Festival team Picks
Just like a bookstore, we asked a few of our staff to pick two shows they’re excited to see. Enjoy!
Mel Barnes, Programming Director, Produces Goopy & Joy’s Bed & Breakfast
There was no other choice to open the festival with than White Time (Thu, Oct 20) in my opinion-- Kristin is an insanely magnetic performer, and I haven't been this excited to watch someone craft a solo show in a while. You've definitely never seen Whiteface Minstrelsy like this, because you've probably never seen it at all. Kristin's show is daring and not to be missed. Also the older brother from Unfabulous is in it, which cannot be overlooked!
And I also must say, David & Izzy: She's Loud, He's Quiet! (Fri, Oct 28). Izzy and David have individually graced The Elysian stage with countless unforgettable performances over the past year, but this is their first time doing a full show together, and I find myself wondering if the combination of their talents will be almost too powerful. I've been lucky to catch glimpses of just a few of the dance numbers, videos, and songs that Izzy, David and their cast of stars have prepared for the big night, and it's only left me needing more. This show will truly be the first hour of the rest of our lives.
Rachel Ho, House Manager, performs in Fool’s Gold & Nonsemble
Honestly I can’t pick, I want to see everything! But I’m banking on Amy Chiao’s Open for Bone Business (Fri, Oct 21) because it sounds like the most economical use of leftover chicken bones for performance art I’ve ever heard of. Also you could win a free chicken wing if you go, and I love free snacks.
I’m also stoked for Magi Calcagne’s Get In The Box (Fri, Oct 28) because I know they take their craft EXTREMELY seriously, and no audience member will be spared from the emotional impact of this masterclass in performance.
Special mention goes to Gabe Ross’ Fool’s Gold (Thu, Oct 20), because I’m a mime in a mine in this play, and I had a ton of fun during rehearsals.
Fray Forde, House Manager
I’m very excited to check out two genre-bending shows that dissect Blackness in Hollywood — White Time (Thu, Oct 20) and The Jeffersons (Wed, Oct 26). Both shows tackle the ingrained racism in film and television decades ago with a subversive, comedic take on what it means to be a black performer in show business. With a mix of standup, sketch, filmed sketches, and crowd interaction, each show is sure to be a hilarious (and insightful) experience — I hope to see you there!
Spencer Turrubiarte, Programming & Operations Coordinator
These are the two shows I’m most excited about. :^)
Fools Gold (Thu, Oct 20) caught my eye early in the festival planning. The show has an ensemble cast with some of my favorite performers in the scene. This show is straight up serving Oceans Eleven vibes with a cast this powerful. I’m really excited to see the unique musical element on top of everything else this show is bringing to life.
She’s Loud, He’s Quiet (Fri, Oct 28) is at the top of my list. It’s simple, Izzy and David are truly comedy power houses. I’m so excited to see a show that will allow them to showcase their performance range with dance, singing, standup and some daring multimedia bits.
Scully, Tech Director
David and Izzy are hilarious, so She’s Loud, He’s Quiet (Fri, Oct 28) is a must see for me. It's always a pleasure to see them in the theater because not only do I know they're gonna put on a great show or bit, they're also super nice people! No wonder they're a real life couple that kisses and stuff. They've been light on details of this show to avoid spoilers, but from the sliver I've seen so far, this show's gonna be insane and an absolute banger.
3 Rats Audition To Open For Ricky Gervais (Sat, Oct 29). If it were based on title alone, this show would win best of fest. I literally don't know anything about this show. I don't know these people. I know they're friends with my friend Brian, and he says they're funny. But Brian's opinion doesn't really matter here because I was already gonna see this show for its fantastic title.
Forget About Spaghetti Festival is here October 20th - 30th.