Fuel for the Fire 08/08/2012 2:08pm

I just got the email that said, "We're halfway through this year's Fringe Festival!" and my reaction was similar to when I've been holding plank pose with trembling biceps and abs for what feels like an eternity, and my yoga instructor cheerily calls out, "halfway there, everyone!" I just want to sink to my knees. I've seen three shows since last we spoke: The Love Show and Merblades at Brave New Workshop (both a lot of fun) and Rip at the Theater Garage, which I saw by mistake. I thought I was going to see Dance Money Grind, and it wasn't until they handed me a program in line, after I had already gotten my ticket, that I realized I was seeing something else entirely. Turns out Dance Money Grind is at TRP, not the Theater Garage. This happens to me at least once every Fringe, and it always turns out happily, and yesterday was no exception. Rip was evocative and inventive, with some really, really good music. And it sealed the deal that David Darrow is this year's Fringe Crush. It's OK, he knows, I told him on his Facebook wall that he's dreamypants. So, not at all awkward. I wish we could put up a big board somewhere and everyone could thumbtack the name of their Fringe Crush to it. You know--that person you don't actually have any romantic designs on, but they're so talented and sparkly that you're just kind of in awe of them, in that "if they talk to me I'm going to blush really hard" kind of way. I think it'd be fun to see a visual representation of all the crushes developing in theaters across the city this week. Failing that, you can tell me about your Fringe Crush in the comments section. I love comments. I'm actually much more interested in dialogue than monologues, in general. Talk to me! Another thing I want people to weigh in on is the Crooked Pint. I think it's doing pretty well as Fringe Central this year. What about you? I've been able to get a seat at a table every time I've gone, service has been quick and friendly, the food ranges from serviceable to really good (LOVE that bison burger!), there's plenty of free street parking after 10:00, and it actually is pretty centrally located, despite not being super close to any of the venues. It's not overflowing with character, it's true, and it doesn't have that grungy, artistic, grassroots vibe that Bedlam had down, but I don't think there's any question it's working out better than moto-i did last year. What do you guys think? Three more shows on the docket for tonight (Either Happy Hour or Class of 98, Naked I, and Sin Eater). We'll see if I make it to the shows I intend to see, or if fate has other plans for me. Keep holding that plank pose, y'all. We're halfway there. (whimper)