As in, the annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival.
And since the 21st annaul Orlando Fringe Festival, which kicked off on May 16 and continues through Memorial Day on May 28, has already broken box office records and experienced more sold out shows than at any time in recent memory, the staff at Freeline Media felt it was the perfect time to launch a long-nursed ambition: the Freeline Media Best of Fab Fringe reader’s choice picks. Since it seems like more than half of Central Florida has been to Fringe this year — selling out shows, scrambling for parking near Loch Haven Park, relaxing in the beer tent or finding things to do at Kids Fringe, Freeline Media is inviting readers to cast their vote for the best shows this year in seven different categories.
Since Freeline Media has already reviewed several of the shows, so this online magazine is well aware of the diverse talent on display this year. The Fringe continues to attract first rate artistic talent from across the globe, and Fringe gives them an opportunity to showcase that here in Orlando.
Freeline Media, it should be noted, is a product of parent company Freeline Productions LLC, which was founded in November 2008 to produce an original play by Michael W. Freeman, called “Hooked,” a dark comedy that starred Kevin Kriegel (currently performing in ”Mitzy Morris in Dazzled to Death!” at the Fringe’s Brown Venue in the Lowndes Shakespeare Theatre.) 
A year later, Freeline Productions made a return to Fringe with the comedy ”Copping a Craigie,” starring Michael Colavolpe (also performing in “Dazzled”). That was in May 2010, and five months later, Freeline Productions launched Freeline Media as an online magazine providing full news coverage of Central Florida, including theater reviews and coverage of the 2011 and now 2012 Fringe Festivals.
The festival’s executive producer, Michael Marinaccio, has told Freeline Media that he fully expects this weekend to be perhaps the busiest and most crowded in Fringe history. If that’s the case, we want to hear from our readers and find out what they loved most at the Fringe. Take a moment, and write to us, and let us know what shows you think should be ranked the best in the following categories:
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?)
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?)
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?)
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix)
5. Best one-person show
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor)
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!)
Seven categories, seven ways to vote. The Freeline Media staff will be tallying up the voting, which can continue through Thursday, May 31, to allow more people to reflect a bit on what they liked about Fringe — and to take the time to let their voices be heard.
On the opening day of this year’s Fringe Festival, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan noted the important cultural and artistic contributions that Fringe has made to the city over the years. Marinaccio noted the unique opportunity that Fringe provides to gifted artists who might otherwise never find an audience for their writing, directing, acting and musical compositions.
Freeline Media agrees, which is why this up-and-coming online magazine is using this year’s Fringe to invite readers to say everything from “Wow, I loved it!” to “Amazing show!” to “Somebody has to bring this back long after Fringe is over — revival time!” Cast your votes as well, in those select categories. And if you hate those seven categories, come up with one of your own.
But write to us now, and have your say on all greats things, Fringe!
Contact us at FreelineOrlando@Gmail.com.
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?) The Fabulous Problemas – great physical comedy and cute story
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?) Nashville Hurricane – amazing story of an overbearing mother’s ontrol over her memory challenged son.
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?) 9/11
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix) Little Shop of Horrors
5. Best one-person show – TJ Dawe
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor) – Fosgate Ferret
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!) – Joan Crawford House party
1. Best Comedy – Paul Strickland: Jokes, Songs, A Hat, Etc!
2. Best dramatic piece- Mysterious Skin
3. Best ”message” play -Connected
4. Best variety show -Blue & Tod Kimbro: Too Drunk To Fringe
5. Best one-person show- Paul Strickland: Jokes, Songs, A Hat, Etc!
6. Best family-friendly show -Dog Powered Robot
7. Best mature- Mysterious Skin
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?)
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?) 9/11
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?) 9/11
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix)
5. Best one-person show 9/11
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor)
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!)
1. Best Comedy: Sport: 3rd Strike delighted me from beginning to end.
2. Best dramatic piece: 9/11: We Will (Never) Forget tugged at both my heartstrings AND my funnybone, and is the show that moves me days after having seen it.
3. Best ”message” play: Fosgate: Ferret Loan Officer was the slyest, cleverest “message” play (the message of fiscal responsibility) of the fest.
4. Best variety show: “…Since Carrie” was an unexpected gem.
5. Best one-person show: It’s a real toss-up, there are so many fine solo artists. Martin Dockery’s blistering loquacity, the emotionally bare character work by Jason Nettle and Paul Cosentino, the lovely soprano of Melanie Gall, and the “Oh My God I’m Having A Crisis Of Sexual Identity” seductive charm of Eleanor O’Brien, the comic genius of Christel Bartelse… how can I choose just one?
6. Best family-friendly show: Fosgate: Ferret Loan Officer, which delivered its adult message AND delighted the kids, both in the Brown Venue and at Kids Fringe. Who doesn’t love a Badger playing a sousaphone?
7. Best mature: Joan Crawford’s House Party. “Joan” electrified the stage every moment she was on it, and I, who hates drag queens and doesn’t usually laugh at anything, guffawed throughout.
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?)Cannibal the musical.. Cause cannibals are funny
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?)9/11.
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?) 9/11
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix) Little Shop of Horrors
5. Best one-person show – I married a nun
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor) –Little Shop of HOrrors
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!) – Redlight Girls of Broadway
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?) -I’m Saving It For Paul! Because it’s my play and my cast is awesome.
