Fringe Fest 2015: Gannon University's Annual Theater Festival is Back and Biggger Than Ever

Fourteen productions. Thirty-six performances. One Fringe Fest. That's what Gannon University is offering the community during the Fifth Annual Fringe Fest, a series of shows courtesy of the downtown university's theater program, as well as off-campus associated productions. Fringe Fest Producer Jax Kubiak gave the Reader a quick rundown of this year's events. 

On-campus Shows (All $5 for entry)

Actors // 8 p.m. Feb. 4 // Zurn Science Center, 143 W. Seventh St., Room 104

The first show of the Fringe Fest is an appropriate way to kick off a month of theater. "It's a three-person show about two actors playing chess and getting to know each other and learn more about life," Jax says of the Audrey Stadler-directed play.

A Little Nonsense // 8 p.m. Feb. 5 // Schuster Theatre, 620 Sassafras St., Green Room

Coulrophobics should probably stay away from this Lauren Loop- and Paula Barrett-helmed production. "It's about a man and a clown," Jax says. "It's a dark comedy that makes you question your outlook on life and reality."

GU Talent Show // 8 p.m. Feb. 6 and 7 // Schuster Theatre, 620 Sassafras St., Main Theater

"[The Talent Show] is made up of faculty, staff, alumni, and students showing off their best and some surprising talents," according to Jax. As someone who saw last year's version, expect everything from musical performances to physical comedy.

Like Father, Like Son // 8 p.m. Feb. 9 and 11 // A.J. Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St., Room 3205

Like Father, Like Son is a completely original show, written by Gannon student Roman Denisyuk. "It came out of [The Rev.] Shawn Clerkin's playwriting class and it questions what you would do when you're put in certain situations and is based on a true situation," Jax says.

Mainstream // 8 p.m. Feb. 10 and 12 // Schuster Theatre, 620 Sassafras St., Main Theater

"It's an original work by one of our alumni [Conor Grey] and it's all about hipsters, the culture, and what it means to be a hipster," Jax explains. Fedoras and a general dislike of the status quo are not necessary for entry.

Laugh/Riot presents Bedtime Stories // 8 p.m. Feb. 16 and 18 // Schuster Theatre, 620 Sassafras St., Main Theater

This production is actually presented by Laugh/Riot, but will be performed on Gannon's campus, unlike the rest of the affiliated performances. "Bedtime Stories investigates relationships and nighttime situations. There should be a disclaimer about adult situations on this one," Jax adds. Duly noted.

The Sketch Comedy Show // 8 p.m. Feb. 17 and 19 // A.J. Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St., Room 2005

Just like the title suggests, this production is "an original sketch comedy written by our students for our students in the style of Saturday Night Live," according to Jax. Former SNL actor Fred Armisen will likely not be part of the cast, although he certainly seems to pop up everywhere these days.

Oedipus Tex // 8 p.m. Feb. 20 and 2 p.m. Feb. 21 // Schuster Theatre, 620 Sassafras St., Main Theater

"If you know the story of Oedipus Rex, this takes out the Greek, adds music, and sets it in Texas. It's very complex, fun music," Jax says of this Tom Barton-directed show.

Off-campus Productions (Prices vary)

Dramashop presents God Help Us // 8 p.m. Feb. 4, 10, and 11 // Renaissance Center, 1001 State St., Second Floor // Free admission

Dramashop offers up an original production for this year's Fringe Fest, with Jeremy Kehoe's God Help Us presenting  the story of how God was tied up in a 2,000-year-long meeting and needs to work his way out of middle management.

PACA presents All in the Timing // 8 p.m. Feb. 12-14 // 1505 State St. // $5

One of two PACA productions in the Fringe, All in the Timing is a three-night run of a series of one-act plays by playwright David Ives.

All an Act presents Witness for the Prosecution // 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13, 14, 20, and 21, 3 p.m. Feb. 15 and 22 // 652 W. 17th St. // $12

An Agatha Christie classic will be on display for a six-night run thanks to All an Act, giving you six chances to see why this tale originally written in 1925 has stood the test of time.

PACA presents An Evening of Christopher Durang // 8 p.m. Feb. 19-21 // 1505 State St. // $5

Christopher Durang will be highlighted in the second PACA production in the Fringe as the venue hosts a pair of the playwrights Tennessee Williams parodies in For Whom the Southern Bell Tolls and Desire, Desire, Desire.

Laugh/Riot presents Third Annual New Works Festival // 7:30 Feb. 19-21 and 26-28, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 1 // 219 Meadville St., Edinboro Performing Arts Center // $10 GA, $5 for faculty, staff, seniors, and non-Edinboro University students, and $3 for Edinboro students

A trio of never-been-seen-before shows will hit Edinboro University with How Now, Brown Couch, When Violet Met Watson, and The Would-be Playwright.

Erie Playhouse presents Songs for a New World // 7 p.m. Feb. 23 and 24 // 13 W. 10th St. // $15 GA, $5 for Gannon University students for Feb. 23, $20 for Feb. 24

The Playhouse will produce Jason Robert Brown's abstract musical Songs for a New World, including a Feb. 24 date that will feature a reception and a show which will benefit the Alex Clemente Fund for Performing and Related Arts.

Head to facebook.com/schustertheatre for more information.