Arts & Entertainment
Camilla’s ‘World’
Gay duo to premier parody musical at the Fringe
‘Where in the World? The Untold Story of Camilla Sanfrancisco’
July 12-29
The Studio Theatre
1501 14th Street, NW
capfringe.org
Jeff Vonch (right) and Patrick English found inspiration in a video game villainess for their new work ‘Where in the World.’ (Photo courtesy Donis Zepeda)
By day, Patrick English and Jeff Vonch are patent examiners at the U.S. Patent office in Alexandria, but by night and on weekends they’re busy producing, writing and (in Vonch’s case) choreographing musical theater. When their new musical “Where in the World? The Untold Story of Camilla Sanfrancisco” premiers Thursday as part of the Capital Fringe Festival, everyone can see the result of the gay duo’s arduous efforts.
For English and Vonch, making fun of cultural touchstones from their youth is a favorite pastime. One of their preferred targets is Carmen Sandiego, the animated villainess of educational video games and TV programs popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Last year following one of their nostalgic confabs, Vonch received an uncharacteristically serious email from English suggesting that they collaborate on a musical about the red fedora-wearing Sandiego and her mysterious transformation from good to bad. What’s more, he wanted them to produce the show themselves.
“At first I thought he was crazy,” says Vonch, 26. “Neither of us had ever done anything like that before. How were we going to write a musical and produce? Then I got scared. I have aspirations to direct and do standup, but I also have big fears about putting my work out there before the public. Still, something told me to go for it.”
Soon after, collaboration began in earnest. As lyricists, the nervy twosome teamed up with established local composer Adrian Verkouteren to write an eight-song score. Prior to penning the musical’s libretto, English and Vonch researched Carmen’s backstory. She was a child genius who grew up to be an ace detective at ACME Detective Agency. Later she defected to a nasty villain league (V.I.L.E.) simply because she was bored. The novice librettists weren’t sold on Carmen’s motivation, so they decided to go a different way.
“We named our character Camilla Sanfrancisco. It’s a parody; it’s our story,” says English, 30. “Our Camilla [played by Vanessa Kinzey] is the victim of a frame-up orchestrated by a far-flung coterie of evildoers. Camilla travels the world working her way through henchman [and women] until she confronts the evil boss. It’s like a video game. Her stopping in India and Buenos Aires helps to make the show musically interesting. We’ve inserted both Bollywood and Tango numbers.”
With more than 130 shows performed in venues throughout town, the Capital Fringe Festival is D.C.’s foremost annual performing arts event. Offerings run the gamut from dance, drama and music to spoken word and puppetry. The work is often touted as edgy, offbeat and refreshing. Sometimes that’s the case, but not always.
Though both are patrons of the D.C. theater scene, Vonch and English haven’t been so involved in a theatrical production since high play days in Minooka, Ill., and Northern California, respectively.
“One of the great benefits of Fringe is that the relatively inexperienced can wear many hats. On this show, we’re co-producers, co-lyricists, co-librettists and Jeff is choreographer,” English says. “We’ve learned a lot. As co-producers we’ve put out a lot of fires and signed a lot of checks, but ultimately to see our work brought to life by such talented people is a really moving experience. It’s hard to put into the words.”
While a lot of Fringe productions cover adult terrain. English describes “Camilla” as PG-13. He says that it doesn’t focus directly on the LGBT experience, but does deal with gender and features a genderqueer character. Mostly, he adds, it’s a fun musical with good music and even better performances sung by a seven-person cast.
“Based on how we interact, people think Patrick and I have known each other forever, but it’s only been one year. Coming into this, I didn’t want our friendship to crumble or become all business and it hasn’t,” Vonch says. “Back in January, I told Patrick that however it turns out we’re going to give this show to the world. Luckily it’s going to be amazing.”
For more information about this and other shows, visit capfringe.org.
