“Four Humors Does Every Show in the Fringe” at the 2014 Fringe Festival

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There may be 169 shows in the 2014 MN Fringe Festival, but the Four Humors does all of them in their production aptly named Four Humors Does Every Show in the Fringe. To start the show, the cast has a random audience member pick a ping pong ball, each numbered one through 169. Next, the cast parodies the actual Fringe show which corresponds to that number. The show utilizes improv spectacularly. The cast clearly has chemistry and responds well to each others’ choices. A guest performer is brought in for each of the shows and helps facilitate the transitions. Every so often a “new show review” will come in and the cast quickly responds to whatever the review states. The show is jammed packed with brilliant improvisation and witty one-liners. What sets this show apart from most improve comedy shows is the fact that it weaves together an entire plot with character developments. This means that after the show is over the audience leaves with a well-rounded tale, true to the actual show’s synopsis, and is still entertained with the vibrant action and laugh-out-loud moments. I give 1.25 stars to each of the humors (that means 5 stars overall). Continue Reading

“Fotis Canyon” at the 2014 Fringe Festival

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In Fotis Canyon, one man sits on the stage. One desk, one light cue, one large and eager audience. “Mike Fotis is a god,” I hear fringe goers whisper as we shuffle into the Rarig Thrust. The show begins. He asks for the houselights up because ‘we’re all a part of this”. He checks his phone for the time, he takes the occasional drink from a water bottle, and he simply sits and begins his storytelling. This show is funny, the audience laughs like high school kids fawning over the queen bee. The writing is well done, hilarious and insightful and covers everything from the challenges of having your mom dress you and your twin brother identically all through middle school, to the challenges of social anxiety in his given industry. My only complaint, the show didn’t seem exactly like live theatre, or the kind of live theatre we’re used to. Its a bit off putting to see he hasn’t even memorized the show. It felt like you were listening to a really interactive audio book. Like sure, we all want to read Bossypants, but wouldn’t you rather hear it from Tina Fey herself? This show is something different to give a try, I promise you’ll have something to say about it.  Continue Reading

“The Confederate” at the 2014 Fringe Festival

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I didn’t even read a synopsis for The Confederate, to be quite honest. I was near the Mixed Blood theatre at showtime, and decided to give it a try. Something to know about me; I am extremely interested in mind games. I am currently perusing a degree to work with the psychology of marketing, which in other words could mean how to manipulate peoples brains in order to make a sale. (To put it lightly). This show is set in 1960s, and follows a New England husband and father of nine as he takes a new job as an actor in a study at Yale University. Post Holocaust, The Milgram Experiment is testing how far people will go, even if means torturing or killing someone, because they are told to do so. It deals with themes of authority and has some really original ties to Greek mythology. As the story goes on, the audience sits at the edge of their seats as you can’t help but think “this is messed up. This is messed up but I can’t get enough”. The performance from lead actor Robb Krueger was outstanding. I will repeat, outstanding. The show moves gracefully and everything from props, to sets, to costumes, to lights all were realistic and well executed. Even if you aren’t as interested in the topic of social experiments as me, I can promise you will still thoroughly enjoy this show.  Continue Reading

Broken Silence Theatre’s “Equanimity” at the 2014 Fringe Festival

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Broken Silence Theatre’s production of Equanimity was a fascinatingly hectic show. There were some very thought provoking ideas about the reality of dreams and what it is to be alone. At moments Equanimity was very confusing and the ending seemed a bit sudden and abrupt. All in all, I’d say that this is a fun show to see and that it is appropriate for ages 15 and up because of sexual themes. Continue Reading

“Failure: A Love Story” at the 2014 Fringe Festival

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Campbell Production’s Failure: A Love Story was beautifully tragic and heartbreakingly funny all at the same time. In the span of 55 minutes it made the audience laugh and it made them cry. The story was well written and surprisingly believable. The cast members seemed comfortable with each other and apart from a few line fumbles they seemed to know the play very well. Kim Kivens and Charles Fraser were brilliant in their portrayals of birds, cats, and dogs. This is a spectacular show and you should definitely see it before it’s too late. Continue Reading

“Before I Go” at the 2014 Fringe Festival

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Before I Go, performing for the Minnesota Fringe Festival at the Mixed Blood Theatre, is a “collection of tragicomedies” which explore death and the moments before. Each mini-play involves a different set of characters who go through very distinct journeys to their last moments of life. The play uses these diverse circumstances to examine the ways in which people handle death and what is most important before dying, as well as what is left unsaid when death comes unexpectedly. Continue Reading

“The Neverland Players” at the 2014 Fringe Festival

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One of the most beautiful aspects about children is their imaginations. Children’s imaginations run free, not yet wavered by experience and the realization that not everything is possible. Losing that imagination is one of the many tragedies of growing up and becoming aware of the world. Fortunately, The Neverland Players, performing in the Fringe Festival at the U of M Rarig Center Xperimental, allow us to relive the days of making up stories about Evil Cupcakes and Rocks Named Zimbabwe. Continue Reading

“Our American Assassin; Or You Can’t Handle The Booth!” at the 2014 Fringe Festival

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Mainly Me Productions’ Our American Assassin; Or You Can’t Handle The Booth! was comedic genius. There were moments when you had to struggle to hear the fast talking actors over the audiences increasingly loud laughter. The cast worked very well together and they had no qualms about making fun of both themselves and the acting community. Andy Craft had amazing comedic timing and he and Josh Carson played the parts of morons brilliantly. Overall, I’d have to say that this production is appropriate for ages 15 and up. Continue Reading

“Defiance Alliance! An Atomic Comic” at the 2014 Fringe Festival

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Raw Sugar’s Defiance Alliance! An Atomic Comic was a witty, comedic rolic about superheroes, science, and 75 different macaroni recipes. The three-person cast worked together like well oiled machinery, seamlessly transitioning their cardboard set into different settings. Jenny Moeller, who played Delilah, was hysterically funny, both with her dialogue and her facial expressions. The actors played off of each other and the audience beautifully. Although there were some line slip ups in the beginning, it was still a tight performance. Because of swearing I would say that this show is appropriate for ages 14 and up. Continue Reading

“Panties On My Head: Real Stories from MN Roller Derby” at the 2014 Fringe Festival: Barely informative or funny

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Panties On My Head: Real Stories from MN Roller Derby caught my eye as it was listed as “something different” in the MN Fringe Category. While there were scattered laughs, interesting blocking and a neat concept, I felt the show lacked intention. Was I supposed to be informed about the sport of roller derby as a whole or about what the players went through? I felt it was honestly giving me a half ass taste of both. The plot had no arch or buildup and the ending seemed forced and in your face. I don’t recommend seeing this show unless you are already a big derby fan, however I give kudos for actors on roller blades!  Continue Reading