The Elgin Fringe Festival kicks into high gear Thursday with a wide variety of performance across multiple venues. Take a deep breath….
Venue: Elgin Art Showcase
6:00
Parker Forrest Olson: Welcome, Home
Welcome, Home is an original one-act play written and directed by Parker Forest Olson. Welcome, Home explores a family over the course of a decade as they begin, fall apart, and reassemble, all while the spirit of Home enters and exits their lives, acting as a grandmotherly figure driving and nourishing their growth. $10
7:30
La Groove Fatale: Vintage Groove
For La Groove Fatale’s 8th appearance at the Elgin Fringe Festival, they’re taking inspiration from bygone eras with their new show, “Vintage Groove.” This show represents a mix of new and old choreographies, costumes, and music selections and boasts a special appearance by sister performers, Project Groove. $5
9:00
American Maniacs Unlimited: The Death of God on the American Frontier
Let American Maniacs Unlimited lead you along the pioneer trail of comedy to the virgin wilderness of the silliness frontier. Then gaze in horror as a railroad is built through it and bison are being shot at from train cars. For this is The Death of God on the American Frontier: A Sketch Revue. $5
Venue: Exhibition Hall
6:00
Captain Ambivalent: Captain Ambivalent Tries To Make A Solo Rom Com
After musically skewering comic books, musicians, science fiction, corporations, fantasy, and denial, satirical songwriting superhero Captain Ambivalent returns to take on a genre he is infinitely less familiar with. Come celebrate romantic density and whisper those three little words, propeller beanie chicken. Original comedy songs and PowerPoint. $10
7:30
Abraham Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln: Illinois Icon
Hilarity, heartbreak, humanity and brilliant speeches abound! Abraham Lincoln traces an astounding journey from log cabin to White House with his love of learning, skillful use of language, sense of fairness, opposition to slavery, and a remarkable ability to lead our nation through its darkest days. $5
9:00
Night Moose: Night Moose
Night Moose invites you to join the fun as the herd mashes long and short form improv elements together with audience suggestions for a funny and unique improvised show that will never be seen again. Ever. So come frolic with Night Moose! $10
Venue: Theatre At Side Street Studios
6:00
Mike Lemme: Healing+
Come help comedian Mike Lemme move out of his apartment. We don’t want to give too much away, but you’ll definitely enjoy the show if you’ve ever had to deal with room- mates. Also, you won’t actually have to help Mike move! $10
7:30
Madeline O’Malley: Mother Faker
Parenting teenagers is not for the faint of heart! Madeline O’Malley breaks down the good, the bad and the ridiculous in Mother Faker, personal stories about being the world’s best … and sometimes worst … mom. $10
9:00
Melanie Moseley: Polyamory: The Musical!
A powerful, funny, musical/storytelling journey into polyamory. Follow Mel as she explores the benefits of community all while struggling to answer the question: “What do I want?” Explore a lifetime of attempts to answer that question. Peek inside a triad and hear firsthand accounts of love without limits. $10.
Venue: Martini Room
9:00
The Mayfields: The Mayfields
Prepare to have the Mayfields rifle through your mind in this daring display of psychic phenomenon. Mind readers need minds to read, after all! Jacob and Shane will demonstrate ESP and telepathy that will make you ask: is this for real? Decide for yourself in this interactive experience. $10
Venue: Blue Box Cafe
6:00
Elgin Short Film Festival: Audience Judging
Screening of several short films submitted to the Elgin Short Film Festival. Fringe audience favorites will be selected as candidates for the main event on September 18th. FREE
So there it is. A lot to take in, and it’s just the beginning.
General admission tickets are $5, $10 or free, sold at the box office at Fringe Central. Or, buy tickets on-line at elginfringefestival.com and pick them up at the box office before the show.
