Welcome to 99 AND UNDER THE RADAR: A LOOK AT INDIE THEATER'S MOVERS AND SHAKERS, BroadwayWorld's new weekly series that showcases standout productions and production companies from the independent theater scene in New York City. Each week, independent producer Michael Roderick will be discussing the latest goings on in the theatrical wings, highlighting those with potentially bright futures.
This Week's Topic: Off-Off the Beaten Path
A different kind of Christmas Carol....The Indie scene is the place to go for theatre that can't be found anywhere else, so this week is devoted to companies that are doing work that really can't be seen anywhere else but in NY and Under the Radar.
Part Burlesque, part sketch comedy, and all sexy, there is pretty much no theatrical experience like The Love Show. This group comprised of choreographers, singers, sketch comedy actors and dancers has a style that is quite wild. Their last Holiday offering the annual Nutcracker Rated R was extended beyond the holidays and with good reason. The clever skills of director Angela Harriell along with David F. Slone and a cast of fully committed performers turned out an incredibly clever and at times poignant take on the classic ballet. The piece was performed at Theatre for the New City and featured some of the most imaginative interpretations of classic characters from fairies that enjoy a different kind of "dust" to a dancing record. This group performs regularly at The Slipper Room as well as numerous venues around the city and is really not to be missed. The shows they create are experiences unto themselves complete with audience interaction that often leads to hilarious results. Catch them around the city and treat yourself to some love.
For those, not necessarily in the mood for love and hungering for action, there really isn't 
anything more riveting then a trip to The Brick to see one of their fight-oriented shows. Famous for getting Manhattanites to travel to Brooklyn and even more famous for developing the wackiest festivals, the action adventure fan boy can find heaven at The Brick. Currently running in extensions is Fight Fest, a high powered action packed festival of blood soaked plays, that would appeal to anyone who's tried to imitate the moves of Van Damme or Chuck Norris in their living room. Amongst the offering this weekend are: Last Life- dubbed a "fightsical" is directed by Timothy Haskell who recently closed a very successful vampire haunted house and is a story about the last two men on earth fighting to the death, and The Ninja Cherry Orchard- where the famous Chekhov characters are paired with a ninja. This is certainly theatre that Mortal Kombat fans will approve of.
Of course if love and violence have no appeal, there is always flying. The ambitious team behind Matchbook Productions provides a theatrical experience that reminds one of a Cirque performance and mixes solid acting technique with their pieces. Their last production was the brilliant Banana Death Match performed at STREB which used the low- flying trapeze as a means to create Matrix-like effects much to the delight of the crowd. This group is making the kind of theatre that an audience is afraid to look away from for fear they'll miss even a moment of the magic. There have also been rumblings that the group will tackle some of Shakespeare's work on the low-flying trapeze next. Check out their info page to stay in the loop and to see the bard fly.
These are just a handful of the companies doing shows that provide experiences unlike any other. So for those excited about seeing something new and unique, these maverick companies are a great place to start. Go on, take the leap.
Read more of Michael's insights at www.oneproducerinthecity.typepad.com.
