Fringe is always about transporting you from mundane life into a world where actors are uncensored, anything goes, comes off or is made fun of. Tonight's shows went a step further by taking us back in time and into an alternate universe reminding us why we love Fringe. 

Waiting for Maupin-

Water on the Brain Productions Orl Fla

Aka Orlando Ourlando. This show is a MUST SEE and I predict will win the Pink venue patron award.  It certainly will leave you laughing in the isle.  One of the funniest shows I've seen in quite a long time and particularly funny for my age group.  Lots of irreverent humor and even a bit slapsticky at times. The songs were choreographed to be the ultimate in cheese and campiness and they did a great job.

We are first introduced to a salty old southern man roasting his wiener on a spit-Walter.  He reminds us that Orlando has had many names along with it's juicy and colorful history.  What, we wonder, is about to unfold.  Only the ENTIRE history of Orlando told by 6 vaudevillian actors who will make you laugh till it hurts.

From Orlando Reeves to Dr Phillips, Walt to Charlie, Frances, Jean and Ivan.  Who could ever have guessed that Orlandos past could be so cleverly portrayed in song parodies to well known songs like "Trouble" from the Music Man-of course this version adapted for the Central Florida citrus industry.   The highlight was Flashdance Maniac redone to be called "Hurricanes" what a hoot.  Karen commented that she wanted to see this show again simply to see this outrageous number.

This cast had some deep talent, a clever script, strong direction and high production value for a Fringe show.  This type of show is exactly why we come to Fringe year after year. Reminiscent of some of our Fringe favs like Stupid Kids, Batboy or Jedi Handbook we just couldn't get enough of this little show.

Zanna Don't-

Penguine Point Productions Orl Fla.

For those of us who think High School Musical is just not gay enough,  brace yourself for the ultimate ride into the alternate universe of a lifetime.  One flick of Zanna's magic pink wand and you are whisked away to a world where the word "hetero" is horrific, don't ask/don't tell has a different meaning and proms crown king/king AND queen/queen.   But beware, don't you dare be caught "straight" in this world because then only Zanna can save you.

This is a show with 10 actors ranging from 17-21 who can sing, dance make you laugh, cry and believe the world could and should be a much better place.

Our story opens with Zanna (who gives Elle a run for pinkness) his magic wand and fairy Cindy.  His sole purpose in life is to spread love around in the world of Heartsville.  Life is perfect at the high school.  Chess is the biggest spectator sport, the football captain is also the star of the drama club and the all girls bull riding team rocks the house. School spirit seems at an all time high, Mike and Steve are destined for prom king/king and Zanna helps Roberta overcome her broken relationship so she can move on with a blissful life with new love, Kate.  

Things are going well as the kids prepare for their annual school play.  This year they are inspired to challenge the status quo and write a play proclaiming that heteros should be allowed to serve in the military.   Their finale number "Don't Ask Don't Tell" gets trashed in the local newspaper proving their play was a rousing success.   What they didn't expect however, was that the controversial kiss in their show, had more to it than they thought.   It seems that Steve and Kate found that they don't fit in so well in this world.   Can it be true-are they.......straight????

The school is thrown into topsy turvey with the news that the most popular kids are having a "mixed-sex" relationship.  How vulgar.   Steve and Kate lose all of their friends.   Zanna alone can find the strength to sacrifice himself by casting a spell that changes the world--straight.   

An exceptionally well written story, original songs, wonderful direction and choreography and most of all , a cast of kids you could not help but love.   The four leads were all stellar.  What vocals, what dramatic performances, they pulled you right into their emotions and you really felt for them.  Steve and Kate-WHERE Romeo and Juliet (Matt Acevedo & Emily Patterson).  

One of my favorite characters was Buck, played by Brandon Taylor.  Aside from being one of the better dancers, he also carried much of the comedy and physical humor.  He's one of those actors that lights up the stage and you just love to watch.  Other notable performances by Joshian Morales as Mike, Andrew Snyder as Tank,  Nikki Auger as Roberta and of course the incomparable Jovany Ramirez as Zanna.