Coyfish by THEATRE23 was perhaps more interesting to me than it will be to some audiences. The problem is that it’s sort of meant to be a surprise so this is going to be a hard one to write about. I enjoyed it, the acting is good but a little stilted. Most of the dialogue takes place between two characters in different locations typing to each other in a chat room, and I think that plays a big part in the performances. The script is by Michelle de Joya who is currently kicking ass and taking numbers in Theater Mu’s The Kung Fu Zombie Saga: Shaman Warrior & Cannibals. The script is good but would benefit from a longer form, the ending feels truncated and unsatisfying, this might actually be better suited for film.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/coyfish

“Starved”: The Astonishing True Story of the University of Minnesota Starvation Experiment is the best acted and most complete and fully realized dramatic production I’ve seen so far at Fringe this year. An expansion of this would be a great fit for the History Theatre in St. Paul. Based on the true story of a study on the effects of starvation conducted during World War II by the University of MN on volunteers made up of conscientious objectors. It makes it clear the tremendous amount of courage and sacrifice made by those who participated. Branded cowards by much of society, these men participated so that they could be of service to mankind without engaging in the taking of human life.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/_starved-the-astonishing-true-story-of-the-university-of-minnesota-starvation-experiment

The Shrieking Harpies is an improv show so you know the drill, every performance will be unique. If you like it, you could take in more than just one of their time slots. The Shrieking Harpies are Hannah Wydeven, Lizzie Gardner, Taj Ruler and on the keyboard Justin Nellis. Unlike the other musical improv show I reviewed earlier in the Fringe run, Opera Punks, The Shrieking Harpies create a single 1 hour improvised musical rather than creating individual songs. I’ve seen the Harpies several times before and considered skipping them this time to catch one of the 50+ shows I won’t be able to get to. Then I said, screw it! I love them, and I’m so glad I went.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/the-shrieking-harpies

THE STAGES OF MN FRINGE OF THE DAY AWARD winner!!!!

Mother Courage Bear and Her Children was created by Clevername Theatre, the same company behind my favorite show of the 2022 Minnesota Fringe, Who’s Afraid of Winnie the Pooh? I don’t know if their theater is dedicated to creating works around childhood bears or if this is a coincidence. We’ll see next year in the do a show about a bear from darkest peru. This time around we have militant German Directors take on The Care Bear franchise, here presented as an allegory about capitalism and military industrial complex. The Care Bears and the Care Cousins have been at war with each other for centuries. Mother Courage makes her living off selling care messages but her greed eventually costs her everything. This is another brilliant idea by Clevername Theatre that takes a childhood property and makes a dark adult comedy that works. This is one of the best shows in Fringe, it’s not quite at the level of Who’s Afraid of Winnie the Pooh, but that maybe because I have a deep and abiding love of Winnie the Pooh and very little first hand knowledge of the Care Bears.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/mother-courage-bear-and-her-children

Don’t want to miss a single review from The Stages of MN? You can subscribe and have every post sent directly to your email. To subscribe on your computer: from the home page on the right, enter your email address and click subscribe. On your mobile device scroll to the bottom of the page and do the same. You can also follow me on Facebook, @thestagesofmn click follow and on Instagram thestagesofmn. You can also read some of my reviews syndicated on the MN Playlist website https://minnesotaplaylist.com/

I am also a member of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers (TCTB), where you can read roundups of shows by my colleagues and I on facebook @TwinCitiesTheaterBloggers. Follow that group, It’s a great way to see reviews for shows I don’t get to or to get another blogger’s take on one I did. We also produce the podcast Twin Cities Theater Chat!! which you can access through this link or wherever you enjoy podcasts https://twincitiestheaterchat.buzzsprout.com/ . We post biweekly longer form episodes that will focus on interviews and discussions around theater topics. There is also weekly shorter episodes in which we Bloggers tell you what we think you should get out and see as well as what we have on our schedules that we are most looking forward too.

