There’s this wonderful thing where if you missed the Fringe festival because, let’s say, you were having an awesome scuba-diving vacation or you chose to spend your days so as to avoid tourists at any means possible, you can still catch some of the festival’s most popular and highly-rated shows. Some of our favorites have ended up in this year’s Encore Series, performed at Soho Playhouse and Baruch College’s Performing Arts Center, so catch them before they’re gone for good!
This one-man show about Holocaust deniers had so many enjoyable and provocative twists and ideas that left us in its grips for days. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a one-person show that was as thrilling and absorbing as this. Final Encores performance plays at Baruch PAC on 9/24 at 7:30pm
Gary Busey’s One-Man Hamlet (as performed by David Carl)
One of the biggest successes at Fringe, this playful, hilarious, and absurd show was an absolute joy. Interviewing David Carl was also one of the highlights of our festival coverage. Final performances play at Baruch PAC on 9/26 and 10/3 at 9pm
No One Asked Me by Kate Ballen
This focused and realistic new play draws on Ballen’s work with undocumented public high school students in New York City as they look towards college, citizenship, and bettering their families’ lives. It’s striking and intimate, the kind of work that could open people’s eyes to the everyday challenges of immigration in the city. Opens at Soho Playhouse on 9/26.
Absolutely Filthy by Brendan Hunt
This dark comedy imagines the iconic Peanuts characters as adults gathering for their friend’s funeral. But it’s also so much more than that. Brendan Hunt gives the festival’s most acclaimed performance, and its simple yet ambitious message of growing up and taking charge of your decisions is stunning to watch unfold. Opens at Soho Playhouse on 10/3
The Pawbroker: Lies, Lovers, and Bertolt Brecht by Katelin Wilcox
This one-women show about Brecht’s lovers and their influences on his most famous works expertly blends biography and entertainment, making it one of the festival’s surprise hits. It’s a must-see for anyone remotely familiar with Brecht or interested in theater*cough* you *cough* Final performance at Baruch PAC on 9/28
You can find information on these and other Encores shows at the Soho Playhouse and Baruch PAC websites.
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