3rd
Annual New York International Fringe Festival 
**Fringe Excellence Awards given out August
29th**"Angry Jellow Bubbles" Some Goddam Special Project At the Kraine Reviewed by Melissa Anelli for Theatre Reviews Limited Quick, get Ginger Spice on the phone, and tell her she's made a mistake. Tell her she was way off by shouting "Girl Powaa" from behind a Playmate-worthy wardrobe. Tell her she should be out peddling Some Goddam Special Project's "Angry Jellow Bubbles" for all she's worth. This is no feminist rally, nor is it an Indie-chick "grrl" group angrily condemning the Y-chromosome. This, instead, is a graceful dance between the distinct parts and blended whole of the female gender. Ten unique women take on their deepest fears, most intimate moments and secret longings, conglomerating them in a fluid movement that begs to be heard. As these very particular personalities celebrate themselves, they add layers of definitions to the term "beauty." From the stirring scene about the miracle of unborn life to the rampage against the "eating disorder police" (a speech Calista Flockhart should commit to memory if she ever expects to be left alone), each woman gently teaches about their existence. Eva Minemar's direction is a shining example of import through vivid imagery. She highlights each performance by adding movement and symbolism. A poignant scene features each cast member placing their hands on the pregnant woman's stomach (along with a careless remark like "How are you going to get that out?"). She stands alone in the spotlight, and suddenly these hands are her own fears masking the love for her baby. A prenatal kick brings her back to reality, as all the hands recede. With such an ensemble show, it seems unlikely that any one performance would grab attention. Yet, each time Leslie Meisel takes the mike, it gets harder to imagine why most of us haven't heard of her. All ten women are endearing, but Ms. Meisel makes even her chain-smoking mother character charming. By taking on real issues in a low-key yet mature way, Some Goddam Special Project is taking all the right steps in giving women the respect and dignity we're always shouting about. Say something softly enough, and people will listen. Reviewed on Friday, August 20, 1999 "ANGRY JELLOW BUBBLES" Conceived and directed by Eva Minemar. Presented by Some Goddamn Special Project at the Kraine Theater, 85 East 4th Street between 2nd and 3rd (Bowery) Avenues. At the New York International Fringe Festival in August on the following dates: Tuesday the 24th at 7:00 p.m.; Thursday the 26th at 4:00 p.m.; Saturday the 28th at 2:15 p.m.; Sunday the 29th at 5:15 p.m. All tickets are $11.00. For information and reservations visit http://www.fringenyc.com |