July 20, 2015

Fringe Review Roundup (Part One)

The first weekend of the Kansas City Fringe Festival is in the books--and the newspapers, magazines, and online journals. Seven shows by Midwest Dramatists Center playwrights (and artistic staff) made their debuts, and the press has been kind (deservedly so).

After an enthusiastic preview that featured several MDC names, The Kansas City Star has followed up with a favorable review of Michelle T. Johnson's Best Light, which it labeled "impressive" and "absorbing." Johnson's play also won kudos at AXS.com. The same reviewer had plaudits to heap on Sue Aside... by Vicki Vodrey, and more online raves are to be found at BroadwayWorld and Jake's Take, where "this dark one-hour drama" is declared "probably one of Ms. Vodrey’s best works."

KCMetropolis is once again providing the most comprehensive Fringe coverage, and has already posted thoughtful reviews of Ry Kincaid's Presidental Briefs ("a show to add to your Fringe must-see list"), Bird in the Hand by Dave Hanson, ("worth seeing...the very essence of Fringe...") and two play collections: Alphabet Soup: Stories from Queer Voices, featuring Nick Sawin's Ace of Leaves ("distinct...lightning-fast dialogue"), and The Art is a Lie, which includes The Impressionists by MDC artistic director Victor Wishna ("a lovely piece...elegantly written").

The buzz about MDC shows at Fringe is only beginning to...buzz. Stay tuned for more coverage!