Premiere of “Literary Monsters” at Providence Fringe Festival

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An artistic representation of the Literary Monsters performance, featuring shadow puppetry and original music.

News Summary

The multimedia performance “Literary Monsters” will debut during the Providence Fringe Festival, showcasing a mix of music, puppetry, and literary themes. Created by the innovative collective Shadow, Sound, Spectacle, it features shadow play and storytelling, drawing inspiration from Gothic literature. This engaging performance promises to blend horror and whimsy while highlighting the talents of local artists. The festival is recognized for its commitment to original works in the performing arts, and this show stands out as a key highlight.

Providence – The highly anticipated multimedia performance “Literary Monsters” is set to premiere at the 2025 Providence Fringe Festival on Tuesday, July 15, and Wednesday, July 16, at 7:00 PM. The show will be held at 50 Sims, promising audiences a unique blend of original music, puppetry, and storytelling that explores the depths of both real and imagined monsters.

“Literary Monsters” is the brainchild of the innovative performance collective Shadow, Sound, Spectacle, which was co-founded in 2023. This production is designed as a playful meditation on themes of identity, transformation, and creative rebellion, drawing upon inspirations from Gothic literature. Audiences can expect to encounter shadowy guest appearances by iconic literary figures including Mary Shelley, Emily Dickinson, Jules Verne, and Anne Rice as the narrative unfolds.

Utilizing shadow play, song, and storytelling, “Literary Monsters” aims to provide a rich theatrical experience, echoing dialogues and motifs reminiscent of the works of renowned authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Washington Irving. The performance is described as a genre-bending experience that promises to engage audiences both emotionally and intellectually.

Meet the Creators

The trio behind Shadow, Sound, Spectacle includes Jess Martin, a diverse singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of gothic folk and modern rock; Amy West, an expressive puppeteer and writer whose work often spans across various mediums; and Abby Hanna, a musician and YouTuber who brings innovative ideas and a youthful spirit to the group. Together, they combine their talents to create a multi-dimensional experience that captivates audiences.

About the Providence Fringe Festival

The Providence Fringe Festival is known for its commitment to showcasing innovative and original works in the performing arts. Each year, the festival draws a diverse crowd of arts enthusiasts and offers a platform for both emerging and established creators to present their work. “Literary Monsters” is positioned as a central highlight of the 2025 Festival, inviting attendees to experience an exciting fusion of horror and whimsy.

Other Notable Events

As the 2025-2026 season approaches, Ballet Rhode Island (Ballet RI) has announced its upcoming live performances across theaters in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Additionally, the Wilbury Theatre Group has revealed its Main Series productions for the forthcoming season, including a world premiere titled “From Here to Where.” In a complementary event, Newport NewWorks, a nonprofit musical theater festival, will take place from August 3–17, 2025, aiming to celebrate fresh musical theater talent under the leadership of producers Peilin Chou and Jeanne Hagerty.

With the premiere of “Literary Monsters” on the horizon, the excitement surrounding the 2025 Providence Fringe Festival is palpable. This production stands as a testament to the creativity of local artists and promises to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.