Two Stars in the Vast Dark is a Science-Fiction story that acts as much of the genre does as an allegory for our current times. Faithful readers know that I gravitate towards stories that have a transgender component or representation. Creators, Charlotte Grey & Theo Leverenz, use the story of a deep space trucker played by Leverenz in the loneliness of space and the ships A.I. the BARD system, played by Grey as parallels to several different modern problems. There is the loneliness of the Transgender or non-binary, gender nonconforming individual who can feel marginalized and unsupported. But it also speaks to what we all went through during covid. The convergence of these experiences can help create understanding and empathy for those in our society on their transgender journey. As the Transgender Trucker and the Bard System connect, it shows us one path in which we might find connection with our fellow beings through our shared experiences. Oh, and it’s filled with songs that are all good, if a bit too similar to each other.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/two-stars-in-the-vast-dark

The Resilient Child created by Ariel Pinkerton is the exploration of the phrase, the resilient child and it’s meaning. We look at the world of children and parents through the lens of seven performers who all bring something different to the mix. Four adults and three youths all at different ages. The three youngest performers read something they have each prepared, the pieces reflecting their age and outlook on the world. The adults talk about their parents, childhood, being a parent, and reflections on the idea of the resilient child. Denzel Belin’s portion about his relationship with his father is at times very humorous while Katie Starks account of her mother’s final years is more dramatic. Aaron Henderson’s story told in the first person is really and examination of how to parent and embrace the resiliency of children as a way to help them learn to be adults. I think everyone will identify with something in the show, many with parts of every piece. The one that really resonated with me personally was Ariel Pinkerton’s who talked about the difficult life decisions she made without including her daughter, divorce, and asking a partner to move in with them. How children in these situations adapt to the new normal, new guardians, new siblings, blending of families. Just today my youngest son who is 20 is having a hard time and doesn’t really want his Mom and Dad around trying to help him, he wants his step-sister or as he thinks of her, his sister. Children have the ability to accept things and often find the positive, they see what they have gained, whereas we as adults can find it harder to see past the down sides of things.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/the-resilient-child

Allegro is written, directed, and stars Garrison Shea as a character who creates a soundtrack to his life that not only he can hear, but also those who are close to him. It’s a great idea with a good cast but a script that doesn’t fulfill the ideas potential. Maybe it’s somewhat autobiographical, maybe it isn’t, but that does seem to be a mistake writers can make. Getting locked into something that they feel they need to remain faithful to even in a disguised form. I’d encourage Shea to take this concept and go in a completely different direction. This has a very, artist working through something, feel to it. The story, aside from the high concept musical score that follows the character around part, feels like something that might have happened, which always feels cliche. The main character is really unsympathetic and this makes all of the resolutions feel unearned. I don’t want to discourage Shea, I think the general concept is really strong and as a performer I thought he was convincing even when the story wasn’t. I would definitely be on board for Allegro Take 2.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/allegro

THE STAGES OF MN FRINGE OF THE DAY AWARD winner!!!!

Boy Crazy is the one woman show by Madde Gibba who sings and overshares about her adventures with men. Combining various elements of storytelling, audience participation, in scene reading, and the performance of original songs, it’s another show that will be slightly different each time. So if you love it you might want to take it in a second time. Gibba, is so open and engaging of a performer that we are instantly with her. She’s very funny and you expect to laugh at her songs, but where this takes an interesting turn is that I found the songs for the most part, even after a hilarious explanation of why she wrote it, to be unfunny, but goodddddd. And she’s a very good singer, hamming it up if the song calls for it, or just performing it. These seem to be songs that have, as their catalyst, a funny or painful story, which was used to write a straight song. I thoroughly enjoyed Gibba’s show and her mention of Buster Keaton in a lyric put her over the edge to be awarded the completely useless and unrecognized, ‘Stages of MN Fringe of the Day Award’.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/boy-crazy

Don’t want to miss a single review from The Stages of MN? You can subscribe and have every post sent directly to your email. To subscribe on your computer: from the home page on the right, enter your email address and click subscribe. On your mobile device scroll to the bottom of the page and do the same. You can also follow me on Facebook, @thestagesofmn click follow and on Instagram thestagesofmn. You can also read some of my reviews syndicated on the MN Playlist website https://minnesotaplaylist.com/

I am also a member of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers (TCTB), where you can read roundups of shows by my colleagues and I on facebook @TwinCitiesTheaterBloggers. Follow that group, It’s a great way to see reviews for shows I don’t get to or to get another blogger’s take on one I did. We also produce the podcast Twin Cities Theater Chat!! which you can access through this link or wherever you enjoy podcasts https://twincitiestheaterchat.buzzsprout.com/ . We post biweekly longer form episodes that will focus on interviews and discussions around theater topics. There is also weekly shorter episodes in which we Bloggers tell you what we think you should get out and see as well as what we have on our schedules that we are most looking forward too.

