Space archaeologist tackles middle age in ‘Timey Wimey’ solo show at Elgin Fringe Fest

Writer and performer Victoria Montalbano will present her second solo show, “Timey Wimey Stuff: The Mid-Life Crisis of a Time Traveling Space Archaeologist” at the Elgin Fringe Festival. The show will run Friday to Sunday, Sept. 26-28, at the Side Street Studio Arts Theater, 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin.

Montalbano deals with her problems like most struggling actors: escaping reality into the world of Doctor Who. When she finds an embarrassing skin abnormality during a pandemic, she has to face a monster scarier than any Dalek — middle age.

“Timey Wimey Stuff” asks the hard hitting questions: “Does donating plasma count as a day job?,” “If I had a time machine, would I use it to help people, or just make out with hot bad guys?,” and finally, “What is the legacy of a middle aged struggling actor?” No prior Doctor Who knowledge required!

“Timey Wimey Stuff” is written and performed by Montalbano with original music by Gail Gallagher. It is directed by Christina Pinilla.

The one-hour performances will begin at 9 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday, and 4 p.m. Sunday in the second floor of Side Street Studio Arts Theater; no elevator. Tickets are $12 and available via elginfringefestival.com.

“During the pandemic, I think most people relied on TV shows and other pop culture to escape reality for a bit,” Montalbano said. “For me, that escape from reality was Doctor Who. Even if you’ve never seen an episode, you’ll relate to the story I’m telling in Timey Wimey Stuff.”

“The Elgin Fringe was my very first fringe festival back in 2021,” Montalbano said. “I’ve since toured to festivals all over the country, and I’m so happy to bring my new show back to Elgin.”

Learn more about the show at victorianotvicky.com.