Theater
Don’t miss summer productions at Clear Space in Rehoboth Beach
‘Cher Show,’ ‘Pretty Woman’ among season’s standouts
“The Cher Show” at Clear Space Theatre is wonderful. I am always amazed at the talent they attract for their summer series. Kudos to Wes Drummond, the artistic director of the theater. “The Cher Show” is written by Rick Elice. Compliments to the talented director, James FitzSimmons, who brought to life this production. His immensely talented cast includes Shannen Hofheimer as Star, Breanna Lemerise as Lady, Abby Lynne as Babe, and Anya Kay, as young Cher. Each is a pleasure to both watch and listen to. They command the stage. Then more kudos to the entire cast and ensemble. Also, the creative team, which includes among so many who make this show a hit, choreographer Shondelle Graulich; scenic designer, David Chappell; lighting designer Brendan Smith; costume designer Valerie Beardsley; and the entire orchestra led by conductor, Jerry Birl.
But the actor who I was looking forward to seeing in the production, was a young actor I had written about, and reviewed, when I saw him at Clear Space two years ago. In this production he is Sonny Bono, and he definitely didn’t disappoint.
Let me introduce Caetano de Sá. I have written about him before, but his resume is worth repeating. It says; Height: 5’7 ½, Eyes: Brown, Voice part: Tenor G2 – C5, Build: Athletic. All true. Then you add to this he speaks Brazilian Portuguese, is certified in stage combat by the Society of American Fight Directors, and is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Then as his resume of roles confirms, he can act, sing, and dance with the best. He does a great job as Sonny and is fun to watch on stage. Here he displays his talents as a singer and actor, and they are as good as I remembered them when I first met Caetano while he was still in school in 2024, and was starring as Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys,” at Clear Space. At the time he was a rising senior at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee BFA Musical Theater program. I interviewed him, and Harry Sperduto, who played Tommy Devotee, after seeing them in the show, and being amazed by their talent. Since that time, I have followed their careers. When I heard Caetano was coming back to Clear Space for the summer, I reached out, and he agreed to sit down and chat, which we did. I knew Clear Space Theatre was planning a busy summer season. Their lineup of shows included “The Cher Show,” “Mean Girls,” and “Pretty Woman.” They always have talented casts, including the many college students who are getting their first chance to shine, which was the case for Caetano in 2024. Now he is back as a graduate, with more experience under his belt, a little more established. This season he was going to play Sonny in their production of “The Cher Show,” Martin/Coach Carr, in “Mean Girls,” and Mr. Hollister in “Pretty Woman,” and being a part of the ensemble. He told me he really enjoys being at Clear Space, and that his castmates are all talented. He is a lot more experienced than when he was here before, having performed in productions at the Prairie Repertory Theatre, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Firehouse Center for the Arts, and the Sullivan Rep, among others. In productions as diverse as “Oklahoma!,” “Mystic Pizza,” “Hairspray,” and “Rock of Ages.” He now lives in New York City and clearly New York is the perfect place for an aspiring actor. He has an agent at Bramante Artists, who is getting him gigs, like the one he had at 54 Below and even a TV commercial for AFLAC.
“The Cher Show” is the second show I have seen at Clear Space this summer. After our chat I got one of the last tickets available that evening for “Pretty Woman.” In that production he has a smaller role, and is part of the incredibly talented ensemble. It is also an entertaining show and its very talented stars, Abby McDonough as Vivian, and Jaiden Leo Riley as Edward, are a pleasure to watch. Kudos to the talented director, Ashley Williams, and the entire creative team.
For anyone living at the beach, or coming for a visit, I urge you to plan a night at Clear Space. You won’t regret it. But know tickets for all the shows, and Sunday evening cabaret nights, sell out fast. So, I suggest you see what’s available online and buy yours today.
The 2026 World Pride March was held on Saturday, Aug. 8 in Amsterdam. Tens of thousands of participants marched from Martin Luther Kingpark to the grounds of the Pride Village at Museumplein.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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