Variety, diversity and "fringiness" are the hallmarks of Fringe Festival performances — from theater to dance to music, from visual art to kids' shows to burlesque. If you like the latest in cutting-edge performance art, the KC Fringe is for you.

(Click here to view '08 participants by artist name or go to a specific show type page:

Light, Movement, Shadow, Sound (dance) AA

Kacico Dance

Light, Movement, Shadow, Sound, presented by Kacico Dance, is a contemporary dance treat as light and shadow become partners with movement and sound. Flashlights in the audience, sounds in the dark, and dancers revealed and concealed are just the beginning of the theatrical innovations of choreographers Michelle Brown, Lindsay Tate, Shandi Miller along with Rebecca Bryant and Don Nichols. Kacico Dance, a company of 9 spectacular dancers, always promises amazingly refreshing creativity. Don’t miss it.

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Ms. B.D.U. 2008! (dance) mature

Burlesque Downtown Underground

The Luscious Ladies of B.D.U. are back for their sophomore performance at Fringe! Don't miss the fun and sexiness of KC's best professional performers sharing their true talents within the mockery of the pageant world - B.D.U. style!

nudity

variance (dance) All ages

Reach . . . A Movement Collective, inc.

Experimental dance comes to life with Reach's dancers and choreographers exploring the boundaries of performance art.

"Without words" (dance) PG

Seamless Dance Theater, Inc.

The show will revolve around the idea that although we have phones, text messaging, emailing, etc. you still cannot replace the effect that human physical contact has on our relationships. It is a vital part of our lives that we take for granted, therefore miss out on one of the most important aspects of life: human touch.

IT'S A STATE OF MIND (dance) all_ages

FUNKBABIES

'It's A State Of Mind' brews all art forms into one 'FUNK.' The FunkBabies: Organic meets digital. This show consist of music, singing, dancing, drama and innovative technology. A not-to-be-missed extravaganza.

adult

IMPROSCAPING (dance) PG

Susanne Carter of Carter Productions

IMPROSCAPING is a sexy, funny and original extravaganza performed by Susanne Carter. Obsession with weight, bad hair days, and fear of bikinis, tracks Susanne’s body image though time. At odds with herself, Susanne creates six dance improvisations from the hilarious to the sublime. Unusual props and costumes underscore recorded interviews with Susanne's chiropractor, hair dresser, photographer and more. Ridiculous antics and a strong physicality highlight this edgy and whimsical 60 minute production.

other

First in the SAG Series (dance) PG

Renay Aumiller and Will Schneider

Will Schneider, Renay Aumiller, and Hope Goldman, all graduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, present an array of collaborative solos and duets in First in the SAG Series. Within the six distinct works, they weave together seemingly disjointed dance skits, collapse like a robot with its bolts falling off, and delve into a linear look at time using text, props, and humor.

The Three Sisters (dance) Mature

One Night Company

Do you miss Sugar Puppy? Emily Lauren graduates and friends perform neo-burlesque with satire, political commentary, acrobatics and comedy, with (of course!) partial nudity.

nudity

The Warriors (dance) All ages

Solace Dance Collective

SDC proudly presents their debut of Jered Solace's "The Warriors," celebrating the impact of music and dance on those who have positively impacted our society. With their unique marriage of live vocal music and somatic dance technique, a story unfolds of America's past and the critical roles that key people have played in society's 'advancement.

All The World Is A Stage (dance) mature

Professor Hap P Feet And Friends

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Dances of India (dance) all_ages

Nritya, School of Indian Dance and Music

Nritya is a versatile company of dancers who work primarily in the South Indian classical dance style called Bharatha natyam. Heavily based in both rhythm and lyricism, Bharatha Natyam involves the use of the whole body, including dramatic facial expressions, to convey emotions or perform intricate step sequences. Through combining modern spacing, themes and theatrical techniques with yoga and the traditional Bharathanatyam repertoire, Nritya produces dynamic, captivating programs which appeal to all ages.

It Sure Is Risky (dance) all_ages

Four Worlds Dance

It Sure Is Risky, FWD’s newest world premier, combines modern dance, poetry, and jazz. Together, they transform the space through elemental and intimate means. At other times the three arts combine in a living conversation. The artists and audience breathe, listen, and respond as together they create new work in performance.