Jagged Little Pill, the third album from Alanis Morissette released in 1995 was kind of a big deal to my generation. We were in our early twenties transitioning into adulthood which is what the album felt like for Morissette, less pop, a little darker, with a more mature sound and lyrics. After 5 straight days at the Minnesota Fringe Festival and 26 shows, I needed to switch gears and was looking forward to shaking it up a little bit. Then it happened, our soccer team Minnesota United progressed in League Cup to the round of 16 in a penalty shootout…a home game on the same night. This is as close as I ever want to be to a Sophie’s choice situation. Theater is my passion but as Dani Rojas says, “Football is life”. Professional, or in my circumstance hobby, integrity won out and I opted to honor my commitment to review Jagged Little Pill: The Musical. Spoiler, I watched the game after the show and the the Loons won again in a penalty shootout and are progressing to the quarter finals this Friday at 7:30 PM! I will be honoring my Fringe commitments and watching the game around midnight, at least it’s an away game. But I digress, in the end I made the right decision even though I missed singing Wonderwall with my Loonatics at Allianz, I got to see a show that defied the pigeon hole we tend to put Jukebox musicals in. Jagged Little Pill: The Musical is a show that actually addresses our human flaws and allows us to see that good people do bad things but facing those mistakes is how we heal.

Featuring music by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, lyrics by Morissette, with additional music by Michael Farrell and Guy Sigsworth. The book for the musical won the Tony Award in 2020 and is by Academy Award winner for Original Screenplay(Juno) Diablo Cody. The story tackles multiple issues with parallel storylines running throughout the show. Among the topics explored are rape, consent, LGBTQ+, Drug addiction, marital problems, privilege, adoption, and race to name a few. The show opens and closes with Mary Jane Healy composing her yearly Christmas letter so we get a nice little summary of where each of the characters in the family who are the focus of the show are at in the beginning and a nice little wrap up at the end. Mary Jane is recovered from a car accident suffered that year. Her husband Steve works 60 hours a week as a partner in his law firm. Son Nick has just been accepted into Harvard. While adopted daughter Frankie is always championing a cause, while secretly dating Jo a gender nonconforming classmate. This is a heavy show thematically but all of these themes do coalesce and illustrate how life’s struggles are systematic. Trauma from sexual assault can lead to a need for control, not dealing with it can lead to substance abuse issues, which can lead to marital issues which affect your children. Control can lead to expectations which can create pressure in one child and feelings of second best in another. I don’t want to say anything more about the plot because I think it sounds heavier than it is. It ultimately ends in a good and very real to life place and one of hope. What really is amazing about the show is how naturally the songs work, typically jukebox musicals tend to have a lot of songs that feel shoehorned in, like square pegs pounded into round holes. The tone and feel of the show emulate the vibe of the original album.

The female and nonbinary cast is very strong led by Heidi Blickenstaff as Mary Jane has a powerful voice and turns in a performance laced with sarcasm, vulnerability, and denial, at times wickedly funny and others heartbreakingly devastating. She’s the character everyone thinks is so perfect and in control, but underneath she’s the one spiralling out of control. Ironic don’t you think? Lauren Chanel plays her adopted, black daughter, Frankie. Chanel also has a very good voice and finds the tricky path to walk playing the girl we side with at times but also allowing us to see her privilege, which is also kind of ironic, don’t you think? Finally, Jade McLeod, who identifies as nonbinary, plays Frankie’s romantic interest Jo. McLeod gives Blickenstaff serious competition for best vocalist and they gets a couple of best songs from the album to perform “Hand in My Pocket” and “You Oughta Know“. The men don’t fair as well both Dillon Klena who plays Nick and Rishi Golani who plays Phoenix, another romantic interest of Frankie’s both seem too weak vocally, I’m not sure if the parts are out of their vocal comfort zone or if it’s something else.

Speaking of something else, the one major criticism of the production is the sound mix and design by Jonathan Deans. Everything is too loud and it causes the voices to become distorted, so the audience loses the lyrics that are being sung at times. It’s at the worst when there are multiple characters singing at once, particularly if they are singing different parts. The solo songs and quieter ones are best. The show is well staged and directed by Diane Paulus who uses Lucy Mackinnon’s video projections sparingly and effectively in coordination with Riccardo Hernandez Set Design. Projection as part of scenic design is here to stay, I’m not in favor of its use instead of actual sets. I think it works much better when it’s utilized like this to complement the physical set design. The show allows for a surprising amount of creative lighting given its setting in white upper class suburban Connecticut, but Lighting Designer Justin Townsend gets some moments to really shine creatively, pun intended.

