Orlando Fringe 2012 Opens with National/International Artist Preview

Last night, the Orlando Shakespeare Center hosted the VIP gala marking the start of the 2012 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. The festival, which features about 80 different shows from around the nation and world, runs today through Memorial Day at Loch Haven Park.

For the first year, the fest kicked off with an exclusive preview performance for national and international performers. Nearly 30 out-of-town artists offered short samples of their shows, which start their official runs tonight.

As always, the best source for Fringe news and reviews is the Orlando Weekly. Check the Culture2Go blog throughout the week for breaking information. And pick up a paper copy of the current issue to read my "love letter" to the Fringe, and my picks for my 20 most anticipated shows.

Enjoy theses photos from last night's gala, and I'll see you around the Fringe!