The STLFringe FEST is back for its 12th season, showcasing 42 original, imaginative and independent productions on stages, parking lots and other venues across Grand Center in Midtown St. Louis.
The weeklong event, from Aug. 14 to 20, is based on an idea conceived more than 75 years ago in Scotland: an open-access alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival. Created “on the fringe of” the original festival, “The Fringe,” as it is now known, is considered the biggest performance arts festival in the world.
The STLFringe FEST is back for its 12th season, showcasing 42 original, imaginative and independent productions on stages, parking lots and other venues across Grand Center in Midtown St. Louis.
The weeklong event, from Aug. 14 to 20, is based on an idea conceived more than 75 years ago in Scotland: an open-access alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival. Created “on the fringe of” the original festival, “The Fringe,” as it is now known, is considered the biggest performance arts festival in the world.
It is this same spirit of openness that launched St. Lou Fringe in 2011. Since then, the organization has produced more than 500 independent productions, most of them presented during its annual STLFringe FEST in August.
Gazelle editor-in-chief Trish Muyco-Tobin recently caught up with St. Lou Fringe president and artistic director Matthew Kerns about this month’s showcase, featuring bellydancing, burlesque, standup comedy and a host of other immersive and interactive storytelling.
GAZELLE: It’s always exciting to see the STLFringe FEST lineup. This year’s festival includes a world premiere that you personally have a hand in bringing to the stage. What do we need to know about “The Final Performance of Midnight Annie?”
Matthew Kerns (MK): I am thrilled to be collaborating with Chris Andoe on his world-premiere solo performance, “The Final Performance of Midnight Annie.” The show is the story of how Chris’ adventures in his life led him to be the great chronicler of the St Louis LGBTQIA+ community. It is funny, silly, sardonic, sad and heartfelt. This show is a love letter, and I am so honored to be a creative insider of the work.
GAZELLE: “Humans of St. Louis, The Stage Play” was another thing that caught our eye. Many of us are familiar with the photo series – how did this concept of turning it into a play come to be?
MK: Two of the greatest creative visionaries in our region, Lindy Drew and Joe Hanrahan, have joined forces to take “Humans of St Louis” from an Insta to a book and now, to the stage. The stories of these stupendous St Louisans are leaping off the page and onto the stage in real time during the STLFringe FEST. The concept simply came from the understanding that these stories are St Louis and must be elevated and celebrated in as many genres as possible, so The Midnight Company, along with Humans of St. Louis, have adapted the stories from the book into dialogue and stories for the stage in an inspiring evening of theatre.
GAZELLE: The originality – and the outrageousness – of some of these acts are just fun! What can you tell us about some of the other highlights this season?
MK: This year, every single applicant was granted acceptance to the festival. That means no fewer than 42 productions are scheduled over the seven-day event in Grand Center! We’re proud that 85% of casts are local, as our city has so many stories to share, including:
- LGBTQ Comedy Showcase featuring headliner Charlie Meyers.
This show includes six comedians who all identify as LGBTQIA. 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the High Low, 3301 Washington Ave.
- “Songs of a Movement: From Suffrage to Today”
Singer Toni Finch’s cabaret show shares songs of American women. 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 16 at the High Low, 3301 Washington Ave.
- “Bare: A Pop Opera”
This show by the talented youth at the Gateway Center for Performing Arts is already selling like wildfire so you’ll want to act fast! Be forewarned: It’s a full-length musical, clocking in at more than two hours. Aug. 18 (7 p.m.), Aug. 19 (2 and 7 p.m.), Aug. 20 (1 and 6 p.m.) at The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive
- “Unlicensed Musical Therapy”
Fly North Theatricals may be St. Louis’ most exciting young theatre troupe, and this musical is a great chance to see what the buzz is about! A rare 90-minute show, it features Bradley Rohlf as a man being therapized on stage by friends, “including but not limited to” Colin Healy and David Lemon. Aug. 17 (10 p.m.), Aug. 18 (11:05 p.m.), Aug. 19 (8:30 p.m.), Aug. 20 (7:30 p.m.) at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust St.
- “How It Feels to Be on Wheels”
An evening of original poetry and writing from Katie Banister. Aug. 17 (7 p.m.) at the High Low, 3301 Washington Ave.
- “UnBetween”
A movement-heavy theater piece about going through transitions staged as a literal festival piece transition – the entire show is the transition on and off stage. Aug. 19 (6 p.m.) at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust St.
GAZELLE: We love that the festival attracts such a wide variety of people. Why is it important to always have diversity and inclusivity at the forefront of what you do as an organization?
MK: Our mission at St Lou Fringe is to unleash the voices of our region. For me, as the leader, the lineup is not complete without voices from every walk of life being represented. I think that sharing our individual stories with the collective of our fellow St Louisans brings us closer together through shared meaning and the power of the arts. Further, focusing on diversity and inclusion ensures that those who don’t usually get a mic are guaranteed place, space and opportunity through one of our stages at STLFringe FEST and this effort is one of the proudest accomplishments of our organization.
For a complete lineup of this year’s STLFringe FEST, as well as ticket information, visit the St. Lou Fringe website.
