2023 Audience Reviews

Company: Special When Lit and The Winding Sheet Outfit
Show: Stabby Stab Stab
Venue: Crane Theater

Creepy and Expertly Done

This a brilliant tale of the Slenderman girls of Wisconsin. It's creepy and, in truth, sad, and it's a complicated story handled really well by the actors and director. As the isolated lives and minds of the girls play out on stage, beautiful, intense projections appear behind them, set to an incredibly haunting live soundtrack. Great job by everyone involved. I'm really glad I saw Stabby Stab Stab. It's well worth the easy trek over to the Crane to see it. Reserve ahead.

Company: Monster Science Productions
Show: Monster Science's Greatest Hits
Venue: Augsburg Studio

They're All Great

I have chosen to see Dinosaurs and Muppets for my Monster Science Greatest Hits. You would be wise to make your choice and reserve ahead. The depth of knowledge Reverend Matt brings to his "lectures" is matched only by his wit. I had previously seen his dinosaur show, but I was eager to see it again because my head is not built to remember genera and species, only jokes and great visuals. Funny and informative, Monster Science delivered again.

Company: Marie Cooney Stories
Show: JONAH & JOANNA... And the Great Big Fish
Venue: Mixed Blood Theatre

A Minnesota Whale Tale

Marie spins a biblical story in a raucous way. At least from my perspective, this is a very child-friendly show where she retells Jonah and the Whale with her local flavoring.

Company: Ghoulish Delights
Show: 5 Prisoners
Venue: Southern Theater

The Shorts Fringe Needs

I love short and pointed plays, and this themed compilation is excellent. Well-known, talented, and beloved local writers and actors give you 5 takes on Prisonerhood. Not all of the pieces may speak to you, but there are some great commentaries in the mix. I would love a Fringe that was more short-friendly. Until then, I hope Ghoulish, et al continue to produce themed compilations of stories like this because not every idea needs 55 minutes.

Company: Paco Erhard
Show: 5-Step Guide to Being German
Venue: Rarig Center Thrust

Hilarious!

Learning about the USA by learning about Germany was not necessarily on my Fringe wishlist, but Paco is brilliant and makes it work hilariously. In wonderful conversational stand-up style, he takes you on a journey around German history and culture, and his history and culture, all while holding a mirror up squarely to the face of America. So smart, funny, and irreverent, my group of six absolutely loved it.

Company: Mermaid Productions
Show: The Very Model of a Modern Monster Scientist
Venue: Augsburg Studio

Very Entertaining

Reverend Matt is a hilarious staple of the varied and vast Twin Cities' Academic-Lecture-Come-Comedy scene. How does he do it? Well, as we find out, with assistance! Meet Elora, his more than capable research agent. Part lecture, part sketch, all comedy. This is a very fun show. A must-see for all Monster Science fans.