(Orlando, FL) Orlando Fringe is back with a wide variety of ticketed performances, a free outdoor stage, an eclectic visual art gallery, and kids’ activities. While there’s simply too much Fringe to cover in a single article, we are doing a series of posts about this incredible Orlando event. In this eighth installment for the 2024 season, we are heading to SAVOY Orlando to hear the all too true tale: Clark Levi, Your Parents are Not Brain Surgeons!
We were so honored to attend a special media preview of this moving show. Thank you, Clark Levi’s Parents and Orlando Fringe, for inviting us out!
What is Orlando Fringe?
Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Surgeons is playing at 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!
Learn more about Orlando Fringe, and see this year’s digital program at orlandofringe.org.
About Sandi Linn and Alan Levi (Clark Levi’s Parents)
If you’re a regular Fringe-goer, you might recognize Sandi Linn from her fan-favorite, previous production Bugged Lady. Voted “Best Site Specific” show, Bugged Lady was an entertaining entomology lesson combined with a bit of murderous storyline. Her husband, Alan Levi, is a freelance location scout for TV commercials and feature films. He is also the primary writer for Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Surgeons.
Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Surgeons
Venue: SAVOY Orlando
It is important to note that Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Sugeons is NOT located on the Fringe main campus. Instead, this show takes place at SAVOY Orlando, a multi-roomed gay bar and entertainment venue in the Ivanhoe Village area. Open seven days a week, this lively establishment features yummy drinks and varied performances. Learn more about this popular Orlando club on their Instagram page.
It’s Showtime!
A 50-minute, two-person production; Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Surgeons tells the true story of a teenage Clark Levi’s very serious and scary symptoms and the resulting surgery. (Spoiler Alert: Clark lives and is now a Development Assistant at Orlando Fringe as well as a successful and well-respected local artist)Told from the perspective of his parents, this show is a visceral recounting of their own pain, anguish, and helplessness during the whole experience.
Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Surgeons, according to the Orlando Fringe website:
This is the true story of Clark Levi’s brain surgery, as told by his parents, who reflect on their own numerous failures, and on the village that saved and raised Clark. At age 16 Clark came home from school walking sideways because he could only use his peripheral vision. We did not, as good parents do, immediately drive him to the ER. The next day he’s in the ICU being pumped full of steroids to reduce the swelling in his brain. The following ten days are a blur of heart-wrenching conversations about organ donation, and anguished pleas to doctors and to God, with a stuffed bear named Casserole watching over us. Our show is a tribute and a BIG THANK YOU to professional medical personnel, and to the glorious people in our lives who helped sustain and inspire Clark. This show is created by the Fringe 2022 and 2023 “Bugged Lady” team, which won “Best Site Specific,” and earned excellent reviews from the Weekly and made the Sentinel’s “Best in Show” list. This show is Clark Levi approved.
Freaky Thoughts: Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Surgeons
An unflinchingly honest depiction of humans in crisis, Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Surgeons is a roller coaster of heartbreaking emotions, humorous moments, and touching gratitude. Sandi and Alan take turns reminiscing about Clark’s childhood as well as his emergency procedure.
Because of this show’s subject matter, potential audiences should be aware that there is some adult content and potentially triggering material involved. Viewer discretion is advised.
As a fellow parent, there is something courageous and admirable about a mother and father being willing to bare their soul and relive what was surely a traumatic time in their lives. Thank you, Sandi and Alan, for sharing your story!
Getting Tickets to Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Surgeons
Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Surgeons will play on select dates now through May 26. To buy your tickets, visit the Orlando Fringe virtual box office.
Because 100% of the base ticket price is given directly to the respective artists, you will also need to purchase a reusable 2024 Fringe Festival button. Buttons are $10 and grant access to all the performances at this year’s event (along with an individually purchased show ticket). No matter how many productions you plan to see, you only need one button per person, per year.
Know Before You Go
- A 2024 Fringe Festival button (and show ticket) is required to visit any performance. You can purchase your button online.
- Clark Levi, Your Parents Are Not Brain Surgeons takes place at SAVOY Orlando (1913 N. Orange Ave). Please do NOT go to the Fringe main campus for this show.
- Parking in Orlando can be tricky. Make sure you arrive early to allow plenty of time to locate a suitable spot and travel to the show location.