If you are a fan of Alanis Morissette’s album Jagged Little Pill or a fan of musicals like Next to Normal you’re likely to really connect to this show as I did. For your enjoyment there are a couple of suggestions, bring some ear plugs, better to have them and not use them then not have them and wish you did. Second, please note this message from the Hennepin Theatre Trust website for this show so you are aware of anything that might be triggering for you.

Please note: This production contains strong language, adult themes, drug use, and moments of sexual violence that some may find upsetting. Jagged Little Pill addresses many topics of contemporary life, including sexual assault, opiate addiction, transracial adoption, gender and LGBTQIA+ identity, marriage struggles and mental health.

https://hennepintheatretrust.org/events/jagged-little-pill-broadway-tickets-minneapolis-mn-2023/

Jagged Little Pill: The Musical runs through August 13th at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Click the link above to purchase tickets. It’s one of the strongest new musicals to come around in years. Tackling complex human issues and illustrating the ways in which we are all more than one thing. We are not one issue, we exist within families and communities and we all affect and influence one another.

Don’t want to miss a single review from The Stages of MN? You can subscribe and have every post sent directly to your email. To subscribe on your computer: from the home page on the right, enter your email address and click subscribe. On your mobile device scroll to the bottom of the page and do the same. You can also follow me on Facebook, @thestagesofmn click follow and on Instagram thestagesofmn. You can also read some of my reviews syndicated on the MN Playlist website https://minnesotaplaylist.com/

A Jingle Jangle Morning By Spektakular Theatre is a science-fiction play inspired by the imagery of Bob Dylan’s classic song Mr. Tambourine Man. It’s lighthearted, whimsical and perfect for families with younger children. The show was created by Micael and Adam Gauger who also created the puppets, sets, and music for the show. It’s the puppets and sets that are the highlight of the show that tells the story of a young girl who ends up traveling to another world through a portal in an effort to rescue the moon. The most impressive single element is a large blue beetle type creature played by young actor Georgia McPherson. It’s a very fun costume and kudos to McPherson for scampering around on the ground and bringing the creature to life. While fun for the kids, it’s levels out at amusing for adults. While the story and performances are good, there’s a children’s show quality to the production that really makes its target audience the 10 and under crowd.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/a-jingle-jangle-morning

THE STAGES OF MN FRINGE OF THE DAY AWARD winner!!!!

Fargo Allegro By Nightfall Productions is basically as near as I can tell a line for line reenactment of the Coen Brothers film Fargo. As a big fan of the film and having been raised in Fargo I had to make room on my schedule for this one. I was rather amazed at how complete this production was and how creative in execution. The one addition is a jem of a narrator in the persona of Paul Bunyan played by Reverend Matt himself, Matthew Kessen with Heather Meyer as his companion Babe the Blue Ox. A fabulous cast and crew brings Director Brad Erickson creative staging to life. A combination of clever props, set pieces, projection, lighting, and a wonderful live-musical score under the musical direction of Hawken Paul. The entire cast is spot on but stand outs are husband and wife duo of Jay and Justine Carroll Melchior, Jay plays Jerry and has that Minnesotan accent down perfectly (my apologies if you weren’t trying to do an accent Jay), and Justine as Marge who has to play straight man to the collection of goofballs that surround her. Also Jeffrey Nolan who has quickly made it onto my must see list of local performers, gives a performance completely different from yet just as good as everything else I’ve seen him in so far.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/fargo-allegro

Lost In Bear Country: Birth, God, Death… and the Berenstain Bears this is a one man somewhat improvised show featuring the Berenstain Bear obsessed ADHD brain of Phil Gonzales. Created by Gonzales with his daughters Willow Piotrowski and Mitzi Gonzales Gravitz, each show features a wheel that Gonzales spins to determine which topics he will discuss, all of which he filters in some way through his encyclopedic knowledge of a certain bear family and their multimedia empire. This is a high energy and very funny show. Gonzales is a genuinely endearing performer who actually piqued my interest in learning more about the Berenstain Bears, whom I hadn’t thought about since my kids got out of first grade. Luckily, Gonzales has a Podcast which is about to hit its 400th episodes titled Deep In Bear Country – A Berenstain Bearcast .