Cherry's DeLuxe Burlesque and Variety Show (dance) mature

Annie Cherry and Lucky DeLuxe

Lucky DeLuxe and Annie Cherry return from their travels in the Far East solely to bring you the spectacular spectacle that is 'Cherry's DeLuxe', a burlesque and variety show, featuring glamorous, exotic, and hilarious honeys…

other

Just Off-Center Stage (dance) all_ages

One Night Dance Company

A selection of innovative peices of modern dance, Kung Fu stage combat, physical comedy and performance art.

violence

BANG! (film) PG

Jack Payne

BANG! is an action shoot-em-up with imagination to spare. Inspired by film nior and modern action classics, BANG! is a tribute to the mindless cinema we all know and love. Filmed in Brooklyn, BANG! takes advantage of the New York scenery and resident actors.

other

MOJAVE PHONE BOOTH (film) PG

Mojave Phone Booth

SHORT VERSION: In the middle of the Mojave desert, there once was an abandoned, fully functioning payphone. This is the story of four disparate characters whose lives intersect with this mystical booth, and the common voice they seek on the other side: LONG VERSION: MOJAVE PHONE BOOTH In the middle of the Mojave desert, just outside Las Vegas, rests an abandoned phone booth, riddled with bullet holes, graffiti, its windows broken, but otherwise functioning. For years, travelers would make the trek down a lonely dirt road and camp next to the booth, in the hopes that it might suddenly ring, and they could connect with a stranger - often from another country - on the other end of the line. This is the story of four disparate characters whose lives intersect with this mystical booth, and the common voice they seek on the other side: Beth, a troubled woman facing dillemmas with her love-life and a recurring, baffling crime; Mary, a young South African, who is contemplating selling her body for the funds to escape her dreadful existence; Alex, a woman who is losing her love to the belief she is plagued by aliens, and Richard, an amateur videomaker who happens upon the booth after a failed suicide attempt. Exploring themes of love, death, the mystery of the universe, and the phenomenon of inter-connectivity, Mojave Phone Booth examines the double lives we lead, and the necessary sacrifices we must make to survive ever-challenging times. ?Starring: Annabeth Gish, Steve Guttenberg, Christine Elise McCarthy, Robert Romanus, Tinarie Van Wyk Loots, Kevin Rahm, David Deluise, Missi Pyle, Joy Gohring, Larry Poindexter, Jacleen Haber

adult

L'Ange Avec Les Fleurs (more) all_ages

Beth Marshall Presents

"A Must See." Brought to you by the producer of The Orlando Fringe & former KC theatre artist- Beth Marshall, comes this KC debut of the 2002 award winning,Junk Melodrama" set in 1940’s France about a troupe of vagabond performers, with their avant-garde band, Bric-a-Brac, telling the tale of world’s greatest clown and his heart-felt journey to become a real man. ~winner of the Lillie Stoates Umbrella awards for best production, acting & set.~Orlando Fringe Best Bet~orlando sentinel.

other

Mad Phlow (more) all_ages

Mad Phlow

live collaborative group painting

The Alley Cat Revue (more) mature

The Alley Cat Revue

The Alley Cat Revue is St. Louis' premiere and only weekly burlesque revue with performers who have been featured in shows internationally! From singing, dancing, fire breathing, aerial acts, and comedy, the Alley Kittens are sure to tease and tantalize with feline finesse! Meow!

nudity

Thieves of Flight (more) all_ages

Voler (Thieves of Flight)

An edgy experimental collaboration of aerial dance, acrobatics, video and live musical performance featuring Kansas City's premier aerial fabrics collective. Featured guests include: Gravity Plays Favorites (Burlesque from St. Louis; Monta at Odds; and VJDN8.

Jay & Leslie's Laughing Matters (more) all_ages

Jay & Leslie's Laughing Matters

Jay & Leslie's Laughing Matters is a rollicking duet revue of juggling, mime, magic, and other nonsense for all ages. Jay and Leslie have performed their wacky signature show in 33 states and 7 foreign countries.

May We Live in Interesting Times (music) all_ages

Andrew Woody

Space Music Ensemble (music) all_ages

BROTHER IOTA

Brother Iota improvises music on the spot. The instrumental quartet creates music that is completely original and spontaneous. They perform ambient, electronic soundscapes for discriminating listeners. Experience the musings of KC's defiant voice - Brother Iota.

