INTRODUCING OUR PRIMARY LINEUP
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Thursday, July 10th
The Standbys Present: Right Show, Wrong Time at 7pm
Not every show is an instant hit... Sometimes musicals with incredible scores swiftly leave the stage or do not make a solid first impression but in this cabaret, we are giving those songs their time back in the spotlight. Songs from shows such as Bonnie and Clyde, Carrie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and more! Join us as we gives these beautiful melodies their five minutes of fame.
Alternative to Reality - ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY at 8pm
Step into Alternative to Reality—a mind-bending mashup of comedy, mindreading, and storytelling starring Kevin Burke - Sponsor’s Pick winner at Orlando Fringe 2019. This fast-paced, funny, and unpredictable show invites the audience to challenge what’s real, what’s imagined, and what’s just hilariously made up along the way. Burke, a master mentalist with razor-sharp wit, weaves audience interactions into jaw-dropping feats of psychological wizardry. Every performance is a new experience—because when the stories change, so does the show. If you like your reality with a twist of the impossible and a dash of irreverence, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind fringe experience. PG-13.
A Magic Lantern Phantasmagoria at 9pm
Come see an authentic Victorian Magic Lantern Show! In the 1800s, before the dawn of motion pictures, traveling performers would carry slide projectors and boxes of glass slides from town to town, setting up in local theaters. They would share images and stories of faraway places, often with music, sound effects, and animation. Sometimes, they would have a special horror show, with images of ghosts and devils and tales of terror – a Phantasmagoria. We will recreate a Phantasmagoria with stories about a particular Victorian fascination – death. Hear dark tales from history on murders, executions, and disasters, all told using an antique projector and slides, most over 100 years old. The projectionist and storyteller, Brett King, has been presenting at steampunk conventions for over a decade. He will have live musical accompaniment from the extraordinary vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Crystal Bright.
FRIDAY, July 11th
Not Here to Make Friends: An Improvised Reality Show at 6pm
Step aside, love—this reality show is all about drama! Not Here to Make Friends is a completely improvised dating reality show, where romance takes a backseat to rivalries, shocking twists, and desperate grabs for screen time. The audience helps shape the world of the show, from the location to the premise to the name of the series. As the “crew,” they also get a say in the drama, helping the Producer throw curveballs at the contestants to try and make the most exciting episode of television this series has ever seen!
CHEMESTRY at 7pm
A high school chemistry teacher believes one of his students is having an affair with his wife and concocts a plan for revenge: cook and eat the student during class. Following the Grand Guignol tradition, things turn comically gory after the young man in question, a self-assured ladies man, bounds into the room. The students are forced to consider the pros and cons of cannibalism, while the teacher simply wants the youth to be consumed before next period, implicating everyone in murder and removing any evidence of the crime.
RIGSBEE AVE at 8pm
Rigsbee Ave brings an exciting and playful perspective to the arena of long form, narrative improv. Their style combines the structure of contemporary theatre and the unpredictable joy of improvisation. Our shows develop organically from the energy of the cast and from that we build an original play, the likes of which will never be seen again!
Rusk: A Comedy Special by Nik Narain at 9pm
Nik Narain (he/they) is a comedian, writer, and science communicator based in Durham, NC. Nik has performed his witty, energetic, and insightful comedy around the country and has worked as a writer for numerous professional and creative outlets. Nik recently graduated Duke University with degrees in Physics and Visual Media Studies and has a background in neuroscience research. He is committed to telling engaging and accessible science stories for the stage and screen firmly grounded in LGBTQ+ and AAPI experiences. He has performed "Rusk" in Durham and at the NYC Fringe Festival, and is excited to bring his show to Raleigh!
SATURDAY, July 12th
Name of Play: The Play With no Limitations at 4pm
Theatre is so unique in its own way. Not only can you write down any character or story you can think of. But you can bring it to life on stage! And that's what this production is about. Name of Play: The Play With no Limitations is an original full-length production that shows a few examples of the endless possibilities you have when it comes to theatre. But even though we're only performing half of it we're still bringing tons of fun! Audience participation, exciting fight scenes, relatable experiences, and more!! If you wanna have a fun time and maybe even go home with a few goodies. Join us for our production of Name of Play! (Yes, that's the name)
No Shame Story Slam at 7pm
No Shame Story Slam is an hour of rapid-fire, original tales told by 20 Raleigh area artists. Expect a frenzy of original monologues, scenes, songs, sketches, and / or poems all exploring the topic of “No Shame”. Stories may include (but are not limited to) themes of body image, coming out, growing up, and living authentically. We’re here to dispel stigmas and tell truths. By the end, you may want to join the fun, scary, liberating process of airing your own dirty laundry. Stories may include strong language, suggestive materials. Recommended for ages 16+.
Yes, Mommy at 8pm
"To sext...perchance to self-sabotage." Yes, Mommy is a backwards one-act musical about one Queer woman’s desperate attempt to understand her own patterns—sexual, emotional, and existential. Told from the final fallout to the first impulsive message, the story unravels her complex relationship with sex, control, and the terrifying possibility of being truly seen. Through unhinged musical numbers, filthy humor, and gut-punching vulnerability, Ashley spirals through the digital age of desire—trying to decipher the difference between empowerment and fear, obsession and connection, healing and hiding. It’s about the voices in your head, the ones in your bed, and the mess in between. Content Warnings: Strong language and graphic sexual descriptions.
A Sultry Serenade: Burlesque & Cabaret Show at 9pm
Step into a world of glitter, glamour, and groove with A Sultry Serenade – an electrifying fusion of jazz, burlesque, and drag, featuring the Triangle’s most tantalizing talents. From velvet vocals to daring dance, this cabaret spectacular delivers dazzling performances that will leave you breathless. Prepare to be teased by tassels and titillated with intrigue from the heart-pounding beauties who will transport you to a bygone era of mystery and decadence. Whether you’re a lover of variety entertainment, or just in it for the shimmy and the sparkle, this sensational spectacle promises a night you won’t forget. Content Warnings: This show is for 18+ audiences. Nudity/striptease, some sexual themes.
Circle and Square (a play for ages 2-5) at 10am & 11:30am
Circle and Square is a play designed for ages 2-5 and their parents/caregivers to attend and enjoy together. In this interactive, mostly nonverbal story, audiences meet the free spirit Circle, followed by highly structured Square. These two characters have a hard time figuring out how to play together because they are so different. Throughout the play, Circle and Square discover each other's unique gifts and how they can be combined to have even more fun together than apart.
The Ballad of Daphnis and Chloe at 4pm
Daphnis and Chloe, dear friends their entire lives, work side by side in the field with their sheep. As they enter adulthood, they’re startled by their attraction for each other. When the potential lovers receive conflicting insights on what it means to be in love and what the future may hold should their love (and lust) be acted upon, they choose to seek out a Cure. True Love, however, should never be underestimated. Will Daphnis and Chloe embrace denial or each other? The Ballad of Daphnis and Chloe is full of whimsy and peril, challenges and discoveries, and oh so many sheep. Led by an all-female creative team, this poetic production also explores the many ways physical love impacts women and the consequences (both good and bad) of sexual consent and power, and how men choose to wield it. When is sex a shared act of connection? When is it an act of ownership? Is it wiser to idolize love or fear it? Achieve expertise on loved, love, and loving alongside Daphnis and Chloe. See the strength that can be shared when we’re brave enough to face the unknown with someone we love. Content warnings: Sexual Themes, Sexual Trauma, Generational Trauma, Toxic Masculinity. Presented by Vixen Theatre Company .