WTF

Dig it, local arts people: KC Fringe Festival is back. Starting today, with events running through August 1, this annual event features more than 80 performing artists and films at 21 venues. Get a glimpse of the festival’s variety at the Plaza Library (4801 Main). Professor Jesse presents a Punch and Judy Puppet Show at 7 p.m., followed at 7:30 by Dance-ported, a showcase of student choreography. Examples of some of the rest of KC Fringe: personal reminiscences on Rock Hudson movies and Stonewall; a one-man Shakespeare-monologue bingo night; Goodbye, Kansas, a new musical about religion and breakdown. Admission to any event requires two steps: First, a one-time purchase of a $5 Fringe Festival button, the proceeds of which help sustain the Fringe Festival (it’s not easy being a nonprofit); second, you must purchase a ticket to each individual show — priced $5–$10 — with proceeds going to the artists and venues. (The two library shows tonight are free with a button.) See kcfringe.org for a complete listing of shows, venues and ticket outlets.— Danny Volin

Fri., July 23, 7 p.m., 2010