(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 tenth installment for the 2024 season, we are celebrating important women throughout the decades with Historical Hotties!
We were so thrilled to be invited to attend a performance of this inspiring and lively show. Thank you, Historical Hotties and Orlando Fringe, for having us out!
What is Orlando Fringe?
Historical Hotties 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 Melanie Bailey
Historical Hotties‘ writer and director, Melanie Bailey, is no stranger to the Orlando Fringe stage. In 2023, she was involved in Let’s Get Weird: Story Hour and won the “Spirit of the Fringe Award” for her dedicated volunteer work and artist advocacy. Melanie has also worked with the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, Rascals Comedy Club, and the Comedy Cellar.
You can learn more about Historical Hotties, Melanie Bailey, and the rest of the cast at linktr.ee/Historicalhotties. For the latest updates, make sure to follow Historical Hotties on Instagram!
Historical Hotties
A scripted burlesque and drag cabaret revue, Historical Hotties explores the consequential lives of women throughout centuries of history. But instead of focusing on the “go-to” characters you might expect to see in a show like this, Bailey uses her history major knowledge to highlight lesser-known but still incredibly important females including Andrée Borell, Alexandra David-Néel, Marie Curie, and more. Historical Hotties gives each of these amazing woman her own spotlight with time to tell her story and express herself through live singing, a burlesque routine, dance number, or other performance. The result is a beautiful tapestry of strength, impact, and spirit.
Historical Hotties, according to the Orlando Fringe website:
Written and Directed by 2023’s Spirit of the Fringe, “Melanie Bailey”, and starring 2024 FestN4s Patrons Pick Artist, “Bikini Katie Thayer”, “Historical Hotties” is a heartfelt review of the lives of some of the women who have shaped history. As middle aged reporter Catherine struggles with her own confidence and how to raise her daughter in the tumultuous world we live in today, she is visited by the Spirit of Boss Bitches who introduces her to women throughout history to help guide her on her path.As middle aged reporter Catherine struggles with her own confidence and how to raise her daughter in the tumultuous world we live in today, she is visited by the Spirit of Boss Bitches who introduces her to women throughout history to help guide her on her path. Will Catherine find strength in the stories of those who walked the path before her?
Freaky Thoughts: Historical Hotties
What an awesome way to get a history lesson! I adored Historical Hotties and its celebration of women, their inner strength, and their impact on the world. Fascinating, empowering, inspiring; this show is a beautiful reminder of the immense influence women can hold in our culture and society. I was so touched by Historical Hotties that I cried during the final scene, and I highly recommend you check it out.
There are still two more chances to see Historical Hotties at Orlando Fringe! Get your tickets today!
Getting Tickets to Historical Hotties
Historical Hotties will run on select dates and times now through May 26. To buy your tickets, check out 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.
- Parking at Orlando Fringe can be tricky. Make sure you arrive early to allow plenty of time to locate a suitable spot and travel to the show location.
- Historical Hotties is located in the Brown Venue at Orlando Shakes.
- Make sure to bring cash to tip your Hotties!
