THE STAGES OF MN FRINGE OF THE DAY AWARD winner!!!!
In My Only Hope for a Hero, Duck Washington’s entrancing performance begins in a place of innocence, of childhood memories and boyhood obsessions and culminates in a call to action. Along the way you will laugh, nod in recognition, and be moved to tears. An exploration of the concept of heroism, what it means to be a hero, and the fear that stands in our way of being the heroes we want to be. Duck bravely shares the moments where he let fear hold him back and the times he rose above it. This autobiographical show traces his journey as he learns what being a hero means to him from his love of Star Wars and G.I. Joe to the examples of his parents. Inspirational is the only word to describe both the honesty and vulnerability of Duck’s Performance and his message. Thank you Duck Washington, your show resonates on such a personal level, It may be cliche to say but I laughed, I cried, it was a part of me. Do yourselves a favor and reserve your spot for this show, if this doesn’t start selling out I’ll be very surprised and you can guarantee your spot for as little as two G.I. Joes.
https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/my-only-hope-for-a-hero
Pearl and Eugene: One Last Shtick is a wonderful showcase for veteran performers Nancy Marvy and Robert Dorfman. The story of two retired actors who used to be partners in a song and dance act that decide to try and put on one final show to raise money to save the retirement facility they live in. Marvy as Pearl, begins the show to gasps of surprise and delight by doing the splits. Dorfman’s performance as Eugene reminds me of the great Groucho Marx in the way he throws out what appear to be comedic ad libs. There’s a quality of the production that gives a sense that it might be a little under rehearsed, or is that by design? If it is a case of being under rehearsed it doesn’t matter, because the performers ability to run with it and make it part of the show adds to the laughs. If it’s by design, it’s a brilliant ploy that works like gangbusters. Either way the play is a delight.
https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/pearl-and-eugene-one-last-shtick
H.G. Wells’ The Invisible Man is a devilishly clever take on the classic sci-fi story. Much of the humor is based on the knowing acknowledgement that this is a theatrical production. Doni Marinos plays the Invisible Man while Courtney VonVett, Tucker Brewster Schuster, and Brendan Veerman play all of the other characters of which there must be a couple dozen. Writer-Director Jake Sung-Guk Sullivan uses the ingenious set, props, and costumes to suggest everything from a staircase ascent to a montage of reports of sightings non-sightings of the invisible man. A great script, inventive direction, and wonderful comic performances from the ensemble cast make this a must see show.
https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/h-g-wells-the-invisible-man
Funny, Like an Abortion by Rachel Bublitz is a political science-fiction play set in the not too distant future, one that unfortunately it’s not hard to imagine coming to pass. In this future, it’s illegal to have an abortion or even discuss it and women have no rights when it comes to their own bodies, including contraceptive prevention. Monroe played by Olivia Dubiel after learning she’s pregnant plans a surprise abortion party and invites her best friend Jade, played by Stephanie Kahle, to help her choose the best do it yourself abortion method, none of which are good. The play uses touches of humor to help the audience digest some very disturbing themes. It’s an important message and the performers expertly deliver it, finding the tone that perfectly fits the, ‘it’s so horrible you have to laugh or you’ll cry’, subject matter. There are several moments throughout where the performers break character and speak as the actors to the audience, including some truly sobering facts at the plans end. It’s a play with a powerful cautionary message that manages to be entertaining rather than just didactic.
https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/funny-like-an-abortion
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