Fringe 2018 review: VarieTease’s latest will hold you ‘Spellbound’

Ever since Carnivale debuted over a decade ago, VarieTease has been my can’t-miss dance company at Orlando Fringe, and their latest offering doesn’t disappoint. Troupe leader Blue says Spellbound – which features a flock of feathered harlequins in monochromatic clown makeup – is based on her experiences with EMDR therapy for post-traumatic stress. But you don’t need to understand any literal plotline to follow the emotional arc of this abstract, avian-inspired showcase of contemporary ballet.

Spellbound pushes the Venue’s light and sound systems to their limits, and as always, VarieTease’s latest introduced me to a wealth of new-to-me music, including hypnotic strains from Imogen Heap and Until the Ribbon Breaks. Blue herself barely makes a cameo in this production, but it’s a testament to her talented troupe – stalwarts Tymisha Harris, Megan Boetto and a returning Elaine Hoxie, with recent additions Amanda Cox and Katrina Anne Soricelli – that they can carry the show without her.

This is among the most mature, moving works in several years from one of Fringe’s favorite choreographers, so fly into the Black and fall under VarieTease’s spell.

BlueStar Presents: VarieTEASE … SpellBound
Blue LaLa Entertainment/ BlueStar
Orlando, FL
18 & Up – Mature Themes
60 Minutes
Black Venue
Thursday, May 17th 9:00pm
Friday, May 18th 7:30pm
Saturday, May 19th 6:00pm
Sunday, May 20th 6:00pm
Friday, May 25th 7:30pm
Sunday, May 27th 6:00pm

Check out ALL of our Fringe 2018 reviews at orlandoweekly.com/fringe2018

This article appears in May 16-22, 2018.