The 2022 season for Orlando Fringe (a performing arts festival in Downtown Orlando) has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never have another chance to see some of these amazing and unique shows! In addition to DigiFringe (a virtual version of the event running June 3-17), some companies might offer digital performances of their productions – including Hardly Working Promotions’ Elizabethan, sci-fi horror Shakespeare’s Aliens!
Orlando Decoded was honored to attend a recent showing of this fascinating mash-up. THANK YOU, Hardly Working Promotions, for inviting us out!
What is Orlando Fringe?
Shakespeare’s Aliens originally played at the in-person portion of Orlando Fringe, a two-week theater festival focused on unjuried and uncensored works of performance art. While similar festivals exist all over the world, Orlando Fringe is the longest running event of its kind within the United States. Fringe Festivals are generally known for featuring alternative or experimental pieces of art, so you really never know what you’re going to find!
About Hardly Working Promotions
Founded in 2018 by Deena Ronayne, Hardly Working Promotions has a two-fold mission: the production of creative, unique theatrical works and effective marketing services for a range of clients. Having participated in previous Orlando Fringe Festivals, Hardly Working Promotions is known for their Shakespearean adaptations of pop culture films such as Reservoir Dogs (2021 Fringe Critic’s Choice Winner for Best Drama), Ghostbusters (2018 Patron’s Pick), and Terminator 2 (2019 Best of the Fest Favorite). Their upcoming work, The Rest is Silence, will be a full-length adaptation of the The Silence of the Lambs. To learn more about Hardly Working Promotions, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Shakespeare’s Aliens
Shakespeare’s Aliens is a fascinating mash-up of classic sci-fi horror and Shakespearean prose and pentameter. Retaining the familiar characters and settings of the 80’s film, the flowery language certainly adds an interesting flavor to the alien storyline. As a 60-minute production, Shakespeare’s Aliens presents an abridged version of the plot, but it still includes many iconic moments from the fan favorite film.
Shakespeare’s Aliens according to the Orlando Fringe website,
The World Premiere of the classic 80s film reimagined as Shakespeare might have seen it. A band of brothers must fight to protect a town from the horrific demons that can kill them all. From the cultured nerds who brought you previous Shakespearean adventures Shakespeare’s Ghostbusters(2018), Shakespeare’s Terminator the Second (2019), and 2021 Critic’s Choice for Best Play (Drama), Shakespeare’s Reservoir Dogs.
During the in-person portion of the Festival, Shakespeare’s Aliens took place at The Abbey – a chic, mixed-use venue in Downtown Orlando focused on expanding the cultural offerings of the city.
Freaky Thoughts
This show was incredibly unique and so much fun! Until watching Shakespeare’s Aliens, I was unfamiliar with Hardly Working Promotions or their series of pop culture adaptations. The mixture of terrifying creatures, science fiction setting and beautiful prose was a great combination for modern theater fans who also enjoy a bit of nerdy fandom.
But another aspect that sets this show apart were the fun costumes and effects utilized by the cast and crew. I won’t give away any spoilers. I will say, however, that the titular antagonists were satisfyingly intimidating, and the attacks had plenty of gruesome gore.
While I’m familiar with basic concept of the Alien films, I wish I had re-watched the movie before attending the stage show. It was a little difficult to follow some of the finer plot points without a more intimate knowledge of the source material. Next time, I’ll make sure to prepare a bit more thoroughly.
Overall, however, Shakespeare’s Aliens was a delightful experience – full of creepy, sci-fi monsters and poetic, Shakespearean language. I loved the clash of theatrical tones and unique combination of themes and flavors. If you’re a classic theater fan, sci-fi nerd, or something in between – check out Shakespeare’s Aliens!
Tickets for Shakespeare’s Aliens
Shakespeare’s Aliens will be digitally available via Hardly Working Promotions’ website. No specific release date is known at this time, but make sure to follow the company’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest information!
