I procrastinated writing my blog long enough to miss the 1:00 show, and then headed out a bit late to catch the 2:30 at the Woman’s Club, forgetting about the Loring art fair. So much for that idea. So my Fringe day actually started at 4 for Vanquished at HUGE. There are many things to like about this show. The undeniably talented solo actor is playing someone apparently afflicted with multiple personality disorder – but the personalities are all of either famous or fictitious murderers or people who have been affected by the untimely deaths of those close to them. Compelling, certainly. What lost me was the actor’s bio: “Witness the art of real drama as stage star, Taylor Daniel Anderson, 23 makes his Minneapolis debut. His natural stage craft is uncanny; he’ll hook you at the outset and hold you spell bound throughout. His performance in Vanquished will be much talked about. This is a rare opportunity to witness stage savant.” I really wish that anything about this production would make me think that this is tongue in cheek, but I’m afraid not. I had no idea I was in the presence of such greatness – nor would I have known were I to just base my opinion on his performance. By the way, did I mention that my oft-lauded breasts are magical and have the ability to grant wishes? Judge for yourself whether Vanquished lives up to its own opinion of itself Tuesday at 8:30 at HUGE.
Zoom zoom down Lyndale for Once Upon a Chalkboard at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage. So clever, so charming, splendid improv actors Tyler Michaels and Tod Petersen spin fairy tales with not only audience suggestion, but also audience illustration. Every show will be different, and this one is good for all ages. Yes, there is audience participation, but shocking numbers of people WANT to participate (they must not be from around here) so don’t worry about being dragged up against your will. They sold out today! Next show Thursday at 5:30 at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage.
Back to HUGE for Press Conference at the End of the World by Kelvin Hatle (phot above). There’s a meteor or aliens hurtling toward the earth, and all we really want to know is what is the President’s wife wearing and argue the merits of different styles of barbeque? Sounds about right. But what’s really going on? Kelvin portrays a range of voices, from the “official” line, to the science representative, to the conservative redneck. Who are we to believe? As a solo performer, Kelvin is a master at exploring the probable to the preposterous. Very tight, very funny, uncomfortably predicting that life will mimic art… Next up Sunday at 2:30 and Tuesday at 10:00 at HUGE Theater.
Ariel Leaf is every parent’s nightmare (except the part where she survived her teens and became a very lovely adult). In this great solo show, Ariel walks us through her colorful life and the person she was (and the name she called herself) at various points. She’s funny, candid and engaging. And she’ll make you want to lock up your teenagers. Just in case. See Died in a Trailer Park/Woke Up a Mermaid tonight (Sunday) at 10, Monday at 7 at HUGE Theater.
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