In celebration of the brand new Fringe ArtSpace and its groundbreaking performances, Orlando Decoded is running a series of Q&A’s with the artists, theater companies, and upcoming productions you can enjoy during the venue’s first few weeks. Next up, let’s talk with Michael Marinaccio – the lead actor in Middletown (playing Feb 17-March 5). Thank you, Michael, for chatting with us!
Before we get to your upcoming show, can you tell us a little about yourself and your artistic background?
“I am a graduate of UCF with a BFA in Theatre Performance. I have been Acting for 30 years, Directing and Producing for over 20 years. I have worked in theatre locally since 1994, and have worked nationally and internationally for the last decade.”
Have you performed at previous Orlando Fringe Festivals or events?
“I am the former Festival Producer of Orlando Fringe from 2011-2019. Before that, I was a collaborator on 17 shows in the previous 15 years.”
Tell us about your upcoming show at the Fringe ArtSpace.
“Middletown is a play about our shared humanity. It has been described as a modern take on Our Town. It is funny and often bizarre, but also powerfully moving and honest. Like all of us, it is often times many conflicting things at once.”
A Synopsis of Middletown:
According to the Fringe ArtSpace website:
A deeply moving and funny new play by acclaimed writer Will Eno that explores the universe of a small American town featuring an all-star cast directed by Orlando Fringe Festival Lifetime Achievement Award recipient David Lee. As a friendship develops between longtime resident John Dodge and new arrival Mary Swanson, the lives of the inhabitants of Middletown intersect in strange and poignant ways in a journey that takes them from the local library to outer space and points between.
In the world of live theater, what makes your show unique?
“Stylistically it is different than anything I’ve ever been a part of. It uses the mundanity of life to illustrate our shared human experience in a way that will move folks, but ultimately leave them with hope for our future.”
If you could make sure my readers remember one important thing about your production, what would it be?
“Middletown is a play that everyone should be able to relate to. It can be tough to watch, especially when it deals with the issues of mental illness and addiction, but its humanity will touch all who are open to it.”
What is the show schedule?
“February 17-March 5 are our performance dates.”
How can my readers buy tickets?
“They can be purchased at orlandofringe.org.”
Do you have any other upcoming productions or projects that you’d like to talk about?
“My partner Tymisha Harris and I will be presenting our international and off-Broadway hit show about the legendary Josephine Baker, Josephine at the Renaissance Theatre in Orlando in March, and at the Straz Center in Tampa in April.”
Middletown will run on select dates and times from February 17 – March 5. Get your tickets on the Fringe ArtSpace website, and stay tuned to Orlando Decoded for more information about upcoming Fringe productions!
