Directed by Corey Podell and written by & starring Katierose Donohue Enriquez, Queen of Fishtown is a character comedy set in Philadelphia about struggling to maintain one’s authenticity while facing inevitable change.
Bad enough Kathleen Burke’s neighbourhood has gentrified around her, when she gets the surprise of her life at her 40th birthday party it triggers her own high stakes battle between “woo-woo” healing and working class attitude. It’s a solo show filled with hope and profanity.
Katierose Donohue Enriquez (WRITER/STAR of “Queen of Fishtown”) is an actor, writer, producer, director, and host living in Los Angeles. Originally from the Philadelphia area, when Katierose moved to Los Angeles she began studying and performing at LA’s premiere sketch and improv theater, The Groundlings. That is where she met Corey Podell (director.) Together, the two went on to found two long-running and sometimes even award-winning sketch groups: Three Hole Punch and Big Boss Comedy.
The Artiscape spoke to Katierose about her upcoming play.
What inspired you to write Queen of Fishtown?
Katierose: A few things inspired the creation of the show. First, my love for Philadelphia. Both sides of my family, for generations, are from the city of brotherly love. It is a historical place filled with special characters who, just like the city, are oftentimes overlooked, misunderstood, and rarely appreciated. I wanted to create a strong, funny woman who has to learn to be vulnerable, who learns that self-care isn’t self-fish. She’ll make fun of the new bougie hipster neighbors all day long, but she can also admit she has an appreciation (maybe even a little jealousy) for them.
Can you tell us about the character you play?
Katierose: I play ten characters throughout the course of the show, but the titular Queen is Kathleen Burke. She uses humour as a defensive mechanism. It’s a Philadelphia characteristic that she can take to the extreme. In the show she says “‘we’re either laughing or we’re screaming, ’cause the alternative is just too soft.” She can be brash, but never mean, never biting. Rather than feel vulnerable, she’ll deflect, crack jokes, crack beers, anything to not look inward. She is a working class woman, who has almost always been smart enough to know better but does it anyway. It’s not sad or bad if we’re having fun, right?
What were the challenges in putting this production together?
Katierose: The biggest challenges are time and money. I am self-producing and that is INTENSE. Producing my own work has always been a part of my creative life but booking this multi-city, multi-venue tour in Edinburgh, London, Philadelphia Ventura and Los Angeles over the past 6 months has been the most ambitious thing I have ever attempted. Creativity continues to be the bright spot in this journey and every once in a while between sending emails, obtaining venues, creating posters, booking travel, securing tech board operators, gathering props etc etc I get to actually do the show! And that part! OH YEAH! That part (luckily) can feel transcendent.
What would you like the audience to take away from this production?
Katierose: Most importantly, I hope the audience is entertained. The show is all heart. It’s funny, it’s authentic, it’s a love letter to Philly broads, and to frustrated women everywhere. I would love for the audience to leave feeling refreshed, with a sense of renewal. Perhaps they recognize a family member or even themselves and take a look at areas in their own lives that could use a little less resistance to change. I hope they celebrate the idea that you can learn, grow and feel your feelings without losing your sense of self. —It would be extra amazing if they spend some time learning more about Philadelphia, go for a cheesesteak after, tune in to watch the Eagles play or even book travel to Independence Hall!
What are you looking forward to in performing at Edinburgh Fringe Festival?
Katierose: Edinburgh Festival fringe is celebrating its 75th year and my venue Paradise Green is celebrating 25 years, and to be a part of that history is so cool! I am looking forward to the energy! So many artists in one place, and everyone baring themselves emotionally and creatively! After the past few years, I am so excited to watch tons of Live performances! It’s going to be so ALIVE!