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Checkered Past - Fortune's Fools (music) all_ages

Checkered Past

Renowned for harmony vocals and artful lyrics, Checkered Past delves deep into the human experience, reveling in the Fool's spirit, finding inspiration in romance, reality and the global condition. Unlike Shakespeare' s Romeo -- the original "Fortune's Fool" -- Checkered Past will leave you laughing.

other

Hey, Minnie The Moocher: A Tribute To the Words and Music Of Cab Calloway (music) PG

Brother John

An enthusiastic musical tribute to the famed Cotton Club era and the life of one of the great legends of swing jazz: movie star, composer, band leader and original 'Hep Cat' Cab Calloway

The String Quartets of Kevin Hiatt (music) all ages

Kevin Hiatt

Kevin Hiatt's music straddles the boundaries of classical and popular music. Over the past several years he has created a unique repertoire of short to medium length movements for string quartet in a variety of musical idioms ranging from the post new age to rock, jazz and world music rhythms. If you think modern string quartet composition is all atonal and dissonant, you will be in for a surprise when you hear the string quartets of Kevin Hiatt!

Mr. Fish (music) all_ages

Mr. Fish

Mr. Fish is a band of young musicians dedicated to bringing you the rock, and a good time as well. Drawing from a diverse range of influences, their eclectic mix of doo-wop, dance, country, bubblegum pop, noise rock and experimental rock is sure to keep you on your toes. Bring your dancing shoes!

The Leading Tones (Music) all_ages

The Leading Tones

Sean Giddings, Jazz Piano (music) all_ages

Sean Giddings

other

UNDERGROUNG STYLINGS (music) mature

Negro Scoe

Originally from Southern California, Negro Scoe, aka Dante Everglade, established the Hip Hop Addicts crew (HHA) in 1994. Since relocating to Kansas City eight years ago, he has recorded and performed In addition to being a founding member of The Cosigners, Scoe is also an instructor at the Hip Hop Academy where he teaches area youth the basics of poetry and emceeing at the Creative Minds Art Center.

adult

Crystals, Five For Two, and Songs (music) all_ages

Brian Padavic

Mr. Padavic is making his debut at the fringe festival this year, providing a showcase of newly composed intimate chamber music. The program will include Crystals (6 solo piano pieces), Five for Two (a duet for violin and cello), and Songs for Guitar and Voice. In addition, Brian will play his first ballet consisting of double bass and alto saxophone written for the dance troupe \"Reach\" for their fringe festival performance.

Tizmoret Orchestra (music) all_ages

Tizmoret Orchestra

Tizmoret Orchestra steeped in teh traditions of Eastern European, Israeli and Russian-Ukranian, russion gypsi, Klezmer and Jewish Swing. Performing the the metropolitan area, ranging from different Festivals and concerts to private parties.

1. Guitar Summit 2. Crossover Quartets (music) all_ages

Kevin Hiatt

Show #1 Guitar Summit will present three of Kansas City\'s most exciting guitarists playing 30 minute sets of their unique performing styles. Steve Gouge is known for his performance of Nashville/Kentucky style fingerpicking that was developed by Chet Atkins and Merle Travis in the 1940\'s and 50\'s Beau Bledsoe is an exciting classical and flamenco guitarist who also adds some world music spice to his set by performing on the Arabic instrument the oud. Closing out the concert will be Kevin Hiatt performing his original instrumentals and songs on 6,7,and 12 string acoustic guitars. Hiatt\'s playing has been compared to fingerstyle guitar legends Leo Kottke and Michael Hedges. Show #2 Composer Kevin Hiatt will present an evening of his string quartets in collaboration with violinist Jennifer Tousley. The compositions performed on this concert straddle the boundaries between concert music and various popular and world music styles. World and Kansas City premieres of \'The Golden Flow\', Lachrimae Tears That Fell Upon The Prairie\' and other works will be performed.

Maximum Verbosity

Welcome to the real fringe of American politics! The original masters of double-speak and weasel-words take on the myriad ways language is used to retort, contort and distort in this irreverent collection of song, sketches and stories.

violence

Chair (theater) PG

Co-Governors of Space

Chair is the heart-warming story of four people all of whom are connected in some way. Upon a trip to the theater to enjoy a chair's performance, they will come to know their love, lust, anguish and full potential as humans. All while the chair sits still on stage. Sometimes we must be still before we can realize the nature of ourselves and our art form. Brought to you by the infamous Co-Governors of Space!!!

adult

Kansas City Improv Showcase (theater) all_ages

Improv at the Fringe!

