Author Archive for Trey Graham

In Memoriam: John MacDonald

A sober moment, as Fringe madness heats up, to note the passing of John MacDonald, artistic director of the Washington Stage Guild.
He died after a fall at his Mt. Rainier home on Sunday. My sincere condolences to Ann Norton — his partner at home and the co-conspirator behind a company that presented a [...]

A Note on Fringe Etiquette

Dear Lovely Fringe People:
Yes, Fringe is all about breaking down walls.
Yes, we stiff-necked media types welcome the opportunity Fringe offers us to escape our sad little cubicles and move among you, the creatively inspired.
Yes, we are delighted to meet you outside Fringe venues, to hear about your show, perhaps even to have [...]

Of Fringe Facts and Absent Friends

First, the bad news: In its third year, the Capital Fringe Festival will have to get by without Courtney.
Ah, Courtney. Courtney, whose outré outfits, brassy personality, and shameless sidewalk busking helped draw audiences in droves to her one-woman shows.
Courtney, who last year successfully sent up both Barbarella and Cosmo in a single solo evening.
Courtney who, [...]

The Morning After …

OK, so it’s afternoon. But for some of us, that’s like morning. Especially the day after Fringe.
Can’t write at length, ’cause I’m busy chasing bits and pieces to make a nice Ingmar Bergman page. But I did want to say hi, if only to respond to Curious, who can’t seem to get enough of [...]

Fringe Marketing 101

Saw this priceless sign in the window at the Warehouse.

Now, for those of you who don’t remember as far back as last weekend, when Nelson’s review ran in the WashPo, the whole quote was:
“… lured an audience in with the promise of nude puppets but stupefied patrons with its ineptitude. Go if you like awkward [...]

Down to the Finish Line

So, we’re almost done.  How’re you holding up?
Some of us were officially done by last night. (Didn’t stop us from commenting — and reviewing — which makes me giggle.)
At this point, I’m catching up on stuff others have  recommended (or not) — Too Much Light at 1 o’clock, then the 3 o’clock of The Drunkard, [...]

Guest Hip Shot: ‘The Tell-Tale Heart …’

This one’s from the boyfriend — I was being tempted by the devil (and the Pabst) …
The Tell-Tale Heart and the Mind of Poe
The Scientarium
Remaining Performances:
Sunday, July 29, 6 pm
They say: “An exciting environmental theatre piece which incorporates live percussion and ambient sound in the telling of some of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous stories [...]

So today …

… I took Glen’s advice and checked out the pirate queen, who was in fact pretty good; I’m off in a minute to see Queen of the Bohemian Dream, because I think Bobby Smith is one of the craftier musical-comedy guys in town; and after that I think I’m gonna do either Chocolate Jesus or [...]

Fringe Diet

Five Guys … Yes, with fries… Yum.
But I have a feeling I’m gonna regret it later…

Guest Hip Shot: ‘Love & War: with the Bard’s Broads and Dames’

Glen again:
Love & War: with the Bard’s Broads and Dames
Touchstone Gallery
Remaining Performance:
Saturday, July 28 @ 9:00pm
They say: “Two movements inspired by people inspired by Shakespeare’s inspiring women (for better or worse). ‘Women speak two languages – one of which is verbal.’ Movement and language create a delightful, dark duel for the Bard’s ladies entrenched in [...]