If you’re a fan of improvisational comedy, musical theater, or darkly absurd multiverse mash-ups, then you’re in luck.
STL Fringe Fest, organized by St. Lou Fringe, returns August 4–9. The festival hosts 45 shows featuring independent artists, from a cabaret tribute to The Golden Girls to a haunting play about the Yellow Creek massacre of 1774 through the eyes of Thomas Jefferson.
Among the headlining performances:
- Dear Evan Hansen: The Tony-award winning musical will be performed for the first time in the round.
- The Wizard of Oz(es): Dorothy—three versions of the classic tale’s lead character, from The Wiz, Return to Oz, and the 1939 film—meet Glinda from Wicked.
- Auralie Wilde: St. Louis-based dancer presents a queer burlesque ballet.
- The Doctor: During this game show-style improvisational comedy show, physician and comedian Dr. Jarad Schwartz answers real health questions. SLM’s own Sarah Fenske and a panel of comedians judge his advice during medical-themed mini-games.
Beyond the four headlining performances, attendees can experience novel dance performances, such as The Movement(s) and Shedding Skin, as well as original plays, including Empty Night, a play in which a thief and Bengal tiger meet around a politician’s house and discuss existential life questions. And St. Louis-based comedian Molly Amburgey’s This is Casually Happening celebrates local female comedians…