ORLANDO – The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16 at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, and runs through May 29. This year the nearly three-week long festival will feature the largest line-up of shows in its history.
And Mary, have we got something positively DIVINE for you this year.
Madame PeeVira, also known as the Fringy Mime Queen (and if anyone is thinking of stealing that title, honey back off!) is back with an all new Fringe show. Remember the 90s? The Clintons, Tanya Harding, etc. etc. Madame PeeVira is bringing us a killer 1990’s sing-along, inviting audiences to board a SCAREavan of nostalgia.
The ride includes moments that are Madame PeeVira promises will be absurd, raunchy, and fun, as guests sing along to 90s classic hits.
Written and directed by Aj Prats, “PeeVira’s SCAREavan Sing-along” will be structured as a “long form pantomime drag show with sing-along moments,” Aj noted.
“Think ‘Carpool Karaoke’ in drag, rolled into a scary — but campy — hostage situation, in a van driven by PeeVira’s butch chauffeur,” played by Serina Marshall, he added.
Each show seats only 8 people at a time, Aj pointed out, so the audience gets an intimate and fun experience.
“Once on board, the guests will get to select their own show to decide which year from the 90’s they will sing-along to,” Aj said. “Complete with games, naughty behavior, and 90’s nostalgia, this will be one show you don’t want to miss.”
Freeline Media reached out to Aj to find out why this show is one that any proud drag queen simply can’t miss.
Freeline Media: Tell us how you conceived this show.
Aj Prats: I’ve always loved singing along — badly — to songs in the car with my friends. One day I saw a creepier van on the road and for some reason thought of carpool karaoke. So I decided to throw in PeeVira’s spooky flair and pack everyone up in a creepier van and have fun.
FM: Fringe … and camp? Are you sure they go together, lol?
Aj: This show is a serious Oscar-worthy drama dealing with life or death. Ghostface has taken us hostage and if we don’t sing the songs he will blow up the van.
FM: Heavy! One-man (or woman) shows are popular at Fringe. What are the challenges, and rewards, of doing solo shows?
Aj: This is my first time doing a “solo” show. I’ve always enjoyed working with an ensemble cast, but I must say that not having to rely on sooo many people is refreshing.
FM: You mention nostalgia — what are you nostalgic for?
Aj: In trying to decide what people would love to sing-along too, I realized it was my 20-year high school reunion. I started thinking about all the fun songs in the 90s. It took me back to my middle school, high school, and even college (coming out) days.
FM: And after Fringe, what’s next for AJ, and this show?
Aj: I’ve been accepted into San Fran Fringe in September, so I’m probably going to take it there. I’m also looking into taking it to horror conventions. If all goes well, I already have next years theme in mind.

“PeeVira’s SACAREAVAN Sing-Along:The Killer 90’s” is playing May 19-21 and May 26-28 at Fringe. Showtimes for Fridays and Saturdays are 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11 p.m. and midnight (the Witching Hour!). Showtimes for Sundays are 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9 p.m.
For tickets visit Orlando Fringe.

Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright and author of the book “Bloody Rabbit”. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com..