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?) -Mysterious Skin- amazing story, performances and production
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?) -We Will Forget because most of us did.
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix) -Fosgate the Ferret Loan Officer- amazing show and cast
5. Best one-person show -Threads- what an incredible story and it’s all true! KJ Thornton’s Strange Dreamz and Paul Strickland were also great shows.
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor) -Little Shop Of Horrors
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!) -Annie Todd! Hide your kids, pets and fat bald billionaires.
I vote 9/11 for #2 Best dramatic piece (amazing talent!!), #3 Best “message” because we should never forget, though many of us have and #5 for best one-person show because Jason is amazing!
1. Best comedy: BLOOD SISTERS (because these “sistas” don’t hold back)
2. Best dramatic piece: CLASICALLY DEMENTED (because there was strong technique)
3. Best ”message” play: CONNECTED (moves you)
4. Best variety show: MADAME PEEVIRA: DARK LADY (because it had a lot going on)
5. Best one-person show: LITTLE LADY (brilliant work)
6. Best family-friendly show: DOG POWERED ROBOT
7. Best mature show: EVERYBODY LOVES CYLAMEDIA
Just got back from fringeing for the first time EVER! GRRREAT TIME. GREAT SHOWS! “Classically Demented” had excellent choregraphy and veryyy skilled dancers. “Spinzophrenia” was a surprise enjoyment with a fun look/energy and tons of positive/happy performers…it rubs off. “Little Lady” was a BRILLIANT piece of theatre with a highly talented physical movement artist that takes you on a thought provoking and hipnotic journey. MUST WATCH!
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?) CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?) MYSTERIOUS SKIN
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?) CONNECTED
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix) FOSGATE: FERRET LOAN OFFICER
5. Best one-person show 9/11
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor) DOG POWERED ROBOT
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!) MYSTERIOUS SKIN
1. Best Comedy: MY EXPLODING FAMILY.
2. Best dramatic piece: MYSTERIOUS SKIN
3. Best “message” play: MYSTERIOUS SKIN (Childhood traumatic experiences can affect you for the rest of your life.)
4. Best variety show: Did not see.
5. Best one person show: Did not see.
6. Best family friendly show: MY EXPLODING FAMILY
7. Best mature: MYSTERIOUS SKIN
SPINZOPHRENIA! WAS AMAZING!
AMAZING choreography and music!
I believe it was Fringe’s best kept secret!
Classically Demented: A Darkened Fable of Storybook Characters You Thought You Knew
for…
Best Dramatic Piece
Best Variety Show
Best Mature Show
Best Dance Show
I also enjoyed Theme Park Diva and Celebrity Squares for Best Comedy!
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?) – MITZI MORRIS IN DAZZLED TO DEATH – hilarious script, strong performances, genre perfectly executed
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?) – RIDE
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?) – 9/11
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix) – A LITTLE FRINGE MAGIC (magic counts as variety, right? … this guy was GOOD!)
5. Best one-person show – GGG: DOMINATRIX FOR DUMMIES – great characters!
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor) – didn’t see any, I go to see edgier fringe shows
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!) – MITZI MORRIS IN DAZZLED TO DEATH
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?) I’m Saving It for Paul
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?) didn’t see any 🙁
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?) I think I struck out here as well . . .
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix) Tod & Blue – the stripper was amazing
5. Best one-person show – difficult to choose between the three I saw, Dirk Darrow, You Can’t Bring That Bike in Here! and Scientist Turned Comedian, as they were all so different and yet all enjoyable
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor) Please don’t make me choose between Dog Powered Robot and My Exploding Family, because I can’t
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!) I’m afraid Joan Crawford just edges out Celebrity Squares here. Now if I’d won the $100 instead of a box of Cracker Jack . . .
1. Best Comedy – Paul Strickland: Jokes, Songs, A Hat, Etc!
2. Best dramatic piece- Mysterious Skin
3. Best ”message” play -Connected
4. Best variety show -Blue & Tod Kimbro: Too Drunk To Fringe
5. Best one-person show- Paul Strickland: Jokes, Songs, A Hat, Etc!
6. Best family-friendly show -Dog Powered Robot
7. Best mature- Mysterious Skin
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?) Mitzi Morris, Dazzled to Death
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?) Nashville Hurricane
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?) Connected
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix) Red Light of Broadway
5. Best one-person show – Dirk Darrow
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor) – Sport Third Strike
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!) – Joan Crawford House party
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?) Fosgate: smart, funny, clever, and GREAT tunes
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?) Mysterious Skin
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?) Connected
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix) Fosgate
5. Best one-person show – Paul Strickland
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor) – Sport Third Strike
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!) – Mysterious Skin
1. Best Comedy (Did you laugh a lot? And why?) Mitzi Morris in Dazzled to Death
2. Best dramatic piece (Did it tug at your heartstrings?) Ride
3. Best ”message” play (and why — what was the message?) didn’t see any
4. Best variety show (comedy/music/dance mix) Joan Crawford’s House Party
5. Best one-person show – Strange Dreamz
6. Best family-friendly show (no parental wincing at naughty humor) My Exploding Family
7. Best mature (stick with adult audiences) show (hide the kids!) Mitzi Morris in Dazzled to Death