Sub-Total
2023 Audience Reviews
Member Reviews
The following reviews were submitted by Fringe Member: Lee Samelson
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Company: Rippling Stories
Show: Against the Odds: Rachel Carson and the Writing of Silent Spring
Venue: Augsburg Studio
An important courage story that deserves 2b told
Well I could not allow myself to miss seeing a good environmental show in Augsburg Studio… The story of what led up to Silent Spring is an important story to be remembered. As someone who works with environmental activists of many stripes, the recurring themes of having an idea rejected because it is “too controversial”, or risking the wrath of the reactionary industrial dinosaurs is all too real. Amidst the familiar chorus of voices calling for “pragmatism”, there is the light of conscience that know when everything dear is being threatened, staying silent is a sin- that is what the show illustrates. Having worked in an environment where my manager would put on an astronaut looking space suit to spray pesticides way after hours when no one else was around... and then coming down with a treatable form of cancer- it hits personal for me and others. The most magical part about the show was when the actress impersonated Rachael Carson at the end. It was like she was there today being interviewed right there (though in a time warp to 1962). That takes real talent. One thing to add is that much is still relevant today right here in the city. I participated in a mini protest about some illegal use of pesticides in Minneapolis parks. Having gotten the signatures to bring a resolution on this to the floor of a political convention, I have seen the debate between those who say we need some limited pesticide use for special cases and giving natural organic alternative landscape treatments a chance and who has swayed members of the Park Board on this.
Company: David Stillman
Show: Grindr Help Desk: The Musical
Venue: Mixed Blood Theatre
A Show that needed to be made- Thank you!
While there are so many great hooks and clever word play, it is so much more. Most of all, the show provides a valuable act of public service by unveiling what the hidden rules are of Grindr. For any who may be unfamiliar with the experience, it can be quite frustrating when one gets ghosted or blocked like nobody’s business without being given a clue as to what hidden rule was violated. It would be extremely helpful to know what they are so I don’t make the same mistake over and over again. So, it was quite cathartic to see how I violated 5 out of 7 of those hidden rules in my own profile. Without being a spoiler, the hidden rules basically revolve around pure instant/ indulgent sex in the moment without the need for emotional attachment, and where an ongoing quest for external validation is in the drivers seat with affection being a biproduct of those fortunate to make a great connection. The matter can get a bit subjective though. I do find it a great mark of self-awareness for one to share if they are an ENTJ or whichever MBTI type. When I looked Grindr itself up on Personality Database.com it came up as ESTP 7W8. Those are 2 letters apart from each other marking a personality preference. I find it helpful to know who prefers Big J-ness or Big P-ness… Opps… well that could be a great line for the show.
Company: Kurkendaal Barrett Presentations
Show: Climbing my family tree
Venue: Rarig Center Thrust
Genie-Ology
The actor is very relatable and sounds like a neat guy to get to know. I remember talking to my grandfather when he was 99. Finding some worthwhile knowledge of one's ancestry is like opening a treasure chest after making a wish to the genie. At first I found it hard to follow along when there was background music in the opening minute or two of the show. But then it cleared up and held my attention throughout. That plus to mini stories within the script is something special you just can't say no to.
Company: Hercules Theatre Company
Show: Adaptopus
Venue: Augsburg Mainstage
Did Jabobey win the primary election?
I ended up being glad I made a last-minute split-second decision to see Adaptopus. It is good to read a bit of info on this show page first. At the beginning I was slightly lost, as most of the characters did not really introduce themselves at the start. But then I caught on pretty quickly, realizing that it was a team helping a senator prep for a candidate forum. And then it captivated me at the end, as someone who organizes candidate forums for a living. One thing that I am curious about is that this page does not tag the show with political content. Someone who is looking for political content could relate to the show, though it was more about character than specific issues. It is interesting to incorporate an Octopus into the plot, I kept wondering when it would make an appearance! The image of an Octopus is often used as a political symbol representing evil that has tentacles in many places- often used to depict the Koch network. So I was curious if that metaphor would be of use? There were a few points when it was funny and I recall the audience chuckling. I have always been wondering how a dog I used to take care of would react if he saw an octopus crawling around. That would be a funny scene. The end left me hanging on what would happen in a sequel.
Company: THEATRE23
Show: Coyfish
Venue: Augsburg Mainstage
Masterfully Done
It was great to see Keiven and Tri following in some great footsteps at the Fringe with doing professional quality acting and delivering it masterfully well on the first night. I made it a priority to see this one the opening night as it had many parts about online dating that I found quite relatable. The show held my attention through the end. It was an interesting twist in how the 2 characters were not talking directly to each other per se for well beyond the first half of the show but were using a chat feature. And then there was some sort of magic when they do meet in person, as well as an emotional roller coaster. The plot takes a wild twist in between which you might not realize until the end. I can’t quite spoil what that surprise twist is, so go see the show!