THE MILWAUKEE FRINGE FESTIVAL is coming to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts this Saturday, Aug. 27. The festival, which will also offer virtual programming, will host performances by actors and dancers, musicians, visual arts performers and more. We rounded up some acts you can see at the festival this year.
1. Kathryn Cesarz & Jesse March
1 P.M. | VOGEL HALL
Kathryn Cesarz and Jesse March will be performing a live theatre physical comedy act that was inspired by Edward Gorey’s novel The Unstrung Harp. The performance will also include shadow puppetry and stage magic to tell the story.
2. Hour 22
2 P.M. | PECK PAVILION
Known for their creative spin on rock music and energetic performances, Hour 22 is one of Milwaukee’s own rock bands. The three-person band will be taking the Peck Pavilion stage at 2 p.m. for an afternoon rock session.
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3. KAD and Christopher B. Goode
2:15 P.M. | VOGEL HALL
The performance “Dreams of Drowning” is described as a “surrealist exploration of the grieving process.” KAD will perform this piece filled with poetry, movement and music – all to encompass both life and death. Following their act, Christopher B. Goode and the Partytime Friends will perform “Vocations” which is a brief one-act piece that represents how adults heal and live their lives as a reflection of their childhood. It will feature both improvisation and music.
4. Tessa Ritchey, Kaleid Dance Collective, Rae Zimmerli and Wingspan Dance
3 P.M. | PECK PAVILION
Tessa Ritchey will perform a piece called “al(one)” which shows how two dancers can remain individual in their identities while still collaborating to perform as one. Dancer and choreographer Rush Johnston will perform a piece called “Keep Watching,” which will include both speaking and movement that addresses themes including sexuality, love, grief and joy – specifically in the context of their upbringing in the American South. Centered around someone who has just lost the love of their life, the piece “Weaving the Elegy” performed by Rae Zimmerli is inspired in part by the painting “Anguish” by August Schenk and the poem “Making a Fist” by Naomi Shibab Nye.
5. Milwaukee Irish Arts
4:30 P.M. | PECK PAVILION
Irish culture is very prevalent in Milwaukee and that will be showcased at the Peck Pavilion this Fringe Fest! The Milwaukee Irish Arts group will feature three sisters performing “Dead Man’s Bells” – a gothic rural tale. The tale explores themes including sisterhood and family secrets.
6. TJC Productions
5:30 P.M. | VOGEL HALL
Thom Cauely returns to Milwaukee’s Fringe Fest to continue a story he started six years ago at the first festival. Cauley, then, told his story about mental health, childhood experiences and being diagnosed with Autism. Now, he will present attendees with a sequel about his revelations since then, history lessons and some comedy woven throughout.
7. Nick Ortiz
5:30 P.M. | PECK PAVILION
If you’re a fan of the saxophone, you are in for a treat with Nick Oritz’s performance at Peck Pavilion. Oritz will combine saxophone music along with electronic sounds in “cit-Escapes: Improvisation, Electronics, and Saxophone.”
8. Valentine 8
6:45 P.M. | VOGEL HALL
Valentine 8 will perform a project riddled with entertainment, sure to keep everyone engaged and on the edge of their seat. Valentine’s performance will include a variety of short theater pieces, music, videos, poetry and dance.
Tickets for individual acts are $20 or all access day passes are $50 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the Marcus Center Box Office. Virtual ticket prices vary.
