OUT OF TUNE CONFESSIONAL Plays Chicago Fringe, Now thru 9/6

The Agency Theater Collective will present the third incarnation of their original musical, Out of Tune Confessional, at The Chicago Fringe Festival. The show, described as a "punk-rock wreck-tacular," will run today, Aug. 30, Aug. 31, Sept. 1, Sept. 5 and Sept. 6 at The Deep Dish Stage, 5320 W. Giddings Street.

The show is a collaboration between Agency Artistic Director Andrew Gallant and Managing Director Sommer Austin, in addition to Agency company member Ryan Brankin, a regular attraction at The Agency's weekly theatrical open mic event, No Shame. "Ryan's view is wholly original," said Austin. "We heard his songs at No Shame and said, 'these need to be a play.' We've been writing together ever since."

An immersive theatrical event in the structure of a concert set list, the band unpacks their considerable baggage and invites the audience to unburden themselves in the process. All the while, Brankin's off-kilter but tuneful songs punctuate the proceedings. This is a funny, cranky, off-kilter musical perfect for a summer's night. In addition to Austin, Brankin, and Gallant, the production features band members Brandon Byxbe and Jim Gallanis, as well as Kate Jacobsen, Janet Magnuson and comedian Huck Poe.

"Those looking for a typical musical won't find it in Out of Tune Confessional.," said Gallant. "We created this show not as a musical but as a collaborative rock & roll event. It's edgy, surprising, challenging, and fun as Hell."