Tampa Fringe returns to Ybor City May 2-11. The performing arts festival packs 26 shows into 10 days at four Ybor City venues — The Silver Meteor Gallery, the Studio Theatre and Rehearsal Hall at HCC’s Ybor Campus, and The Honey Pot. The shows run the gamut from stand-up comedy, burlesque and cabaret to storytelling, musical improv, and one-hour plays. Tickets are priced at only $9.25-$17.65 (with fees included), so get out there and have a good time. Click the names of the performances you’re interested in (in red), and you’ll be redirected to the Tampa Fringe website where you can buy tickets.
Chocolate Casi Amargo
See how an older Cuban couple reacts to their only child being gay in this bilingual dramedy about homophobia and conservatism in the Latino community. Performed in both Spanish and English.
Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E 6th Ave, Tampa. Sat., May 4, 10:15-11:15 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 5:45-6:45 p.m.; Mon., May 6, 10-11 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 10-11 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 12-1 p.m. $16.60.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeDandy Darkly’s All Aboard!
Neil Arthur James returns to Tampa Fringe this year as Dandy Darkly with a new storytelling experience. In “All Aboard!” Darkly tells a story of smalltown America in the poetic Southern Gothic style. Edinburgh Festivals Magazine called it “a spectacular storytelling performance that is completely distinctive.”
HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Thurs., May 2, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 9-10 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 9:15-10:15; Fri., May 10, 9:45-10:45 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16.60.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeDeep as Hell
Sci-Fi meets comedy in “Deep as Hell,” a story about a robot and its creator from Portland Maine’s 2 Sheets Theater Company.
Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E 6th Ave, Tampa. Sat., May 4, 8:45-9:45 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 12-1 p.m.; Mon., May 6, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 12-1 p.m. $13.45.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeI Should’ve Just Married David Neilson in Kindergarten
The dating world is ripe with comedic inspiration. That’s why we’re looking forward to Downstairs Lady Theater Production’s “I Should’ve Just Married David Neilson in Kindergarten,” a comedy about online dating, bad sex, writer’s block, and finding love.
HCC Ybor Rehearsal Hall, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Thurs., May 2, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 12-1 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 3-4 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 10:45-11:45 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 8-9 p.m. $14.50.
Artwork by Ashley Gravette via Instagram @faefrieIt’s Hard to Explain
San Francisco storyteller Ed Wolf was living in San Francisco in the early 80s when the AIDS epidemic struck. In 1983, he started working as a grief counselor at San Francisco General Hospital’s AIDS ward — the first ward of its kind. It probably goes without saying that Ed Wolf has some stories to tell. “It’s Hard to Explain” is about life, love, hardship, and grief. It’s not just the story of Wolf’s life, but also a tribute to those who died of AIDS-related complications in the early years of the epidemic.
Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E 6th Ave, Tampa. Thurs., May 2, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 7:15-8:15 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $14.50.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeMan Cave
Illinois’ Tim Mooney ALWAYS performs Shakespeare at Tampa Fringe. Until now. This year Mooney will be performing “Man Cave,” a dark comedy about what happens when climate change starts to kill us off.
HCC Ybor Rehearsal Hall, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 10:45-11:45 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 6-7 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 4:30-5:30 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 9:15-10:15 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 2:45-3:45 p.m. $12.40-16.60.
Photo by Jennifer RingSqueeze my Cans
Ever wonder how people still get sucked into Scientology despite all the horrible rumors? If so, then you should she Cathy Schenkelberg’s one-woman show, “Squeeze my Cans.” Schenkelberg spent 14 years in the church before breaking out. Now she tours the world telling her story.
HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 8:30-9:45 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 4:30-5:45 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 6-7:15 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 7-8:15 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 2:45-4 p.m. $17.65.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeAussie Steve’s Guide to Being Australian
This audience participation comedy promises to answer all your questions about Australia. But don’t expect accurate answers — sometimes the truth just isn’t funny.
HCC Ybor Rehearsal Hall, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 9:15-10:15 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 7:15-8:15 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 9:45-10:45 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 4:15-5:15 p.m. $11.35.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeBlack Wool Jacket
“Black Wool Jacket” is comedy at the coat check counter by Canadian Natalie Frijia. Set in Toronto’s nightlife district, “Black Wool Jacket” tells the crazy stories a young woman overhears while working at a coat check in a Toronto nightclub.
Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E 6th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 4:15-5:15 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 8:45-9:45 p.m. $16.60.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Frijia.Hablas Inglés?
Australian comedian Marcus Ryan spent a year hitchhiking through Latin America, performing stand-up comedy in English and Spanish to survive. “Hablas Inglés” tells the story of this epic journey (in English).
Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E 6th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 6-7 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 10:15-11:15 p.m. $17.65.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeNo, YOU Can’t Return Discount Shrimp
Dave’s rant about rotten discount shrimp. Performed by Bill Pat of Canada’s Bessie-Jean Productions.
HCC Ybor Rehearsal Hall, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 8-9 p.m., Sat., May 4, 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 9:45-10:45 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $16.60.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeOpera Mouse
Tilly Mouse is a mouse puppet that sings opera. Seriously. Canadian vocalist Melanie Gall has been performing this family-friendly show around the world since 2013, and it’s been getting great reviews.
HCC Ybor Rehearsal Hall, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Sat., May 4, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 12-1 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 12-1 p.m. $9.25-11.35.
Photo via Instagram @melaniepresentsPiaf and Brel: The Impossible Concert
While she’s in town, Melanie Gall is performing a concert as well. “Piaf and Brel: The Impossible Concert” is like a love letter to classic French music. You may not recognize the tunes or the singers by name, but trust me when I say you’ll know these melodies…especially Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose,” which Lady Gaga performed in the 2018 remake of “A Star in Born.”
HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 3-4 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 3-4 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 10:15-11:15 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 7:30-8:30 p.m. $14.50-16.60.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringe(Re)union
Gabby Cabrera’s dark comedy about the effects of tragedy in a small town was influenced by a real-life event that shook the nation. The Parkland, FL resident says writing “(Re)union” allowed her to purge the feelings she had after the 2018 Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.
Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E 6th Ave, Tampa. Thurs., May 2, 10-11 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 12-1 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 10:15-11:15 p.m.; Mon., May 6, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 7:15-8:15 p.m. $11.35.
Photo courtesy of Mile Nickas.Blind Double Date
This new play from Palm Harbor’s “Airtight Theatre” uses a double date situation to expound upon relationships.
HCC Ybor Rehearsal Hall, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Thurs., May 2, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 3-4 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 8:15-9:15 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 9:30-10:30 p.m. $10.30-13.45.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeDefinitely Not Murderers
This one-act musical from American Stage’s musical improv team is inspired by whatever childhood stories you, the audience, can think up. That’s right — they’re taking suggestions.
The Honey Pot, 1507 E 7th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 7-8 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 7-8 p.m. $14.50.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeNY Sewer Gator
Most Fringe shows are meant for adult audiences, but here’s one you can take the kids to. “NY Sewer Gator” is set in the sewers underneath New York City, which are full of gators in this story. But “NY Sewer Gator” isn’t a horror story — it’s about belonging and finding your place in this world.
HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Sat., May 4, 12-1 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 12-1 p.m. $9.25-11.35.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringePreach!
Tampa’s own Scott Swenson (the creative mind behind The Vault) is performing a new solo improv act at Tampa Fringe this year. The theme is religion, and you control the plot. Give Swenson a topic, and he’ll improvise a fake sermon on it.
HCC Ybor Rehearsal Hall, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Thurs., May 2, 10-10:45 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 8:45-9:30 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 6-6:45 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 8-8:45 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 5:45-6:30 p.m. $14.50.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeReal-Time Bidding
The adventures of a widow and her butler from Tampa-based production company, Red Trombone Theatre. Joanna Sycz plays the widow, Eleanor, whose financial circumstances force her to revisit old belongings, their associated memories, and their market value.
HCC Ybor Rehearsal Hall, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 7-7:30 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 10-10:30 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 8:45-9:15 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 7-7:30 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 7-7:30 p.m. $11.35.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeSending Down the Sparrows
This drama, set in Nazi Germany, tells the story of a young man forced to join the Hitler Youth. As they plan to rid Germany of Jews, Roma, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals and people with disabilities, Viktor worries what will happen to his twin sister, who is mentally disabled.
HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Thurs., May 2, 10-10:45 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 7:45-8:30 p.m.; Mon., May 6, 10-10:45 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 7-7:45 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 1:30-2:15 p.m. $16.60.
Photo by Rajesh Balouria from Pexels.Sexy Sexy Murder
Meet the secret Queen of Tampa, ruler of Tampa’s dark underbelly, at this Fringe performance from Tampa’s Hoof Arted (Seriously. That’s what they named their theater company.) You might want to be drunk for this one. And watch for a cameo by CL’s editor in chief.
Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E 6th Ave, Tampa. Thurs., May 2, 8:30 p.m.-9:15 a.m.; Sat., May 4, 7:30-8:15 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 3-3:45 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 10-10:45 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 4:30-5:15 p.m. $14.50.
Photo via Instagram @christenphSpitballin’
An improv performance from two Tampa Bay area comedians and a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader. Have a request? Write it down on a piece of paper, crumple it up and throw it at them.
HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Thurs., May 2, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 10:30-11:30 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 12-1 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 8:15-9:15 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 6-7 p.m. $11.35.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeThank You Notes
A wedding planner reflects on past relationships as she plans her own wedding in this romantic comedy from Tampa playwright Marie-Claude Tremblay.
HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Sat., May 4, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 4:30-5:30 p.m.; Mon., May 6, 7-8 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 8:45-9:45 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 10:30-1:30 p.m. $16.60.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeThe Restful Bitch Face Show
Six Tampa Bay area comedians are performing in this stand-up comedy showcase. The theme: awkwardness and misunderstood facial expressions. Who can’t relate to that?
Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E 6th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 10-11 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 3-4 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 8:45-9:45 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 3-4 p.m.
Coppertail Brewing, 2601 E 2nd Ave, Tampa. Wed., May 8, 7-8 p.m. $14.50.
Image courtesy of Clark Brooks.Smutty Burlesque Nerd! Neo-Vaudeville by Vulva VaVoom
We’re just going to quote the official blurb here, because it doesn’t get any better than this, “A gritty nightclub act, featuring comedy, burlesque, song-‘n’-dance, and . . . frankly, quite a bit of filth. But it’s brainy, cultured filth, not unlike sodomizing Oscar Wilde with a rolled-up New Yorker.”
The Honey Pot, 1507 E 7th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 7-8 p.m.; Thurs., May 9, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri., May 10, 7-8 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 8:30-9:30 p.m. $13.45.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringeWomen and Wallace
This coming of age tale/dramedy tells the story of a young man whose traumatic past haunts his present relationships with women.
HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa. Fri., May 3, 10:15-11:15 p.m.; Sat., May 4, 6:15-7:15 p.m.; Sun., May 5, 7:45-8:45 p.m.; Mon., May 6, 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat., May 11, 9-10 p.m. $11.35.
Photo via Instagram @tampafringe
