Friday, July 22, 2016

Capital Fringe Special: Jon Gann

With another Capital Fringe Festival almost come and gone, here's another Festival special! Meet Jon Gann, one of the two Chief Creative Minds behind How to Give Birth to a Rabbit.

What is your personal artist mission?
I enjoy creating new experiences and learning new skills. I do what I need to have fun and challenge myself — whether it is through film, crafts, cuisine — or theater.

How many times have you participated in Capital Fringe, and what do you value about being a part of Capital Fringe?
How to Give Birth to a Rabbit would be my third Fringe show. Previously, I wrote a musical, Pepe! The Mail Order Monkey Musical and created a live game show, Match Game DC based on the popular 1970s show. Both were wildly popular and sold out all of their seats.

What inspired you to do this piece?
At Thanksgiving, my friend and collaborator, Tonya Howe, regaled the table with the story of Mary Toft. My friends sat in disbelief that the story could be true — and during the discussion that followed, I declared that the story would make a great theatrical experience. We explored many forms, including puppets, and full musical opera before deciding that a song cycle created by multiple talents would be the most interesting approach


How does this piece fit into your recent body of work?
Since my body of work is so diverse, I really do not concentrate on themes. I enjoy creating in collaboration with friends, bringing many talents together, and trying to raise the bar of what is expected at Fringe.

What excites you about this piece?
The show is completely original, and has been a challenge to bring forth. The songs are written by 6 different composers and songwriters — all friends and past collaborators of mine. Sara Curtin and Maureen Andary of The Sweater Set each wrote songs for Mary, which really bring life to her character. Itai Yassur (who wrote Awake All Night for the 2015 Fringe) wrote our opening and closing songs. The incredible Tom Goss composed two very diverse songs. My old college roommate, Gary Gore, jumped in to write a Johnny Cash-inspired song. A long-time friend, Dan Kaufman, has written his first song for a show bringing together his love of musical theater and Celtic music. Local classical composer, and my collaborator for “Pepe!”, Brian Wilbur Grundstrom, has created some beautiful melodies, and the local punk band, The Mauls, has composed a rocking piece which will be accompanied by a video art projection by Tim Tate, on of DC’s most famous visual artists. We have created a band we’re calling The Bloody Bunnies under the direction of the talented (and patient) Stephen Lilly. Plus, the amazing actors, crew and producers — it really is amazing how shows like this all come together, and a miracle when they gel into something special on stage.

With a 4 1/2 out of 5 star rating at DC Metro Theater Arts, you have two more chances to catch How to Give Birth to a Rabbit, as part of this year's Capital Fringe.

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