Stage Raw: Somewhere, Over the Radar

Now that Hollywood Fringe is at its half-point and RADAR L.A. is wrapping up, we'll soon be able to assess what this Pacific Rim Edinburgh-like festival bubble will mean for the scene here. RADAR organizers are talking about the possibility of returning in 2013, with the challenge of making it all work without the jump start of a huge national theater conference in town during the festival, and the bump in audiences that generates.

On Saturday, June 25, 11:30 a.m. at Fringe Central, the Hollywood Fringe is hosting a 90-minute critics' panel, moderated by Kat Primaeu. The panel includes Bob Verini (Variety), Charlotte Stoudt (L.A. Times), Trevor Thomas (EdgeLosAngeles), Harvey Perr and Tony Frankel (Stage and Cinema), Rebecca Haithcoat and Steven Leigh Morris (L.A. Weekly), Don Shirley (L.A. Stage Alliance) and Colin Mitchell (Bitter Lemons)

Check back Tuesday morning for the second week of Fringe Reviews from L.A. Weekly and Back Stage. For a list of shows scheduled for review, press the More tab.

Check back on Tuesday morning for reviews of the following productions:

Hollywood Fringe (reviewed by L.A. Weekly):

Am I Black Enough Yet?, A look at the state of Blackness in America, written by Clinton A. Johnston. I.A.M.A. Theatre Company at Comedy Sportz LA, Ballroom Studio, 733 Seward St., Hollywood. Sat., June 19, 5 p.m.; Wed., June 22, 7 p.m.; Sat., June 25, 5 p.m.; Sun., June 26, 5 p.m.

Confetti Bayou: The Last Interview with Janis Joplin, Cricket Leigh portrays Janis Joplin's imagined final interview… A revelation of her tenderness, vulnerability, emotional scars and her restlessness with being a Woman. See her journey through addiction, hope, song and the most radical idea yet, LOVE Powder Room Productions at Lounge Theatre, 6021 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Sun., June 19, 7 p.m.; Thu., June 23, 8 p.m.
 
Feeling Feeling  Sarah Doyle's story of two friends turned lovers with opposite emotional temperaments. Sat., June 18, 11: 59 p.m.; Artworks Theatre & Studios, 6569 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., (323) 871-8382

4 Clowns: Romeo & Juliet, new adaptation by the “4 Clowns” group, cast of five, plus a pianist. Contains graphic violence and sexual situations. ArtWorks Theatre, (Fringe Central), 6567 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Thurs., June 16, 8 p.m.; Sat., June 18, 5:30 p.m.; Fri., June 24, 10:30 p.m.; Sat., June 25, 7:30 p.m.
 
Girl Band in the Men's Room Robert A. Ford's grunge dramedy, set in a men's bathroom in 1994. Fri., June 17, 11 p.m.; girlbandinthemensroom.com. Artworks Theatre & Studios, 6569 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., (323) 871-8382.

The Many Women of Troy,  a new musical by Michael John Boynton and Brian Allan Hobbs, inspired by Euripedes' Greek classic “The Trojan Women,” seen through the eyes of five women. Workshopped at several universities since 2003. Pallas Theatre Collective at the Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Fri., June 17, 10 p.m.; Sun., June 19, 6:30 p.m.; Mon, June 20, 8 p.m.; Wed., June 22, 10:30 p.m.; Sat., June 25, 10:30 p.m.
 
Rollerblading in Gaza  Maude Klochendler as cabaret singer, aspiring New York actress, and soldier in the Israeli army. Sat., June 18, 10 p.m.; rollerbladingingaza.com. Dorie Theater at the Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., (323) 465-0383,

The Sex Life of Achilles David LeBarron's play. In the fabled White Island, three mourners recount their lives with the world's greatest hero, Achilles. Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood; Sat., June 18, 8 p.m.; Tue., June 21, 6 p.m.; Sat., June 25, 12 p.m.; Sun., June 26, 4 p.m.

The Trouble With Words  Coeurage Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Gregory Nabours' song cycle. Fridays, 9 p.m.; Actors Circle Theatre, 7313 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., (323) 882-8043.

Hollywood Fringe: (reviewed by Back Stage):

Another Effing Family Drama,
Deity Clutch,
The Dumb Waiter, 
Em O'Loughlin With a Big Fatty Boombah
Fact & Fiction,
Lights Up on the Fade Out,
Steal Away: The Living History of Harriet Tubman,

L.A. Weekly reviews of non-Fringe Shows:

Bakersfield Mist  World premiere of Stephen Sachs' comedy inspired by true events. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Continues through July 31. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., L.A., (323) 663-1525, fountaintheatre.com.

Bordering on Love  Evangeline Ordaz's comedy about a drag queen beauty-pageant contestant on the verge of losing his Latina stylist to deportation. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Continues through July 2. Company of Angels at the Alexandria Hotel, 501 S. Spring St., Third Floor, L.A., (323) 883-1717. L.

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