Driven by a deep need for validation, Michelle Renee Johnson takes audiences headfirst into a chaotic, destructive romance with alcohol where nights spiral and escalating blackouts leave her legacy in the hands of others. Directed by O’Neill finalist Lila Rachel Becker, this raw solo performance dives into dark, dangerous memories that remain hazy or non-existent to the protagonist herself, ultimately forcing the audience to question whether it is better to be remembered unflatteringly or to simply fade into obscurity.
Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Extra Dry is an autobiographical solo show about a young woman, MJ, who grapples with the desire to be remembered. After years of feeling insignificant, she discovers that when she is drunk, people find her much more entertaining. This leads to excessive drinking, causing blackout after blackout. MJ is left questioning if her significance in other’s stories is worth the risks involved.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
Extra Dry’s creative team includes Michelle Renee Johnson (Performer/Writer/Co-Creator), Lila Rachel Becker (Director/Co-Creator), Allison Parker (Producer), Patti Panyakaew (Scenic Design), Rebecca Mahar (Lighting Design), Ryan Gamblin (Sound Design), and Maeve Rose (Costume Design).
I (Michelle!) began writing Extra Dry in 2023 after completing a year-long acting program at the Barrow Group. What started as a one-page monologue quickly became a dream of performing a full-length solo show. Lila and I started developing the show for the stage in 2024, with the intention of bringing it to Edinburgh. In preparation for the Edinburgh Fringe, Extra Dry has been performed at the New York City Fringe and the East to Edinburgh Festival.
Allison and Lila both helped form an amazing team which brought the show to life through lights, sound, and set. This is the first time I have written and performed any form of theater (outside of random class assignments in high school), and I am humbled by the amount of talent in those who were willing to work on this show.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
I first attended Fringe as a spectator in 2023 with some fellow classmates from the Barrow Group in New York City, specifically to see a few of our teachers perform in a heart-wrenching play called 17 Minutes. I had never heard of this festival before, and I was quickly enchanted by it. I knew that I wanted to take on the challenge of performing my own work at the Fringe.
With August fast approaching, it feels overwhelming in the best way. Right now, I am soaking in every moment, knowing that this will be a life changing experience where I will learn and grow as a performer. And I hope this is the beginning of many other opportunities to perform at the Fringe.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
Extra Dry is a piece involving deeply personal storytelling. In that sense, the stories themselves are unique. However, many people will be able to relate to certain elements, whether personally or through a loved one. It is a show that introduces addiction in a way of why it may be happening, while taking into consideration the sacrifice that friends and family face when helping those they care about through the struggles.
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
This show is drawn from my personal experiences. In that sense, it’s all dependent on my background. There was a lot of reflection during the writing process that really shaped the arch of the story.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
Speaking for MJ: She wants people to remember her so that the years of drinking don’t feel worthless. She sacrificed nights (and days) of her own memory so others would remember her, including the audience!
Speaking for Michelle: I don’t want this to feel like whatever the “quit lit” equivalent of theater is. While alcohol dependence is a central theme, the crux of the plot depends on the attention received from others, which serves as a catalyst leading to the addiction. Even if people have never had a sip of alcohol, the theme of wanting to be acknowledged and remembered is universal.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
An audience that is a mix of mostly strangers, but with a couple of my close friends who may have a personal connection to this show. And maybe Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
As for who isn’t…I would say my grandma based on some of what is confessed throughout, but she has already seen it so I can’t really mark anyone off the invite list at this point!
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
I am training for the New York City Marathon (which I LOVE to talk about), so I will have to incorporate many runs into my time…and the hills will certainly be a help! I hope these can be moments where I remove myself from the overwhelm of the city center and reflect on the experience as it’s happening.
Shoutout – &Taxes, a former classmate’s clown show, will also be at the Fringe this August.
Extra Dry will run at Venue 16, Willow Studio at Greenside @ Riddles Court
Runs: August 7th – August 29th at 17.20pm
Photo credit – Diego Quintanar
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