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/lost-in-bear-country-birth-god-death-and-the-berenstain-bears#

OPERA PUNKS is a musical Improv show from Secret Cult Created by Kelly Shuda a former Music Director for The Second City in Chicago. Shuda plays the music in every imaginable genre and the five performers take suggestions from the audience and improvise songs on the spot. This has always been the most frightening form of improv for me to watch, I’m terrified for the performers as I cannot imagine the pressure of trying to be funny, rhyme and on key all at the same time. This cast is fearless though and I laughed out loud (with all the letters) many times.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/opera-punks

Don’t want to miss a single review from The Stages of MN? You can subscribe and have every post sent directly to your email. To subscribe on your computer: from the home page on the right, enter your email address and click subscribe. On your mobile device scroll to the bottom of the page and do the same. You can also follow me on Facebook, @thestagesofmn click follow and on Instagram thestagesofmn. You can also read some of my reviews syndicated on the MN Playlist website https://minnesotaplaylist.com/

I am also a member of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers (TCTB), where you can read roundups of shows by my colleagues and I on facebook @TwinCitiesTheaterBloggers. Follow that group, It’s a great way to see reviews for shows I don’t get to or to get another blogger’s take on one I did. We also produce the podcast Twin Cities Theater Chat!! which you can access through this link or wherever you enjoy podcasts https://twincitiestheaterchat.buzzsprout.com/ . We post biweekly longer form episodes that will focus on interviews and discussions around theater topics. There is also weekly shorter episodes in which we Bloggers tell you what we think you should get out and see as well as what we have on our schedules that we are most looking forward too.

THE STAGES OF MN FRINGE OF THE DAY AWARD winner!!!!

Audacious Ignatius: Lost in Atlantis Kyle Dekker’s new one man show takes the form of a cautionary historical lecture of 19th Century Politician, the second ever Lt. Governor of Minnesota, Ignatius Loyola Donnelly. Dekker’s entertaining and well thought out dissertation draws the portrait of a man whose ego drove his every action and reaction. A man whose speeches drew large crowds and whose course of action was always to attack his critics rather than take the high road. Throughout his life a land speculator, Congressman, Poet, and Science Fiction Author but his lasting legacy belongs to unhinged and science denying theories regarding the lost continent of Atlantis. Like, for real. Dekker makes the case with this look into the past that the more things change the more they stay the same. Instead of the lost continent of Atlantis, we have the lost election of Atlanta theories. Dekker, isn’t so on the nose about it, like a good teacher he gives us the facts and armed with them trusts in our ability to draw our own parallels. Like a good teacher he also makes the subject matter fun as well as informative.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/audacious-ignatius-lost-in-atlantis

Baldwin’s Last Fire is a mystery play, featuring as it’s protagonist the real life celebrated black gay author James Baldwin, set towards the end of his life during his retirement in France. It’s fun to see a mystery play at Fringe especially one’s that’s played straight, no pun intended. When children of immigrant families begin to disappear and then turn up murdered, one of the parents comes to Baldwin asking for his help as the police are doing nothing because of the color of their skin. They know Baldwin is intelligent and that he understands being “invisible” to those in authority. Reluctantly, Baldwin encouraged and assisted by his caretaker Park, begins to look into the disappearances. Director and star Harry Waters Jr. creates some interesting visuals such as a restless night and a Butterfly motif that are well realized.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/baldwin-s-last-fire

1992: Mistakes Were Made! is the new show from Jason Schommer. I enjoyed Schommer’s show last year about his relationship with Twin Cities comedic legend Louie Anderson and I liked this one even more. Schommer has a wonderful sense of storytelling pulling details together and fulfilling the promise of seeds planted earlier in the show. It helps that I’m roughly the same age as Schomer and all of his references from things like Days of Our Lives fall right into my pop culture make up as well. There’s a lot of audiences that will relate to his story of growing up overweight in “sensitive” small-town America, and of revisiting those feelings as an adult at high school reunions. Schomer also asks us to meditate on what makes a person a bully, a villian, or just a good person whose done a bad thing. And he does it all while making you laugh out loud.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/1992-mistakes-were-made-

