By: Lydia Graves
The New York City Fringe Festival is a space for the bold, the bizarre, and the boundary-pushers. This year, among the experimental theater and avant-garde performances, one name stands out: D’yan Forest. Forest’s humor and charisma shine through in every performance, setting the tone right from the beginning. “I start with, ‘Hi, I’m D’yan Forest. I’m 90 years old, and well, I like to put it out there right away in case I don’t make it through the show!’” she jokes. At 90 years old, she’s the oldest performer at the festival—and according to some sources, she holds the title of the oldest female comedian still performing. She’s got stories to tell.
D’yan Forest’s performance for The Fringe Festival, “90 Years of Songs and Scandal”, cannot be described as simply a ‘comedy show’; it’s a living memoir packed with music, mischief, and more than a few eyebrow-raising anecdotes. With her signature ukulele in hand, Forest takes the audience through the decades, weaving together the hilarious and the heartfelt. Nothing is left untouched, from growing up in Boston to breaking into the comedy scene at an age when most people are slowing down. Written by D’yan Forest, Eric Kornfeld, and notable author Stephen Clarke, the show is a reflection of resilience, reinvention, and a refusal to be anything less than completely, unapologetically herself. With the help of her co-writers, Forest stitches together a lifetime of laughter, heartache, and adventures. Think cabaret meets stand-up, with a touch of “Did she really just say that?”
“People tell me I should slow down, but I don’t know how to do that,” Forest says with a laugh. “I’ve spent my life pushing boundaries, and I’m not planning to stop anytime soon.”
The Fringe Festival, known for giving a platform to underrepresented voices and unconventional performances, is the perfect home for Forest’s latest act. It’s a space where artists can experiment, push boundaries, and, most importantly, tell their stories on their own terms. While many Fringe acts center on emerging artists, Forest demonstrates that age is not a barrier to innovation or a joyous reception.
Her career, spanning decades and continents, has included everything from cabaret to comedy clubs, and her ability to command a room remains highly respected. “I’ve played all over the world, but there’s something about Fringe that feels electric. It’s a space where anything goes,” Forest says. “You never know what you’re going to get, and that’s the beauty of it.”
Audiences can expect a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections, all delivered with the charm and cheek that have made Forest a beloved figure in the comedy world. This one-woman show is an unfiltered and uproarious celebration of life, passion, and resilience. With a knack for storytelling and a mischievous twinkle in her eye, Forest offers an evening filled with music, humor, and jaw-dropping tales that will likely leave audiences in awe. “90 Years of Songs & Scandal” is for anyone who appreciates comedy with a touch of spice. While inclusive and welcoming to all, there are sure to be a few cheeky moments along the way.
The Fringe Festival has long been a launchpad for groundbreaking performances, and D’yan Forest is bringing a show that captures much of what the festival stands for: bold storytelling, fearless authenticity, and a reminder that the best punchlines are often the ones that take us by surprise.
The New York City Fringe Festival 2025 will take place from April 2–20, 2025. The Festival is located under St Marks Theater, 94 St. Marks Place, New York, NY 10009. Tickets can be purchased by phone, at the FringeCENTRAL box office, at the venue, or online: https://frigid.nyc/new-york-city-fringe/.
Published by Tom W.
