Talking with Kim McCann - Like Fire Shut Up In My Bones

During the build-up to the 2011 IndyFringe Festival, IndyFringeTalk interviewed some of the key performers to get some insight into their stories, their audience and the Fringe itself. Here is what happened when we sat down with Like Fire Shut Up In My Bones's Kim McCann.

If you could present your show to just one person, who would it be and why?
Is this like that dinner party game? “If you could dine with any one person, living or dead…” Jesus? Gandhi? The ghost of Joe Hill? Truth be told, I’d love for my mom to see it. She’s never had the opportunity to see something I’ve written produced on stage.

List 3 words that truly sum up your show.
Thought-provoking, emotional, and risky.

What is the best way for theater-goers to stay informed about your latest productions?
Folks can track what’s going on with Sarsparilla Shook Productions by visiting the company’s home site at sarsparshook.livejournal.com, by following us on facebook, or by joining the newsletter queue at sarsparillashook@yahoo.com

How does fringe theater benefit you as a theater artist/performer?
The greatest benefit fringe theater offers to artists and performers has to be the incredible exposure; the opportunity to engage with, and entertain, a large number of people. The cherry on that sundae is, that large number of people is already excited about, interested and invested in the arts community. And they drag along possibly-reluctant friends. Putting up a fringe show makes you feel like the mom who brings cupcakes to homeroom: everybody wants ‘em, and you get to deliver. It’s a win/win for artist and audience.

What is the funniest line in your show?
“You can see her there Wednesdays and Saturdays, too, if you like being told that often how you disappoint Jesus.”

Where do you see yourself in a year’s time?
Sarsparilla Shook Productions is a brand new company, and “Like Fire Shut Up in My Bones” is our first project. In a year’s time, I’d like to double – or even triple – that number. Theater on a shoestring is a tough row to hoe, but not impossible, and I’d really like to create an avenue for the wealth of talented, driven, cash-poor theater artists in Indy who may not have other ways of being seen and heard.

Why IndyFringe?
As someone totally new to the Indy theater scene, I can’t imagine a more prominent, accessible, or daunting venue to stage a debut. Creating art is about taking risk - like jumping into the pool without your floaties for the first time, scared shitless, but confident of your buoyancy – and the story of “Like Fire Shut Up in My Bones” speaks to themes and issues that transcend eras and swim straight for the deep end of the Midwestern heart.

Performance Details:
Phoenix Theatre
749 N Park Avenue,
Indianapolis, 46202
317-635-7539
Friday, August 19, 7:30pm; Saturday, August 20, 9:00pm; Sunday, August 21, 1:30pm; Wednesday, August 24, 7:30pm; Saturday, August 27, 7:30pm; Sunday, August 28, 6:00pm.
Box office: 317-721-9458

Tickets also available at www.indyfringe.org