Off-off-Broadway fanatics know we're already a week into the New York Fringe Festival, so it's high time we separated the thespians from the players. If you don't know where to start, balance your Fringe diet with our handy five categories of festival shows and recommendations for each. Hey, maybe you'll spot the next "Urinetown"!

The Necessary Political Slot: "Meanwhile, in Baghdad..." Combat news fatigue with this neatly inverted look at the residents of a besieged nation. Aug. 16 at 9 pm, Aug. 21 at 7:30 pm and Aug. 23 at 2:15 pm.

The Wacky Solo Slot: "My Salvation Has A First Name: A Wienermobile Journey." Comedian Robin Gelfenbien tells the real-life story of her year driving a giant hot dog. Aug. 17 at 2:30 pm and Aug. 21 at 3:30 pm.]]> egw 2008-08-15T14:02:01-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/6/11/131659/996

One major factor separates South Africa's National Arts Festival from its relative fringe fests in Edinburgh and New York: Instead of sweating off a beer buzz in line to see the next hot group, you can enjoy light-jacket temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

The '08 version of the fest goes June 26-July 5 and includes an all-new stage in the lush Makana Botanic Gardens, a local comedy sellout act known as "The Dog's Bollocks," guitar quintets and a retelling of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" from Puck's perspective.

Related Stories:
· National Arts Festival [Official Site]
· Summer Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of "Carrot Sisters": National Arts Festival]]]> egw 2008-06-11T15:15:01-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/