Grindr Help Desk: The Musical is one of the hottest shows at Fringe this year selling out performances, so if this is something you’re interested in it’s highly recommended that you reserve your seat early or prepare to be in line really early. That said, this show isn’t for everyone, nor does it really live up to the hype. I knew Grindr was a hookup app but I didn’t realize it was just for gay men, having no experience with the app, perhaps if you are a user it will be more up your alley. I expected the show to be raunchy, which I’m fine with, and I didn’t mean to imply that I have any sort of issue with it dealing with gay sexuality, faithful readers know that I always try and boost the signal of LGBTQ+ productions. My issue is that I thought the humor would come from more than just saying naughty things. It’s a show with a great title, a premise rife with potential that is far too willing to settle for the shock value laughs and thus under delivers on every other aspect. There are definitely enjoyable moments and the star Jeremy Johnson is engaging and commits to the material. Unfortunately, it’s the material that lets him down as the songs are really just music that accompanies sexually explicit terms, and most of the humor avoids anything meaningful. It may be that I’m just too old for this material, I’m sure I would have loved it at 18 but at 51, I expect more. So perhaps gauge your interest on where you fall between those age ranges of 18 to 51. So again in warning this is not for everyone, I suspect men who have used Grindr will relate to the humor involving the apps features than someone unfamiliar. Also, it uses a lot of sexual jargon which your Mother probably knows, but you want to believe with all your heart she doesn’t, unless you are super comfortable with all of that, don’t go to this with your Mom.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/grindr-help-desk-the-musical

Butts in Seats: How to Get People to Attend Your Shakespeare Production by Having Musical Settings for the Lyrics in His Plays. Numerous Examples Included has a very noble goal which aligns with mine and my fellow Twin Cities Theater Bloggers. Creator Ken Takata is trying to devise ways through music to make Shakespeare more accessible to audiences and thus more successful. The problem with the show itself is that it just isn’t polished enough or clear and precise enough in it’s execution. The artists who perform Takata’s songs are all fantastic singers and many of the songs themselves are very good, I was particularly taken with his song for The Tempest. Tanaka primarily needs to work on scripting the moments between the songs so the production as a whole reflects the quality of the musical performances.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/butts-in-seats-how-to-get-people-to-attend-your-shakespeare-production-by-having-musical-settings-for-the-lyrics-in-his-plays-numerous-examples-included-

Gilda: A Tribute to the Beloved Comedienne Gilda Radner created and performed by Helena K Cosentino shows Cosentino’s affection for the late Gilda Radner. Alternating between giving biographical information about Radner’s life and career with reenactments of some of her best routines. Cosentino’s performances as Radner are all pretty good, not so good that you’d mistake her for Radner, but good enough that many of the routines instantly brought back memories of seeing them performed by Radner on TV when I was a kid. You’ll see all your favorites from Roseanne Roseannadanna to Emily Litella and Baba Wawa. The show pays loving tribute to Radner and was a fun way to spend an hour, remembering the brilliant entertainer that she was.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/gilda-a-tribute-to-the-beloved-comedienne-gilda-radner

Let Me Say This About That is an improv show starring Raffi Jarvis, Heather Meyer, and Danna Sheridan. Like the other improv shows in the festival this is a show you could see multiple times as each performance will be unique. The question with improv shows is less about what happens, because it’s always different, than whether the performers are funny or not. These performers are funny. The show is structured so that at every performance they improv three fake podcasts complete with commercials suggested by the audience. It’s a fun idea and these performers had me laughing quite a bit which is something of a feat for the 22nd show in four days that begins at 10:00 PM on a Sunday. If you like improv, you are in safe hands with the team behind this show.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/let-me-say-this-about-that

Hey faithful readers for more Fringe fun follow Minnesota Fringe on Instagram at mnfringe where members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers will be taking over the Fringe’s instagram account through Monday August 7th, which is the day The Stages of MN takes control!!

