THINGS BEING WHAT THEY ARE

FLASH TO THEATRE FANS: The annual HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL, a wild and crazy collection of the performing arts, is being staged in about thirty venues throughout Hollywood, between Western and Gardner east to west, Franklin and Melrose north to south, from June 12th to the 29th. It’s a community event that’s open and uncensored, diverse and exciting, offering exposure to (mostly) talented performers to strut their stuff. For the complete scoop, schedules and information, log on to HFF14.org or call (323) 455-4585. See you there! THINGS BEING WHAT THEY ARE By Wendy MacCleod * * * The Hollywood Fringe Festival shoots out of the gate with a spectacular start, with this delicious comedy about two neighbors of diametrically opposed perso... full review

In Wendy McCleod’s comedy, two men stand at a crossroads in their respective lives – crossroads they’ve been standing at for quite some time. Each man has all the information he needs to move forward, and yet, neither can. Bill must face the fact that his wife has checked out of their marriage, while Jack hopes he can win back his ex-wife after cheating on her. Chet Grissom and Cameron Jappe deliver solid performances, keeping both characters from feeling like types... Please read the rest of the review at <a href="http://cinesnatch.blogspot.com/2014/06/fringe-round-up-things-being-what-they.html">Cinesnatch</a>... full review

Originally posted on Bitter Lemons "Fringe Femmes" | "Things Being What They Are" by Wendy MacLeod | Okay. So this beer-infused, way-male two-hander is not particularly Fringey nor - except for its female playwright - is it remotely Femme. But in the hands of the guys (yep, I mean XY guys) from Moving Arts, Wendy MacLeod's 2003 comedy is certainly good for some full-length fun and a surprisingly touching look at male friendships. Darin Anthony directs Cameron Jappe and Chet Grissom as a pair of (yep, gotta go there) "odd couple" neighbors who meet and bond, initially over their absent wives. Quiet, buttoned-down Bill (Jappe) has just moved into a high-end condo complex and is anxiously setting the stage for his bohemian actress wi... full review