Festivals are appropriately “festive” — so why check some out? Although my favorite is still a couple of months and miles away — the Edinburgh Fringe, closer to home are these:
Clubbed Thumb’s Summerworks Festival, currently on at the Wild Project, but only until the end of the month — so hurry. It’s too late for their first, Jerry Leiblich’s “D, Deb, Debbie, Deborah,” but reading this review might inspire you to sample the others.
Ensemble Studio Theatre continues with their Marathon of One Acts. You still have time to catch their “B” and “C” programs — but again, just a few more weeks. A great opportunity to discover new plays, new artists. This is where Robert Askin’s brilliant “Hand to God” got its start. You could find the next rising star here.
For the truly adventurous, do try Ars Nova’s ANT Fest, and see a teaming “anthill” of talent. These tickets often cost less than a movie — curated by the same folks who brought you “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812.”
Speaking of talent — remember the name, Melissa Ross. Not only has Miss Ross written the very moving “Nice Girl”, at Labyrinth now playing, extended and very well reviewed, but she’s also responsible for “Of Good Stock” starting previews at MTC momentarily.
If telling scary tales around the campfire is your idea of summer fun, do see the aptly titled “Ghost Stories,” two one acts by David Mamet being revived at Atlantic. For a more Gaelic spin, try to find time for Conor McPherson’s classic, “The Weir,” being revived by Irish Rep — it’ll bring chills on even the hottest night!
You may get enough sun and surf by August, so please think about joining me for the Edinburgh Fringe, the granddaddy of all Fringe Festivals! If 2,500 or so productionsdon’t entice — there’s also the very prestigious Edinburgh International Festival and The Edinburgh International Book Festival. Please email, if you’d like help navigating this daunting array of culture — your idea of summer fun may never be the same again!
See you at the theatre!
Carol Tambor publishes a monthly newsletter, which announces worthy shows coming to New York, along with occasional information about London theatre and, of course, the Edinburgh Fringe.