Don’t want to miss a single review from The Stages of MN? You can subscribe and have every post sent directly to your email. To subscribe on your computer: from the home page on the right, enter your email address and click subscribe. On your mobile device scroll to the bottom of the page and do the same. You can also follow me on Facebook, @thestagesofmn click follow and on Instagram thestagesofmn. You can also read some of my reviews syndicated on the MN Playlist website https://minnesotaplaylist.com/

I am also a member of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers (TCTB), where you can read roundups of shows by my colleagues and I on facebook @TwinCitiesTheaterBloggers. Follow that group, It’s a great way to see reviews for shows I don’t get to or to get another blogger’s take on one I did. We also produce the podcast Twin Cities Theater Chat!! which you can access through this link or wherever you enjoy podcasts https://twincitiestheaterchat.buzzsprout.com/ . We post biweekly longer form episodes that will focus on interviews and discussions around theater topics. There is also weekly shorter episodes in which we Bloggers tell you what we think you should get out and see as well as what we have on our schedules that we are most looking forward too.

Star Trek: The Next Improvisation is an improv show in which a group of talented improvisational actors in ST:TNG costumes act out a completely original episode of a Star Trek series set on the second-best Galaxy-class starship in the Federation. Because this is improv, every show will be unique so if you wanted to attend all five of their performances you would see a new episode each time. There’s no point in reviewing the details of an improv show, what matters is if the performers are good at improv or not. These are, not only were they all very funny, but what they produced actually would kind of work as a ST:TNG episode in a very silly version of that universe. If you are a Trekker, this is definitely a show to be sure and catch, maybe even more than once.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/star-trek-the-next-improvisation-presented-by-huge-theater

Kill B: The Epilogue is a follow up to the Quentin Tarantino film, which is setting the bar awfully high. Can the script for Kill B. reach that level? No. Is the show still enjoyable? Yes. Some of the performers seem a little actorly, as if they have their lines memorized but hadn’t yet internalized their characters so it feels slightly off. However, they all have their fight choreography down, and special shout out to Mike Lubke for his fight direction on the show. The standout for me was the performance by Natavia Lewis as the daughter seeking revenge on Beatrix Kiddo for killing her mother in front of her as seen in Kill Bill Vol. 1. Also on the technical side, I enjoyed the sound design, some fun props and set elements make this a very interesting show. This isn’t for everyone, but for Kill Bill die hard fans like Mrs. Stages of MN, it’s a must see.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/kill-b-the-epilogue

5 Prisoners is an anthology show presented by Ghoulish Delights, the company behind The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society, which faithful readers will know I have a soft spot for. Filled with local favorites many of whom are appearing in multiple shows at Fringe this year. Gregory Parks, Ariel Pinkerton, Boo Segersin, Tim Uren, and The Stages of MN Fringe of the Day Award Winner, Duck Washington. As the title suggests, the show features five short stories all exploring the theme of being a prisoner in some way. Each of the individual stories is written by a different writer: Pat Harrigan, John Heimbuch, Pinkerton, Uren, and Washington. My favorite segment was the opening story titled “Suit the Action“, in which Segersin plays an actress arrested for performing as Hamlet in Mens clothing. Segersin’s dialogue is made up about 80% of the time from Hamlet. Her performance left me wanting to see a version of Hamlet in which Segersin takes on the role of the melancholy Dane.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/5-prisoners

THE STAGES OF MN FRINGE OF THE DAY AWARD winner!!!!

Ha Ha Da Vinci Is a mixture of magic, dance, and music, show creator and star Phina Pipia is gifted in all three of these areas. There are a few magic tricks that really had me scratching my head at how Pipia accomplished them, but then magic always does that for me. I’m the magicians best friend as I’m not that interested in trying to figure out how they did it, and I’m not looking to spot the trick, I just enjoy magic for magic’s sake. The biggest thrill of the show though are the songs. Pipia has a sublime voice, in fact if there is one criticism of the show, it’s that there should be more songs. If the biggest problem your Fringe show has is that the audience wants more, you know you have a good show.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/ha-ha-da-vinci

4 Bisexuals and 2 Guys Named John Kill Dracula is the show for anyone who also enjoyed this years H.G. Well’s The Invisible Man. This is also a retelling of a classic genre tale which also utilizes the fact that we all know it’s a play to generate laughs. While not as polished as The Invisible Man, it takes the adaptation even further by updating the story to modern times. By doing so, it has some real fun with modern perspectives on sexual orientation, gender identity, and themes that wouldn’t have worked in the 1800’s. Faithful readers will know that I appreciate transgender representation in theater and this show features a Transgender character and has several performers whose preferred pronouns are They/Them. I love that there is a Transgender character, that there is a joke about them being “trans”, which isn’t at their expense, but at the expense of the ignorant old world Count.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/4-bisexuals-and-2-guys-named-john-kill-dracula