Six of the area’s premier improvisational theater troupes converge on one stage over three days to present a sampling of the smartest and funniest improv Kansas City has to offer. This event is also a fundraiser for 8: The Kansas City Improv Festival coming in September. WEDNESDAY: Full Frontal Comedy & The Roving Imps FRIDAY: Spite & The Trip Fives SATURDAY: The Hypothetical Seven & Improv-Abilities

other

Fat (theater) PG

Martha Maggio

FAT is a heavy look at being overweight. The endless shame, guilt and delicate intricacies of living with fat. Nobody wants to be fat…or do they? See one woman’s journey through life with extra baggage. This small, original ensemble piece proves to be a hilarious, dark and oftentimes poignant exploration of the world of FAT.

adult

Sleeping Beauty (theater) all_ages

Berezovsky's Marionette Theater

Welcome to the world of fantasy - where marionettes are given spirit and soul by the puppeteers. Come to enjoy the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty performed by exquisitely costumed marionettes. As well you will enjoy melodious classical music from the famous ballet of “Sleeping beauty,” written by the Great Russian composer, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. A feast for the eyes and ears.

Kansas City Improv Thunderdome (theater) mature

Kansas City Improv Thunderdome

This 'mini' Thunderdome pits four teams of local improvisers against each other in a three-day battle. Each team will get 30 minutes to prove its worthiness. Audiences will decide which team shall move on to the championship match on Sunday. Wednesay, July 23rd @ 8:00 pm Loaded Dice vs. Trivial Prov-suit Friday, July 25th @ 6:30 Improv-Abilities vs. Spite Sunday, July 27th @ 5:00 "Mini"-championship!!!

adult

The Makeshift Militia (theater) PG

The Makeshift Militia

A refreshing break from the improvisational comedy mainstream, this irreverent and outrageous troupe delivers its trademark experimental long-form improv. See one of the freshest and most exciting improv troupes in Kansas City!

adult

Collisions (theater) PG

Tara Lane Productions in association with City Theatre of Independence

A fender-bender ignites long-simmering frustrations in members of the 'Greatest Generation' and underemployed 20-year-olds in a coffee shop. The generation gap is not wide enough to contain the force of their collision.

adult

Lonely Planet (theater) PG

Third Man Productions

In a world where vices can kill, this piece goes beyond the fear to examine how relationships evolve. Lonely Planet is a provocative and heart-wrenching play that truly drags the audience into its world.

adult

Six (theater) mature

Kyle Hatley

An underground society offers the ultimate thrill: a deadly game of chance. But their world of strict probabilities is shaken by the intrusion of the impossible.

adult

Jesus Christ, King of Comedy (theater) mature

Sacrilicious Entertainment

If you thought Mel Gibson's "Passion" was funny, wait until you see the one, the holy, "Jesus Christ, King of Comedy." It's the hilarious rise and fall and rise again of one of the greatest entertainers who ever walked on water. Learn the true story behind the myth: Was he a man, messiah or meshugEna? Based on the best-selling novel.

adult

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Shitty Shakespeare: In Love & War (theater) MA

Alan Tilson

50 Shakespeare monologues, covering the comedies, histories, tragedies and romances and including 3 sonnets from Shakespeare's canon. The monologues have been collected and memorized over a 40-year acting career. They are scenes that have been either prepared for acting class, performed or inspired by actual Shakespearean performances. The monologues are divided into three sections of Comedies, Histories and Tragedies. Each section is 40 minutes and will be performed separately in repertory on alternating nights. The Sunday performance will be selections chosen by the audience.

other

The Bovine Comedy (theater) mature

Holy Cow! Improv Comedy Troupe

A student improvisational comedy troupe based out of Rockhurst University, Holy Cow! The Bovine Comedy is a set of audience participation games and improvised sketches. Adult themes and language.

adult

Living the Questions (theater) PG

Rachel Nelson, BardLive Productions

Welcome to the Cabaret of Questions--an experiment combining story, music, and movement. Meet characters living questions both personal and political. As their intersecting stories unfold, what questions do you want to live?

Web Page

Willie's Wenches (theater) PG

Willie's Wenches

We're Willie's Wenches, a freaky five-some reviving those fine Shakespearean traditions of slapstick, swordplay and bawdy humor (including: puppet combat, sci-fi teenage hijinx, and spontaneous musical numbers) as we go 'undercover' in hilarious retellings of Willie's works!

adult

The Gypsy and the General (theater) All ages

3 Sticks Theatre Company

Defeated by the enemy, the General and her entourage traverse fantastical lands as the Gypsy spins their fortunes through electrifying music in this physically daring ensemble-created show.

