Sub-Total
2023 Audience Reviews
Member Reviews
The following reviews were submitted by Fringe Member: Josh Elmore
Company: Nightfall Productions
Show: Fargo Allegro
Venue: Rarig Center Thrust
Impressive for an adaptation
I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this performance. The rapid change of scenes was very difficult, but they pulled it off. There were a few awkward moments that made the cast seem a bit unrehearsed, but it’s easy to forgive those when the show is so enjoyable to watch. They were very aware of their audience of Minnesotans, and delighted us with many local cultural references. One of the accents definitely sounded Irish at times, but I thought it was amusing. Well done, everyone!
Company: Blinking Eye Theatre
Show: Romeo & Juliet Are Dead
Venue: Rarig Center Arena
Wow! Defied expectations
I thought this play would be a little more farcical, like some other shows I’ve seen in the same venue this season. I was sp pleasantly surprised by this tale of existentialism. The leads have fantastic chemistry, were clearly well-prepared for the extensive lines, and used the space in a very effective way. I’m thoroughly impressed. Highly recommend.
Company: Hercules Theatre Company
Show: Adaptopus
Venue: Augsburg Mainstage
Am I missing something?
I really wanted to like this show. It had an original idea and the cast seemed to be enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, they were limited by a lackluster script that created large areas of dead space. The entire first half-hour of the show could be cut. Though there were moments of humor, the rest was tedious dialog that made it easy to zone out for periods of time. The plot went in different directions, and there was no real payout at the end. The blocking also left the audience to see the character’s backs for much of the show. There’s a lot of potential here, but it’s not ready yet.
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Company: Lady Chamberlain Productions
Show: 4 Bisexuals and 2 Guys Named John Kill Dracula
Venue: Rarig Center Arena
Great moments, but the script needs work
This is a delicious mess of a show. There are so many wonderful moments between castañares, and the ridiculousness of it is (mostly) highly entertaining. However, the script has significant awkward stretches of dead dialogue that will have you looking forward to the next scene. It’s fresh energy is infectious and, with some script edits, can be a knockout.
Company: Melancholics Anonymous
Show: A Girl Scout’s Guide to Exorcism
Venue: Rarig Center Arena
Best out of 7
This was my 7th show of the festival, and it’s the best I’ve seen. Phenomenal writing that is simultaneously hilarious and insightful. Electric cast chemistry. I can’t recommend this one highly enough.
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Company: Special When Lit and The Winding Sheet Outfit
Show: Stabby Stab Stab
Venue: Crane Theater
The true definition of horror
This is a well-researched, nuanced, brilliantly-acted show. I was able to feel deep empathy for both the actresses (without spoiling anything), and they each had solid commitment to their characters. Tragic, but eye-opening. And the sounds were incredible. I absolutely loved it.
Company: Sandbox Theatre
Show: Yes No Maybe (please explain)
Venue: Rarig Center Thrust
Nostalgic, but didn’t land for me
There are excellent elements to this show, such as the creative use of AV equipment. There are also a lot of fun references that will delight audiences, but this production would’ve been better as a short music video rather than a full-length show. I grew tired of the songs after about 10 seconds in, and found them distracting and hard to hear. I’m giving it a 4 because of the interesting take on an older concept, but the entertainment factor for me was a 3.5.
Company: Wet Splat Productions
Show: 20,000 Leagues Under the Telltale Heart
Venue: Rarig Center Arena
Excellent as expected!
I came to the show tonight after meeting one of the performers at the Star Trek show the night before. The cast has phenomenal chemistry, and they play off each other very well. Will absolutely see them in the future!
Company: What's Next Productions
Show: Pillow Talk
Venue: Rarig Center Arena
Good cast, bad writing
I really wanted to like this, as it shows LGBTQ couples in a way they aren’t often portrayed, but the show had a confusing plot line and never did anything with its many good ingredients. The supernatural element detracted from what was otherwise a great story of generational parallels. The actors are better suited for comedy instead of drama.
Company: Boldly Go Productions
Show: Star Trek: The Next Improvisation - Presented by HUGE Theater
Venue: Rarig Center Thrust
Solid as always
I’ve seen this company perform before, and while they stumbled at points during this particular performance (opening night), I have full faith that the next shows will be wonderful. Great cast and great chemistry. I’m gonna see it again in the fall!
Company: Rail Time Productions
Show: Rails!
Venue: Rarig Center Xperimental
“It’s ridiculous… I like it”
This is what I whispered to someone at the show. It took me a few minutes to get into the humor, and there are definitely a few things including cringe moments, but I ended up laughing so much. I met the writer and told her how fabulous the jokes were. This was my first fringe show this season and I was skeptical, but I highly recommend.