New York's International Cringefest
Photo by Phlox Photography
Story by Joseph Alexiou
Because there's enough terribly earnest terrible theater in the world (which gays knowingly conceive, create, produce, and consume), it's a bit refreshing to know that fresh satire about this issue planned well in advance thanks to the International CringeFest '09. If Woody Allen and Larry David can enjoy wild success with that awkward and discomforting comedy, so can we!
Originally titled "Bad Plays and Bad Musicals," the combined effort of the Cringefest now includes and "Unholy Sunday Films Matinees," and year's newest theme, Go Genital into the Good Night.
Everything promised to be "hilarious...irreverent, politically incorrect, naughty, and utterly zany." We believe it when the featured shows include Grampa Hitler & the L'il Red Ridin' Hood by Leroi B. Di Milo and parody Dragness of God & the Naked Holy Ghost (yes naked!) by Michael Wanzie—performances will take place Saturdays, July 25, August 1, August 8, at 10:30 pm.
The latter, which is set in convent full of men, stars the sexy Reece Scelfo (pictured above) as the titular Naked Holy Ghost—their promise of naughty bits had better not disappoint, although reviews seem to be quite congratulatory!
In other themes, the Unholy Sunday Film Matinee—July 26, Aug. 2, and Aug. 9 at 2 pm‚—and features East Village designer Apollo Braun (a.k.a. Doron Bruanshtein) in Shut Up Apollo!, Candy & Daddy by Anton Perich (with Warhol filmstars Candy Darling & Taylor Mead), Death & Taxes by Joseph Sorrentino. A Day in the Life of Miss Sammy by Michael Wanzie & Jason Piecarski.
The program finishes off with the promised Bad Plays and Bad Musicals in myriad other themes like Is That a Spear In Your Pocket? Directed by Tony Spinosa on July 20, 25, 30, and Aug. 4, how can you go wrong with plays called The Flaming of the Shrew, or the culturally insensitive Rank Roid Rite, Samurai Proctologist? Impossible
Children & (Other) Sharp Objects, directed by Kenny Wade Marshall on July 21, 26, 30, and Aug. 5. is another theme, but there are quite a few additional ones to choose from. However some Out Traveler fave titles include Booty Bandits,Swamp Ho, and Worst. Play. Ever.
Tickets cost anywhere from $15-$25, and the film matinees include a bag of popcorn. For further info and full show lineup, visit NYartists.org, and buy tickets at Theatermania.com
