Rousing Ovation For Fringe’s “Alice”

The Preview audience at Fringe’s exciting season opener Alice’s’ Parlor II gave a rousing ovation to the sixteen-strong cast. Commenting “I couldn’t believe the intimacy”, “It was so fun and charming”, “Excellent, excellent theater”, the audience laughed and clapped at these touching and hilarious plays about love, revenge, hypocrisy, and redemption.

The “immersion” theater production takes place in Alice Gerstenberg’s intimate parlor (the Rectory parlor at St Paul’s Church) where Alice greets her “guests” (the audience) who have an up-close and personal view of her four one-acts:

The Unseen. Will the scatterbrain maid destroy their fortunes? Starring Rosi Ware, Diane Shelby and Neal Ruchman, directed by Steve Kitsakos.

Seaweed. Can friendship trump love? Starring Melody Moore, M. Susan Butler, Sarah Goodwin and Melissa Hyatt, directed by Karen Leonard.

Hearts. High society’s surprising “gotcha!” starring Kitty Clements, Deborah Snelgrove, Donna Stabile and Jeanne Tindel, directed by Judy Hadley.

Their Husband. A revolving door at the Fortuneteller’s starring Diane May, Joanie Sullivan, Monique Griffin, and Janeen Gracer, directed by Alicia Merel.

Alice is played by Alicia Merel in introductory scenes written by Monnie O. King.

The Alice’s Parlor II cast includes local “lapsed” actors as well as local favorites in the mostly-female roles for which Gerstenberg is famous.

A pioneering playwright, she and fellow members of the early 20th century Little Theater Movement performed in parlors and warehouses and offered opportunities to new, experimental playwrights around the world from Eugene O’Neill to Shaw, Strindberg and Chekov creating what we now call Off-broadway.

Says Producing Artistic Director Monnie King, ”Gerstenberg engages people using laughter to illuminate universal truths that are as valid today as when she wrote in the 1920’s.”

Don’t Miss Alice’s Parlor! 8 Performances Only! December 2-5 and December 9-12 at St Paul’s Historic Rectory, 401 Duval, 8pm curtain.

Tickets at www.fringetheater.org 305-707-4053 or keystix.com 305-295-7676.

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