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Catch the final week of Fringe Fest – Metro US

Catch the final week of Fringe Fest

“The Rufus Equation” is among this year’s fare for science fanatics.
Credit: Dixie Sheridan

It’s not too late to snag tickets to New York International Fringe Festival 2013. After a three-week run, the 17th edition of this annual theater festival comes to an end Sunday — but for now, it’s still in high gear, churning out an average of 40 performances per day across 20 venues. So of course, you may be wondering how to prioritize.

There are several ways to filter shows on the FringeNYC website (www.fringenyc.org): location, time or theme. And this year the themes have a distinctly nerdy twist: If you’re a science geek whose heroes are people like Brian Greene or Neil deGrasse Tyson, you’ll be excited to know that science is striking a nerve with dramatists too. Elena K. Holy, producing artistic director of FringeNYC, recommends this year’s shows about “quantum physics, string theory, genetics [and] cloning.” Read on for more about this year’s offerings in her own words:

What’s new and exciting this year?

Each festival is exciting, as each gathers an entirely different group of participants and that creates a different little village of folks. We’re seeing a lot of familiar faces in the audience, as well as those just discovering FringeNYC in our 17th year. FringeNYC provides an opportunity for artists (and audiences) from around the world to gather and see some of the best and brightest doing innovative new work. The energy is amazing.

What themes are trending?

Of particular note is a strong group of science plays; science and art in combination is always fascinating. Quantum physics, string theory, genetics [and] cloning are all discussed through both bold dramatic writing and hysterical comedy!

What are you looking forward to the most this year, and why?

I love watching these artists come into their own, reap the rewards of their hard work and blossom in front of our New York audiences. And when audiences and artists gather at FringeCENTRAL [Fringe Fest’s home base at 27 Second Ave.] to discuss the work, it’s rewarding and fun!

The Fringe Fest Science Plays

‘And It Spins Twice’

Two female theoretical physicists are involved with the same man — a musician named Ryan. When considering the endless possibilities for the outcome of their predicament, the most likely result is not always the one they’d like. (Final shows are Wednesday at 4:15 p.m., Friday at 8:45 p.m. and Saturday at 3:45 p.m.)

‘Unbidden’

Exiled on a remote island of the coast of Iceland, geneticist Dr. Julia Lamb grapples with memories of saving the world. But can she rely on her own faltering mind to keep straight the truths of her past? (Final shows are Wednesday at 9:15 p.m., Thursday at 5:45 p.m., Friday at 3:45 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3:15 p.m.)

‘The Rufus Equation’

Professor Bert Rufus can’t land a date with beautiful physicist Alys Smith. To woo her, he works on an invention that will change the face of science and challenge the rules of quantum physics. Plus, it might even get him laid. (Final shows are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and Friday at 2 p.m.)

Want to learn more? Check out Metro’s picks to hit or miss in this year’s Fringe Fest.