In its 13th year, the STLFringe FEST celebrates over 40 ticketed independent productions as well as a myriad of free events and performances spanning August 12th –18th in the Grand Center Arts District and beyond.
This year’s offerings are a baker’s dozen of all-star independent artist lineage. From a play in a bathtub to the greatest machine ever invented during the American industrial revolution, the car, STLFringe FEST ’24 has it all, even a place to pee… for a price. STLFringe FEST ’24 features three stage series: Headliners, Invited Artists, and The St Louis Stage, where the work of lottery applicants comes to life.
Many attendees purchase passes allowing them to see three, five, or all of the shows.
HEADLINER 
Big Machine by Colin Healy
STLFringe FEST ’24 welcomes back Fly North Theatricals to where it all began. Newly formed Fly North Theatricals launched their inaugural musical, The Gringo, as the headline act of STLFringe FEST in 2018… and the rest is history! BIG MACHINE by Colin Healy and Fly North Theatricals is the STLFringe FEST ’24 Headline Act. This gritty musical adaptation, directed by Bradley Rohlf, tells the story of the lost potential of American youth amidst the degradation of the working machine that is the automobile during the industrial revolution.
The Marcelle Theatre, August 12 – 18, 2024, Tickets $35.00
NATIONAL HEADLINER (St. Louis Premiere) 
Broken Bone Bathtub: The Documentary by Siohbán O’Loughlin
“Broken Bone Bathtub uses cleansing as a metaphor, invites healing both physical and emotional, and does so with an insistence that hugs you like warm bath water.”— St Louis Magazine
Described as, “A Love letter to independent artists everywhere.” Broken Bone Bathtub: The Documentary follows solo performer Siobhán O’Loughlin in the final stretch of a years-long immersive tour in other people’s bathtubs. As the world’s capacity to deeply connect becomes increasingly compromised, Siobhán’s journey inspires audiences to seek out live experiences that bring us together.
Siobhán O’Loughlin and her inspiring tale of using other people’s bathtubs returns to St. Louis to share the experience of traveling the world performing the show. O’Loughlin will take swim in the tub to perform the original show that started it all for two benefit performances, Sunday August 12th, and an exclusive Lemp Mansion performance on August 18th.
.ZACK Theatre, August 12 – 18. Tickets $25.00
The Lemp Mansion, Broken Bone Bathtub Benefit Performance, Sunday, August 18, Call 314-301-9250 for Tickets
LATE NIGHT HEADLINER
Fella & Dame: An Ode to Mid-Century Comedy & St. Louis’ Gaslight Square 
A new work from the hilarious comedic writing team of Kocher and Papavlasopoulos. These all-stars have graced the STLFringe FEST stages over several years with original works like: Nora’s Numbers, Checking Out, and Medium Roast. Pete Papavlasopoulos also hold the title of STLFringe FEST Fringemeister for his improv work with the Creepy Basement Players in 2017.
For their inaugural headlining performance they have created the original work, Fella & Dame: An Ode to Mid-Century Comedy & St. Louis’ Gaslight Square.
The story focuses one a heartfelt exploration of friendship and the pursuit of dreams set against the backdrop of St. Louis’ lively entertainment scene of the 1950s-60s. It will feature some classic scenes from icons like comedian Lenny Bruce.
Stella Fella and Danny Dame are a comedy duo that have honed their craft alongside legendary acts.
As the years roll by, Fella and Dame find themselves still at the same club in St. Louis while their peers have moved on to Hollywood success. When an opportunity arises for them to finally step into the spotlight of Tinseltown, they are faced with a pivotal decision. Will Stella and Danny seize their chance at stardom, or will they discover that true fulfillment lies closer to home? Their journey is filled with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and a backdrop of mid-century charm, inviting audiences to laugh, cry, and reflect on the enduring bonds of friendship.
.ZACK Theater August 12 – 18, 2024. Tickets, $25.00
YOUNG ARTIST HEADLINER
Urinetown, the musical presented by Ignite Theatre
STLFringe FEST ’24 welcomes back Ignite Theatre as their first ever Young Artists Headline Series.
Urinetown, the Musical is a satirical comedy musical that premiered in 2001, with music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Hollmann and Greg Kotis, and book by Kotis. It satirizes the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and municipal politics.
.ZACK Theater August 12 – 18, 2043. Tickets are $25.00.
Red Hot Patriot
The award-winning Rhonda Brown sizzles as Molly Ivins, the brassy Texan reporter whose liberal journalism skyrocketed her to the
national stage. From writing Elvis Presley’s New York Times obituary to becoming the most widely-read self-proclaimed “pain in the ass to whatever powers come to be,” Ivins, often described as a modern-day Mark Twain, made rabid fans and enemies alike with her sharp-tongued humor and unabashed political criticism.
This acclaimed show captures the redheaded reporter’s indomitable character by weaving personal anecdotes with her colorful take on national politics. The play celebrates Ivins’ courage and tenacity – even when a divisive America wasn’t listening.
“Rhonda Brown plays Ivins in what amounts to a one-woman show. Carrying the entire show is a huge responsibility for any actor, but Brown nails it. She becomes Ivins on the stage. She has the Texas accent, the piss and the vinegar, and the comic
timing to pull off Ivins. Standing ovations are all too common, but Brown gets one here for bringing Ivins to life. This standing ovation was sincere, immediate, and well earned.”-The Denver Post
Torn Mixology
Felia Davenport’s visual art show, Torn Mixology, is a mixed media exhibition that explores the journey of identifying as a multi-racial female. The exhibit consists of 5 costume designs that begin with childhood throughadulthood exploring key points in life where identity was created, challenged, and conquered. A tradition in African-American culture, during the Underground Railroad, quilts acted as maps. Each of these designs will be quilted to map out the evolving journey and struggle with identity. To represent the outside force, each mannequin will be painted black, white, and grey to illustrate the American viewpoints on identity. Each design will be collaged with skin tones with the American viewpoint creeping throughout the design at times suffocating the design. By using textiles and spoken word, I want to invoke an emotional response and conversation with this exhibit. By removing the physical actor, the clothing becomes the
character, and the words becomes the underscore to the clothing.
STLFringe FEST ’24 will also include an improvised musical by the One Four Fives, a burlesque show titled, Neuospicy, and music from the Appalachian Song Catcher, Eric Keeney, and so much more.
President and Artistic Director Matthew R. Kerns, MFA said, “STLFringe FEST is stronger than ever, with a 90% increase of applications from the year before! I look forward to everyone joining us this August for the region’s celebration of our independent arts community.”
STLFringe FEST ’24 opens on August 12, 2024, and runs through August 18, 2024. Tickets and passes are on sale now.
