WAITING AT THE CROSSROADS CAFE Plays 2013 First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival, Now thru 9/28

Powerhouse performers and friends Janine Mercandetti and Robyn Fazio have teamed up with Artistic Director John Haldoupis from Blackfriars Theatre and Brockport professor and Musical Director Brian Clickner to create an original musical that will be performed in the 2013 First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival (today, Sept. 19-28).

Waiting at the Crossroads Café tells the story of two college roommates who work as singing waitresses at The Crossroads Café and are both eagerly awaiting news that could change their lives. One hopes to land a part in her first Broadway show and the other hopes for a much delayed marriage proposal. Will they each get what they want? Featuring an exciting, eclectic and electrifying mix of contemporary music, standards and show tunes, Waiting at the Crossroads Café is a not to be missed production!

"I am delighted to work with two of Rochester's finest singer-actresses in this new chamber piece musical revue exploring friendship, ambition and just where it takes us," says Blackfriars Artistic Director and the shows director, John Haldoupis.

Waiting at the Crossroads Café is the must hear event of the festival and will be performed at Blackfriars Theatre (795 East Main Street, Rochester 14618) on Saturday, September 21 at 6:00p.m., Sunday, September 22 at 2:00p.m., and Thursday, September 26 at 8:00p.m. Tickets are $11 online at www.rochesterfringe.com, where more information is also available. Remaining tickets will be available at the door one hour before curtain.

More about Janine Mercandetti: Janine is an actress, singer, dancer and choreographer who has worked professionally for over 10 years in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Janine earned her BFA in Acting from the Goodman School of Drama conservatory acting program at DePaul University. She studied classical voice at the Eastman School of Music. www.janinemercandetti.com or @jmactress.

More about Robyn Fazio: Originally from Rochester NY, Robyn attended SUNY Fredonia where she received her BFA in Music Theatre. She then went on to receive her MFA from New York University in Vocal Performance, with a concentration in Music Theatre. After grad school Robyn became a Professional Certified Makeup Artist, which she now pursues full time. www.robynfazio.com.

More about the First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival: the first-ever First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival attracted more than 33,000 people to downtown Rochester from tonight, September 19 through September 23, 2012. This second annual, multi-arts festival will feature more than 360 shows in 28 venues from Thursday, September 19 through Saturday, September 28, 2013. Visit www.rochesterfringe.com for more information.