In the month of March, conventional and unconventional spaces alike, from the Schuster Theatre and its scene shop to Zurn 104, are transformed into theaters for the Fringe Fest. We asked directors and actors of the shows what songs they thought best exemplified their productions:

Cristen Manion, writer, “Dancing With the Moon”: “Me and the Moon” by Something Corporate
It’s about that sense of loss but forcing yourself to lose something because it’s best for you. It hurts and you’ll pay the price but it will make you better in the end. I actually found the song after I wrote the show but it fits perfectly.
Zach Flock, director, “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead”: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
Because it’s a show about tennage angst.
Natalie Pertz, stage manager, “The Glass Menagerie”: “Sweet Disposition” by Temper Trap
Because the entire piece is a muted scream to me and that’s how I percieve the song. It’s fleeting but those good moments are the ones we hold onto for dear life, sometimes at the the expense of, “living an illusion.”
Brianna Woods, choreographer, “Glow Show”: “Don’t Stop the Party” by The Black Eyed Peas
Because the Glow Show is one big party!
Sarah Sgro, director, “Literary Canon Fodder”: “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats
This song, which introduces the Renaissance in the show, perfectly exemplifies the goofiness and light-heartedness of the play. And it’s fun to dance to!
Fr. Mike DiMartinis, director, “Our Town”: “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” by John Fawcett
I think the song that best captures the show is this one that’s sung in all three acts because it was a simple hymn from a simple time in our history, about a generation that the show was written about. It expresses their trust and faith in God and in the value of hard work, family and friendship ties, and how our lives are intertwined.
Keefer Kopco, actor, “Red”: “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens
Cat Steven’s classic song perfectly describes the relationship between Mark Rothko and his assistance Ken. Rothko is always telling him he’s too young and doesn’t know anything. Ken patiently listens until the moment comes when he has to define himself.
Nick Kikola, director, “True West”: “Hurt” by Johnny Cash
We all carry these romantic ideas of the strong, self-reliant man, all alone in the old West, but in reality all men are alone, and we all carry the pain of the abuse from our pasts.

The next two songs, while not from shows that are part of the Fringe Fest, are from shows that’ll be opening in town this April and May. Give them a listen!

“And the World Goes Round”: “Theme from New York, New York” by John Kander and Fred Ebb
New York City is home to Broadway, the theatre center of the world, and what better way to end this musical, which also closes the Schuster Theatre ’12-’13 season, with a tribute to the Big Apple itself.
“[title of show]”: “The Tony Award Song” by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell
Every actor, director, and writer dreams of winning a Tony. This obsession is parodied in this song from “[title of show]”, the closing show for Dramashop’s second season.