US Theatre-Makers Bring Gold Standard Performances to Greenwich Village
For a venue programmer like James Haddrell, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has been a treasure trove of new and emerging talent for the past 77 years. The festival, founded in 1947, has provided Haddrell and his team at Greenwich Theatre with the opportunity to discover groundbreaking companies and artists to add to their annual line-up. Through the years, they have unearthed a plethora of shows by emerging talent that have gone on to achieve success in London and beyond.
One such company that has caught Haddrell’s eye is the Los Angeles-based Theatre Movement Bazaar (TMB). Hailed by the LA Times as offering “the gold standard in wry literary remakes,” TMB has made a name for itself in the industry. Haddrell first encountered TMB in 2011 when director Tina Kronis and writer Richard Alger presented “Anton’s Uncles,” a radical reimagining of Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya.” The highly physical, comic classic left a lasting impression on Haddrell, prompting him to build a relationship with the company and book a short UK tour for the show the following year.
Subheading: A Unique Blend of Music, Dance, and Satire
Subsequent shows by TMB continued to captivate audiences with their reimaginings of well-known stories through music, dance, and a uniquely satirical lens. However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a temporary halt to their collaboration with Greenwich Theatre. Now, after a hiatus, TMB is back at the Edinburgh Fringe with their latest production, “Tiny Little Town,” which promises to bring the company back to Greenwich Theatre after the festival concludes.
“Tiny Little Town” is a new musical comedy that reimagines Ukrainian playwright Nikolai Gogol’s 19th-century satire “The Government Inspector.” Set in a small town in 1970s America, the show follows the chaos that ensues when corrupt bureaucrats mistakenly identify a visiting stranger as a Government Inspector sent from Washington, D.C. The production serves as a hilarious and timely critique of corruption, conspiracy theories, and dishonest officials.
TMB has become known for their repertoire of reimagined classic literature, blending text, movement, and dance in innovative ways. With “Tiny Little Town,” co-founders Kronis and Alger have teamed up with composer Wes Myers to create their first musical. Audiences and critics alike have been effusive in their praise for the show, with Musical Theatre Review awarding it five stars and describing it as “hilarious, detailed, skilled, and thoroughly entertaining.”
Subheading: Critical Acclaim and Audience Applause
Fringe Review has deemed “Tiny Little Town” a Must-See Show, while the British Theatre Guide has commended the “extremely hard-working cast” for their “exhausting, energetic performances that are simply surreal.” The production promises to showcase TMB’s impressive talents and creativity, offering audiences a vintage glimpse of what these festival regulars can achieve.
The Greenwich Theatre dates for “Tiny Little Town” provide a unique opportunity for theater enthusiasts to experience TMB’s work outside of the Edinburgh Fringe. Tickets for the show are now available on the Greenwich Theatre website, and audiences are encouraged to secure their seats for this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.
As the Edinburgh Fringe Festival continues to be a platform for emerging and established talent alike, collaborations like the one between Greenwich Theatre and Theatre Movement Bazaar highlight the importance of fostering creativity and innovation in the performing arts. Through their reimagined classics and unique approach to storytelling, TMB has solidified their place as a leading force in the industry, captivating audiences with their blend of music, dance, and satire.
Subheading: Looking Towards the Future
As the theater world navigates the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, companies like Theatre Movement Bazaar serve as a beacon of creativity and resilience. By pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and embracing innovation, TMB continues to captivate audiences with their thought-provoking and entertaining productions.
With “Tiny Little Town” set to make its mark at the Greenwich Theatre, theater-goers can look forward to a captivating and hilarious experience that promises to leave a lasting impression. As TMB continues to redefine the boundaries of theatrical performance, their collaboration with Greenwich Theatre serves as a testament to the power of creative partnerships and the enduring legacy of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
In conclusion, the partnership between Greenwich Theatre and Theatre Movement Bazaar exemplifies the transformative power of the performing arts. Through their reimagined classics and innovative approach to storytelling, TMB has established themselves as pioneers in the industry, captivating audiences with their unique blend of music, dance, and satire. As “Tiny Little Town” takes center stage at the Greenwich Theatre, audiences can expect a theatrical experience unlike any other, showcasing the creative brilliance and talent of this exceptional company.