We met the frisky funsters of Happenstance Theater, Mark Jaster and Sabrina Mandell, at last week’s Happy Hour. The pair, along with Scott Sedar, are returning to the Fringe Fest with Low Tide Hotel.

The group’s show from last year’s Fest, Prufbox, was called “elegant, eloquent, and visually engaging in its simplicity and precision” on this very blog, and was such a success that it got the attention of James Smithson’s institution and carried the group to far-flung cities. The new work sounds equally intriguing, and not only because it involves a live mermaid and salt water taffy. Mmmmm…taffy.

And remember, tonight, Wednesday, June 27, be at the Palace of Wonders, 1210 H Street NE, from 8-11 p.m. for the first-ever Fringe Festival Preview.

Well—folks are commenting on our videos over at YouTube even before we post them here! May we remind everyone (anyone?) that comments at this location are entirely welcome. (Thanks, Sam!)

So, here then is the latest vid, from last week’s Happy Hour at the Warehouse Theater. We were very excited to meet Dr. Lynette Long, who told us about her first Fringe effort, and first play, One in Two, which deals with the psychological aspects of abortion. What is also interesting about Dr. L is that in her previous career as a principal, she coined the term “latchkey kid.” Fascinating!

And, in a very Fringe-y coincidence, Dr. Long and her self-described “sidekick,” Georgette Sobel (pictured above, l-r), were the winners of the door prize, passes to the Improv. We swear the contest wasn’t rigged! Here’s a picture of Fringe events coordinator Sam Goldblatt and Warehouse honcho Paul Ruppert picking the winners:

Glad that’s settled. Herewith, Dr. Lynette Long discussing her play One in Two, and below a comment about it from “satarnowski” at YouTube.

“The pro-life versus prochoice debate has become commonplace, however, little attention has been put on the psychological effects of abortion. This play promises to be powerful investigation of our culture and a moving look into the lives of one in two women. My expectations are high and I hope this brings the woman’s movement to the next level by shedding light on the psychological needs and rights of women.”

We met Joan Bellsey at the Temperence Hall Happy Hour last week and she gave us the lowdown on her first Fringe Fest foray, The ExFiles. Joan’s play deals with the fallout when two moms break up and fight over child custody. Joan’s very active and chipper son Liam makes an appearance in this video.

The eloquent Julianne Brienza continues explaining what to expect from this year’s Fringe Fest. And if you see her, do offer a “Happy Birthday,” won’t you?

Capital Fringe Fest director and co-founder Julianne Brienza gave us the lowdown on what to expect from this year’s fest, including custom-built stages, a new box office location, and more. So much more, in fact, that we’re posting it in several segments. Herewith, part the first. And remember: another Fringe Happy Hour tonight at the Warehouse Theater, 1021 7th Street, NW. Be there, from 5:30 to 7: 30.