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WATCH: In This Scene ... Three Kansas City Highlights At The Fringe

Julie Denesha
/
KCUR

It can be daunting to wade through the schedule for the KC Fringe Festival.

Founded in 2004, Fringe presents about 130 events this year, including theater, dance, comedy, film, poetry, as well as visual art exhibitions.

There are artists from around the world — St. Louis, Minneapolis, New York, Oakland, the U.K. — and the Kansas City area.

Here are a few homegrown highlights:

Poor Lear

Warning: This content may be unsuitable for children. It contains brief sexual references.

In this scene from Poor Lear, Alan Tilson plays William Shakespeare's King Lear as a homeless veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, he reflects upon a falling out he's had with his three daughters.

'Poor Lear,' July 19, 22, 23, and 26, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, 3614 Main, Kansas City, Mo.

God Only Knows

Warning: This content may be unsuitable for children. It contains strong language.

Sherri Roulette-Mosley (as God) offers advice on love and life to Joe Dobson, as he turns 70, in this scene from God Only Knows. Also, William Bailey plays Tommy, a friend from the past.

'God Only Knows,' July 18, 23, 26, and 27, Westport Coffee House, 4010 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, Mo.

(Virgin.)

In this scene from (Virgin.), directed by J. Will Fritz, Mary Sue (Kenna Hall) faces peer pressure at school. She arrives home to discover that her overbearing mother has plans to turn her world upside down.

'(Virgin.),'  July 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, and 26, Just Off Broadway Theatre, 3051 Central, in Penn Valley Park, Kansas City, Mo.

KC Fringe Festival - with events in the Crossroads, midtown and downtown - runs through July 27.

The “In This Scene...” series is supported by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

As KCUR’s arts reporter, I use words, sounds and images to take readers on a journey behind the scenes and into the creative process. I want to introduce listeners to the local creators who enrich our thriving arts communities. I hope to strengthen the Kansas City scene and encourage a deeper appreciation for the arts. Contact me at julie@kcur.org.
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