San Diego Int'l Fringe Festival

The San Diego International Fringe Festival, now open through July 3rd downtown and at our own Diversionary Theatre in University Heights, is only in its fourth year of existence but is quickly becoming a choice destination for artists all over the globe. Featuring more than 80 works, almost all World or San Diego premieres, there is plenty to see for the professional and amateur theatre-goer alike. Comedy, drama, dance, magic, street performers, and some stunning storytelling proliferate this festival and it has become a must-do for many San Diegans.

If it's not on your list yet, it needs to be. Now.

The process is easy: a $5 donation gets you a Fringe Tag which allows you to purchase tickets to each show and access Club Fringe sites at Spreckles and Diversionary. Club Fringe is a casual lounge serving refreshments of the adult and non-adult variety where you can mix and mingle with artists and patrons alike. Occasionally you'll find an impromptu performance by one of the visiting buskers or you may just find a piano out on the street with its player filling the summer evening with music for passers-by.

Each show costs $10 with discounts if you purchase multi-show packs. A ten show package will set you back $7.20 per show, a fraction of what you would typically pay for the theatre. Lasting one hour or less, it becomes quite easy to spend a day binging on theatre.

Yes, think Netflix for theatre.

Now that you're sold, what to see? Here are a few suggestions to fill you July 4th weekend:

"Bella Culpa" - From Portland, this is the duo that brought "Beau and Aero" two years ago which was a Fringe award winner. This is even better. Fine classic clowning that is inventive, engaging, and seriously funny. SEE THIS EARLY, by the end of Fringe tickets will be hard to come by. Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza, July 1 at 6 p.m., July 2 at 2:30 p.m.

"Distorted Reality" - Mind-reading hypnotist. Engaging, head-scratching, fun. Fast, polished, and sends the audience out the doors absolutely buzzing. Different for a Fringe show, house was nearly sold out so get in EARLY. Tenth Avenue Theatre and Arts Centre, 930 10th Ave, July 1 at 6 p.m., July 2 at 9 p.m.

"Bedrooms and Boyfriends" - Touching vignettes that all feature love and loss. Witty and rife with emotion, you can't help but fall in love with these characters and with the show. EDGE readers will be particularly interested as all three also feature gay-centric storylines. A delightful and heartfelt hour of theatre for sure, add this to your list. Diversionary Theatre, July 1 at 9 p.m. and July 2 at 6 p.m.

"Belief No Repeat" - Continuing the trend of elegant storytelling, this production dives into the after effects of terrorism and violence on those close to a perpetrator. The writing is complex but poignant. Though the dialog becomes a little too Sorkin-esque at times, it pulls no punches and isn't afraid to get messy in an already unkempt situation. This piece is a bear to tackle and the ensemble as well as director James P. Darvas rose to that challenge. Rosewood Five, 1150 7th Ave., July 1 at 6 p.m., July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

"I Can't Tell You" - A riotous party thrown by some unruly Canadians (yes, there is apparently such a thing). Hilarious and high-impact comedy that left my sides split. These kids know how to party. Diversionary Theatre, July 3 at 1 p.m.

"Still Moving" - 10 years of spoken word, music, hip-hop and dance, this show explores themes from the Black Lives Matter movement and the experiences and struggles of minorities in our country. Beautifully woven stories, powerful words, and important themes. See this. Spreckles Theatre, July 2 at 1 p.m.

"Phantom of the Empire (Return of the Opera)" - Turning Tydes, who brought "Les Midge" last season, return with this mash-up of "Phantom of the Opera" and "Star Wars." Quite funny for any audience, if you know either the "Phantom" or "Star Wars" story lines this show works on an entirely different level. Plenty of inside jokes for those living inside those fandoms. This will be a crowd-pleaser so try to get in early if you can. Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza, July 2 at 7:30 p.m., July 3 at 1 p.m.

"A Regular Little Houdini" - Couldn't help but cheer for this guy at the end. Storyline loses its way a little in the middle but finds itself again and delivers for the audience. Equal parts magic and chemistry, this is a unique tale told eloquently. Spreckles Mainstage, July 1 at 10:30 p.m., July 2 at 6 p.m., July 3 at 11:30 a.m.

"The Biscuiteater" - Did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Very nicely told, though a bit quick in tempo, probably the best straight story-telling I've seen at the festival this year. Engaging, moving, thoughtful, polished. Diversionary Theatre, July 1 at 10:30 p.m., July 2 at 1 p.m.

A few shows that are now gone but definitely not forgotten:

"Will You Swear Your True Love" - From Japan, comedy quartet pushes boundaries and explores what it means to love truly. Definitely not for the kids, definitely full of "WTF" moments, and definitely the most I have laughed in a long time. This show was what the Fringe experience is all about.

"Disappearing Act" - Explores the complexities of PTSD and nicely portrays how war effects the soldier as much as the family. Further explores some rather uncomfortable truths about what we ask our military members to do in service and honestly discusses some of aspects of care needed once they return home. Great transitions keep this important story moving and Kym Pappas's direction is gorgeous with some excellent use of space.

Only a few more days left in the festival and zero good excuses to miss out, San Diego should be out in force this weekend getting their Fringe Binge on. Join them.