Yes No Maybe (please explain) is an off mix of video, music, humor, and reality that begins with a spot of audience participation. While all of the performers do a good job, there is just something about the show that didn’t click for me. The idea, which is that Kristina played by Kristina Fjellman, a middle aged woman whose subconsciousness is in the form of four people all named Amber, begin to delve into a pile of notes she received back when she was a teenager. This leads to the revaluation of her first romantic relationship with the benefit of adult hindsight. The idea has legs and a few of the songs are good, but hard to hear over the music and lacks a flow. The parts that work best are due to the undeniable charms of Fjellman whose sparkling eyes and welcoming smile make the audience long to just hangout with her singing songs and reminiscing about the good old days. We wanted more of that 80’s pop music video feel and less video of plastic toys.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/yes-no-maybe-please-explain-

We Can Wish: a Beatboxing and Music Variety Show embodies what makes the Minnesota Fringe Festival so great. Variety and a sense of community. This is a show that begins as soon as the audience is let into the theater, where Skippy the creator and star of the show greets and talks with each member of the audience. He poses for selfies and discusses what shows he’s seen and recommends and asks for recommendations as well. By the time the show ends you feel like you are old friends, I even got a hug out in the lobby at the end of the night. The show itself involves different kinds of music, there is beatboxing, which is amazing. The sounds Skippy can make with just his mouth on a microphone have to be heard to be believed. He also does some rapping, some serenading, a rock song, and one of the sweetest songs ever “Dancing in the Room” written for his Grandmother. Oh and dancing, there will be dancing. The show itself is different from most every other Fringe show, but then within the show itself it’s filled with so many different genres of music. The one thing that is consistent throughout the program is Skippy’s openness and willingness to expose and confront his fears and encourages the audience to do the same in their own lives.

https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2023/we-can-wish-a-beatboxing-and-music-variety-show

Hey faithful readers for more Fringe fun follow Minnesota Fringe on Instagram at mnfringe where members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers will be taking over the Fringe’s instagram account through Monday August 7th, which is the day The Stages of MN takes control!!

Don’t want to miss a single review from The Stages of MN? You can subscribe and have every post sent directly to your email. To subscribe on your computer: from the home page on the right, enter your email address and click subscribe. On your mobile device scroll to the bottom of the page and do the same. You can also follow me on Facebook, @thestagesofmn click follow and on Instagram thestagesofmn. You can also read some of my reviews syndicated on the MN Playlist website https://minnesotaplaylist.com/

I am also a member of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers (TCTB), where you can read roundups of shows by my colleagues and I on facebook @TwinCitiesTheaterBloggers. Follow that group, It’s a great way to see reviews for shows I don’t get to or to get another blogger’s take on one I did. We also produce the podcast Twin Cities Theater Chat!! which you can access through this link or wherever you enjoy podcasts https://twincitiestheaterchat.buzzsprout.com/ . We post biweekly longer form episodes that will focus on interviews and discussions around theater topics. There is also weekly shorter episodes in which we Bloggers tell you what we think you should get out and see as well as what we have on our schedules that we are most looking forward too.

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

Hey faithful readers for more Fringe fun follow Minnesota Fringe on Instagram at mnfringe where members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers will be taking over the Fringe’s instagram account through Monday August 7th, which is the day The Stages of MN takes control!!

Don’t want to miss a single review from The Stages of MN? You can subscribe and have every post sent directly to your email. To subscribe on your computer: from the home page on the right, enter your email address and click subscribe. On your mobile device scroll to the bottom of the page and do the same. You can also follow me on Facebook, @thestagesofmn click follow and on Instagram thestagesofmn. You can also read some of my reviews syndicated on the MN Playlist website https://minnesotaplaylist.com/

I am also a member of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers (TCTB), where you can read roundups of shows by my colleagues and I on facebook @TwinCitiesTheaterBloggers. Follow that group, It’s a great way to see reviews for shows I don’t get to or to get another blogger’s take on one I did. We also produce the podcast Twin Cities Theater Chat!! which you can access through this link or wherever you enjoy podcasts https://twincitiestheaterchat.buzzsprout.com/ . We post biweekly longer form episodes that will focus on interviews and discussions around theater topics. There is also weekly shorter episodes in which we Bloggers tell you what we think you should get out and see as well as what we have on our schedules that we are most looking forward too.