New York Times
Out on the Fringe, Sometimes Beyond It
There may be a few poor souls who never get their 15 minutes of fame, but everyone, eventually, works on a show at the New York International Fringe Festival - or at least, it seems that way if you spend time downtown in August.
In its ninth year, the festival, beginning today and running through Aug. 28, features artists from all corners of the entertainment industry, including the legitimate stage, film and beyond.
The VH1 regular Melissa Rauch stars in a solo piece ("The Miss Education of Jenna Bush"). The Newsweek columnist Gersh Kuntzman was a co-writer on "SUV: The Musical." Magicians, humorists and several relatives of famous people (Cary Grant's daughter stars in "Aquarium") make appearances in this sprawling variety show.
Compared with years past, the festival is slightly smaller, but still big enough to overwhelm any consumer. How do you choose among 180 entries?
One preferred tactic is to find the most alluring title, which is why "Sex With Jake Gyllenhaal and Other Fables of the Northeast Corridor" should do very well.
Other ticket buyers ask around, but since Fringe artists are everywhere, it may be hard to get an impartial opinion. In terms of promise and buzz (or both), the following choices are my top 10.
Buy tickets soon because the hits sell out quickly. (For more options, pick up a schedule - available by calling (212) 279-4488 - or check the Fringe's Web site at www.fringenyc.org.)
'The Miss Education of Jenna Bush'
Not surprisingly, fewer shows beat up on the president than in past festivals, but this one plans on
doing a number on his daughter Jenna. You know, the blond one who earned sneers across
America when she quoted Outkast during the Republican convention. Melissa Rauch, a pretty,
quick-witted comic from New Jersey who appears on VH1's "Best Week Ever,” plays this
rebellious University of Texas graduate who begins her new job as a public school teacher in the
fall.
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