Philadelphia Fringe Festival Favorite Brings 1-Woman, 30-Character Comedy to South Philly

Jennifer Blaine's 'The Carport' explores personal disaster and community resilience through storytelling, stand-up, and original songs.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Solo performer Jennifer Blaine is bringing her latest one-woman show, 'The Carport,' to South Philadelphia next month. The show, which is a Fringe Festival favorite, turns Blaine's personal experience of having her carport set on fire by an arsonist into a fast-paced comedy that explores how people respond when something they love 'goes up in flames.' Blaine portrays 30 different characters, including a wary fire lieutenant, a pit-bull-owning neighbor, a drag queen political activist, and even her 'actual cousin,' Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Why it matters

Blaine's work frequently tackles social and political themes with humor, and 'The Carport' connects her personal experience to broader questions of resilience and community. The show blends storytelling, stand-up comedy, original songs, and audience interaction, showcasing Blaine's rapid-fire character transformations and playful engagement with audiences.

The details

The Carport' will be performed at Mister John's Music – The Studio in South Philadelphia on March 13 and April 17. Blaine, who lives in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood, has been creating and performing one-woman shows for three decades and has a devoted following in Philadelphia's theater community. She has appeared alongside comedians such as Chris Rock and George Carlin, and has debuted 20 original solo works at the Fringe Festival since its founding in 1997.

  • The Carport' will be performed on March 13 at 7:30 p.m. and April 17 at 8 p.m.
  • Blaine has been creating and performing one-woman shows for three decades.
  • Blaine has debuted 20 original solo works at the Fringe Festival since its founding in 1997.

The players

Jennifer Blaine

A solo performer and South Philly resident who is bringing her latest one-woman show, 'The Carport,' to South Philadelphia.

Sen. Bernie Sanders

Blaine's 'actual cousin' who appears in character as part of the comic lineup in 'The Carport.'

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What they’re saying

“The show is not just a rewarding cathartic experience for me to perform, but it facilitates greater engagement and a sense of community for the audience, too.”

— Jennifer Blaine, Solo Performer (southphillyreview.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the March 13 performance of 'The Carport' are $25 and available through Blaine's website, www.jenniferblaine.com.

The takeaway

Blaine's one-woman show 'The Carport' showcases her ability to turn personal disaster into comedy and community, blending storytelling, stand-up, and original songs to explore themes of resilience and connection in Philadelphia's theater scene.