Tucson Fringe Celebrates 13 Years of Dynamic Theatre with Unforgettable Performances

The Tucson Fringe Performing Arts Festival is set to commence this week, showcasing independent theatre for its 13th year. This annual festival promises a diverse range of programming, including adult sketch comedy, heartfelt storytelling, and a variety of shorts.

Events will unfold across two venues at the University of Arizona: the Marroney Theatre and the Harold Dixon Directing Studio, located at 1025 N. Olive Rd. The festivities kick off on Thursday, January 9, with a virtual performance via Zoom.

Live performances will start on Friday and continue through Sunday. Tickets are priced at $25 for a two-show pass and $55 for a five-show pass. Individual tickets for live performances are available at $15, while the Zoom show, “Love on the Other Side of Death Part II: Meet the Rook,” costs $13. Details about the schedule are posted on the Tucson Fringe website.

Among the highlights is “Love on the Other Side of Death Part II: Meet the Rook,” a one-woman show by Mary Guillermin. It explores her unique bond with a man named Michael Brooks, whom she adopted through her Airbnb in 2022. The performance incorporates audio clips from Michael, who passed away in February 2024.

Another key feature is “Southern Gothic Novel: The Aberdeen, Mississippi Sex-Slave Incident” by Frank Blocker. This narrative revolves around Viola, a librarian, and the mysterious newcomer in Aberdeen amidst a wave of local abductions.

The Harold Dixon Directing Studio will also host “Orbital Migration” by Jenna Sophia, which draws from myths to give a voice to Mother Earth as she contends with various challenges.

“Paperclip,” penned by Douglas Widick, imagines Clippy, the animated paperclip from Microsoft Office, as a savior attempting to warn humanity about an impending technological dystopia.

In the comedic vein, “Every Fruit Fly Goes to Heaven When it Dies” follows Guy as he grapples with his own afterlife, while “Tragedy Adjacent” tackles personal trauma through the lens of childhood adversity.

“Psycho Sarah,” another feature, takes a deep dive into Tucson actress Sarah MacMillan’s struggles with mental health, presented through puppetry. Additionally, “For Love of Country” blends politics with music, presenting a complex narrative about loyalty and betrayal.

Local talent is also visible in “Eve,” which reexamines the biblical figure through a modern lens, exploring the complexities of choice. Professor Kevin Hainline will offer insights on humanity’s relationship with infinity in his presentation “You and Infinity,” infusing humor into his astronomical musings.

Finally, the festival will feature “Fleeting Fringe: Short Performance Showcase” and “Scratch Does Tucson,” offering a variety of short acts and sketch comedy typical of the festival ethos. Comedian Aaron Foster will present “Mostly Jokes,” where he shares his personal narratives shaped by a challenging upbringing.

With its vibrant lineup, the Tucson Fringe Performing Arts Festival seeks to enrich the local theatre scene, inviting audiences to engage with transformative and entertaining performances.