The Coppelia Projet. (theater) all_ages

HEIDI STUBBLEFIELD

THE COPPELIA PROJECT is a clown ballet that is based (loosely) on the ballet Coppelia which is(even more loosely) based on a story by ETA Hoffman called THE SANDMAN. This creation revolves around a doll maker and doll he makes that is so beautiful, he refuses to finish her so to keep her for himself. The beauty he sees in her gives her life and spirit. Threatening circumstances require the doll maker to part with his beloved creation and force him to create more and more to no avail at recreating her beauty. The story questions our perception of beauty and deformity. It tip toes along the line of grotesque and buffoon to ballet and surrealism.

Property Rites by Alan Haehnel (theater) all_ages

Excelsior Springs High School

When art broker, Kyle Macmanus, attempts to sell a sculpture, a question of ownership arises. Violence ensues as the line between life and art blurs.

violence

Boom! An International Lost and Found Family Marching Band (theater) all_ages

Boom! An International Lost and Found Family Marching Band

\"Agreeably Ridiculous\"--Robert Trussle, Kansas City Star. Experience the musical stylings, mysterious marches and geometrical formations of Boom!--a band comprised of reunited sibling orphans from around the world. Tight harmonies, tight costumes, uncomfortable pauses.

other

Electra (theater) mature

Kyle Hatley

After her mother murdered her father, Electra - chained to her mother\'s garden - waits for her brother, Orestes, to return from war and discover his Fate: Revenge. The middle act of a new adaptation of the Oresteia by Kyle Hatley.

violence

Nobody Goes Camping (theater) PG

Journeyman Theatre Company

In thirteen years, Steve Marshal has learned to hate Posto Logistics and Shipping Incorporated. In one weekend, he will learn to hate Russell Rutherford... and camping.

other

Free To Be, You and Me (theater) All Ages

Kraig Kensinger

The Bric-a-Brac Vintage Vagabond Variety Show (Theatre) PG

Beth Marshall Presents

From the creators of L'Ange Avec Les Fleurs and The Producer of The Orlando Fringe comes this KC debut of eclectic explosion of vinatge variety for all ages as never seen before. Punch&Judy puppetry, theatrical artisty, song, dance & A BIG FRENCH BEAR! "The singing delights, the story telling is sweet and compelling, but it’s the Punch and Judy Show that should fill the seats. " ~al pergande-ink19.com~

other

Kitsch Klatch: Saving you from bad art & design (Visual Art) all_ages

Keen Bee Creative

Keen Bee Creative saves you from your crafting emergencies by coming to your DIY aid! No more 'what do I make out of this crap?' Reused junk makes blow-your-mind crafts & saves the earth!

other

Fresh Looks. Fresh Talent. (Visual Art) All ages

Callus Productions/ Hair Spray Cafe

Artists' exhibition featuring photography, painting and illustration by some of Kansas City's most talented young artists. Enjoy complimentary refreshments served by hair models featuring the sexy works of Hair Spray Cafe's stylists. Music will be provided by a local DJ.

other

Emit Merrill (Visual Art) all_ages

Emit Merrill

other

Dance Photography & Oil Paintings (Visual Art) all_ages

Philip Koenig Photography

Philip Koenig's art captures the beauty, elegance and raw power of many styles of dance. The use of vivid color and thick brush strokes draw the viewer's eyes in and around every inch of the medium to massive paintings. The use of lighting and shadows that encompass the dance photography are visually stunning, you will almost swear you see the dancers moving. These photos and paintings are a compilation of Ballet, Modern, Tango and Eclectic Aerial Cirque.

Mad Phlow: The Artists (Visual Art) all_ages

Mad Phlow

An exhibit of paintings from the artists that make up the collaborative painting group, Mad Phlow.

Definition Given By Devastation (Visual Art) all_ages

Ryan McCord-Bey

nudity

THE MOST MASSIVE TOY RECALL EVER! (Visual Arts) all_ages

Beware All Stylebiters Massive & Art Crew!

In 2007, the U.S. toy industry accumulated $22.1 billion in sales amidst massive toy recalls due to violations of the lead paint standard. We buy our children toys that they love and cherish, only to be told that these toys are poisonous. Global free trade is upon us, but at what cost? This show, featuring more than 20 artists, will evaluate these issues through images, paintings, figures, and sculptures.

nudity

Lesbian Love or Forbidden Fairytales (word) mature

Joyce Slater

Tales of forbidden love in life and fantasy.

adult

Kredulous (word) mature

Kredulous

Undenialbly his songs contain some of the most compellingly magnetic messages that draw the listener in with their authenticity. His newest album is destined to be an explosively poetic, lyrical masterpiece.

adult