I worried that I was late for the parade this morning, but got caught up in it crossing the street at the corner of Richmond and King. (Most tantalizing pitch: “Want to see me half-naked?”) I’ve never had so much paper pressed into my hands in a minute and a half!
The showcase seemed well-attended, although I don’t know how much of the audience belonged to the general public and how many were Fringers. Despite the microphone it was hard to hear in the cavernlike market building, and most of the showcases were inaudible from where I stood (about 1/3 of the way across the mezzanine). Still, the troupers were… um… real troopers, and the event highlighted some acts I’d otherwise have missed and convinced me even more strongly that I wanted to see several I’d already chosen.
Most fun of all, though, was the Peanut Butter Picnic in the park put on by the P&J group, which the Dogs! and Jekyll and Hyde folks also came by for. (The neo-80s soundtrack was provided by Ruth’s Hat, courtesy of Ribfest.) It was a fun “guerrilla” event, but I agree with Amber and Stephanie (I think) that it would be a great addition after the showcase in general.