stage.