Aspen Fringe Festival
The third annual Aspen Fringe Festival presented by Pegasus Repertory Theatre, will open its door this year for three shows and five nights of diverse theater action. Dedicated to bringing fine theatre art to the Aspen area, creator David Ledingham began the Aspen Fringe Festival with the hopes of encouraging the creation of new theatrical works.
June 10th opens the festival with a performance by tinypistol, a San Francisco based dance troupe created by Maurya Kerr, choreographer and former dancer with Alonzo King LINES Ballet. The contemporary dance company will dance two breathtaking performances. The first followed by a preview of Opus and the second performance followed by an opportunity to meet the dancers and Ms. Kerr during a meet-and-greet.
A sneak peak at the play “Love/Sick & Last Gas” a new comedy by John Cariani will play on June 12th. Mr. Cariani is an Aspen Fringe Festival favorite, having been a feature act in the first Aspen Fringe Festival in 2009. David Ledinham will direct the show, and will join John Cariani in a live discussion after the show.
Opus, by Michael Hollinger opens on the 14th and will encore on the 15th. This play is the recipient of the Barrymore Award’s Outstanding New Play. The play unravels the intricacies and intimacies within chamber music ensembles. The New York Post claims that this play is, “so entertaining and insightful that you’ll never quite listen to a chamber music group the same way again.”
Beyond simply presenting new acts and ideas, the Aspen Fringe Festival donates part of its proceeds each year to a local or national non-profit. The Pegasus Repertory Theatre hopes to create new art and raise awareness about public issues at the same time.
The Aspen Fringe Festival is just one example of the marriage between the richness of culture and social responsibility found in Aspen. Residents are surrounded with opportunities to enjoy incredibly rich cultural opportunities, while benefitting their local and national communities. While other cities in America can claim rich artistic experiences, no where else can this relationship be foundin which people of culture seek out the arts, and in exchange touch the lives of those less fortunate and empower causes to make the world a better place.
Perhaps there is something in the clean, clear water in Aspen and Snowmass Village that makes people naturally make the connection between art and community. However, it could be that the beauty of Aspen and Snowmass Village inspires in the souls of artists creation. In appreciation for this inspiration, these artists wish to give back to the community, which has so inspired them. Whether it is the water, the beauty,or something else, there is no doubt that quality theatre will make its appearance on the stage of the Aspen Fringe Festival and that the world will be better for it.
For your own seat in the theatre of inspiration and community, click here to see homes, condos and investment properties in the Snowmass Village and Aspen area.
Tags: Aspen, Festival, Fringe, Performance, Play, Snowmass, Theatre