Fringe Theater Festival in Narrowsburg: A Weekend of Bold, Immersive Performances

This weekend, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) and Scranton Fringe are teaming up to present “A Taste of Fringe,” a three-day celebration of bold, immersive, and subversive theater in honor of World Fringe Day. The mini-festival takes place at the historic Tusten Theatre in Narrowsburg from Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14.

Fringe festivals are known for amplifying underrepresented voices and pushing the boundaries of performance art. That ethos is at the heart of this collaboration between DVAA and Scranton Fringe, a Pennsylvania-based arts organization that has made a name for itself championing experimental and inclusive work.

“We felt that the energy of Fringe would be really well-served in our community,” said Ariel Shanberg, executive director of DVAA. “We have a rich tradition of supporting independent voices here, and this is a way to bring in something new and exciting.”

The weekend features three unique one-hour performances, each staged twice to allow for maximum flexibility—and repeat viewing. Among the featured works:

“A Taste Of Fringe: Pissi Ruins Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall” – a drag cabaret parody by comedian Pissi Myles, who mixes reverence for the late icon with irreverent humor and powerhouse vocals.

“A Taste Of Fringe: Girl Walks Into a Movie Theater” – a deeply personal solo show written and performed by Mandy Pennington, using multimedia and cinematic nostalgia to explore coming of age as the child of teen parents.

“A Taste Of Fringe: When Hailey Met Sally” – a queer retelling of the classic romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally,” written and performed by Amanda Melhuish and Cat Montesi, DVAA’s new performing arts manager.

“These are seasoned, accomplished performers,” said Shanberg. “The shows will touch your heart, fill the theater with laughter, and remind us just how vital the arts are—especially in times like this.”

Connor O’Brien, founding producer of Scranton Fringe, said the festival model is intentionally broad and accessible. “Fringe can be experimental and avant-garde, but it can also be family-friendly. It’s about letting artists decide what they want to put forward—and giving them a platform when others won’t.”

For first-timers who may be unsure if Fringe is for them, O’Brien offers reassurance: “The shows are short—about an hour each—so it’s a great low-risk way to try something new. See one you’re excited about, then take a chance on something unexpected. Nine times out of ten, you’ll be glad you did.”

For full schedule and ticket information, visit: delawarevalleyartsalliance.org

Image: Pissi Myles, Drag Queen, Singer, and Comedian, performs at A Taste of Fringe on  July 11 and 12. (Credit: PissiMyles.com)