2024 Audience Reviews
Member Reviews
The following reviews were submitted by Fringe Member: Susan Hulbert
Company: Denzel Belin Presents
Show: 5 Episodes of Minnesota Tonight; 4 Minnesota Fring3, it’s Minnesota 2Night’s 1st Time at Minnesota Fringe.
Venue: Mixed Blood Theatre
Ham Lake "ham"
Eight reviews so far....all good ones. Here's my theory on Kitty Ratings. Patrons are "MN Nice." So if they do not like the show, they give NO review rather than a bad one. I am going to buck the trend here. I didn't enjoy this show. Too loud, too much forced enthusiasm from the actors (comedians), too much boisterous exaggerated laughter from the middle row at Mixed Blood (7 pm Thurs night.) We, in the front row, were not as enthusiastic. Jokes delivered too quickly. Couldn't hear many of them because of overriding laughter from middle row. Jokes for the "in-crowd." If you were in the "out-crowd" like me you didn't understand all of them I particularly loved Farmer David from Ham Lake... examining and questioning the booking requirement by Taylor Swift for her performance at a tiny dive bar in a tiny town. We need to encourage more "diversity" in the ratings. All the shows CANNOT be 4.5 - 5.0 Kitties. That's why we have
Company: Martin Dockery
Show: Martin Dockery: TRUTH
Venue: Theatre in the Round
True Story ?
Lots of energy by Martin....so much so that I got exhausted and almost fell asleep (830 show; I typically go to bed at 9pm.) But it's the Fringe, so I stayed up late. Lots of laughs, creative "True" story. We're in the same political camp, so I could relate to all the references to the antagonist. Solo shows are difficult for me; 60 minutes is too long.....I get antsy. If you want HIGH energy check out TRUTH.
Company: Tennessee Playwrights Studio
Show: That Woman - The Monologue Show
Venue: Mixed Blood Theatre
"Those throw-away Women...." Why is that?
History gets written by the Winners i.e. white males. "Ditto," to the 7 reviews before mine. I was in in 5th grade at the time of JFK's assassination and never veered into his "extra-curricular activities." This Fringe production was crisp, to- the-point, enlightening and well acted. There was no stage set and that was perfect for focusing my attention on the monologues of the "Those women's" honest, emotional and impactful stories. Check it out, along with productions at Mixed Blood. A nice walk in-between the 2 venues.
Company: The Feral Theatre Company
Show: Mae West's The Drag
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Drag your Butt to This Show
I've seen Drag and I've seen many contemporary, classical and comedic live theater productions. I have never seen the 2 combined. Mae West's The Drag is a fabulous one act play with both. You will think, you will be surprised, you will laugh. Get a front row seat if you can. Hat's off to Playwright Joseph and the entire huge cast. I loved it!
Company: Pretend Productions
Show: Daddy Issues
Venue: Phoenix Theater
Allison Nailed It.
Boy! did this story by Allison ever hit the nail on the head. I had similar experience with my Father and his decline into dementia and eventual death. She captured ALL the emotions of a topsy-turvey, nonsensical, healthcare mess that we have created. ALL the emotions of a relationship gone bad as a result of dementia. All the frustration of falling down into the rabbit hole of forms, documents, and assessments that meant nothing. Allison had us laughing and crying. Great production. Thanks.
Company: Theatre On The Rocks
Show: A Horse Walks Out Onto the Stage and Dies
Venue: Phoenix Theater
Sam Sweere is brilliant.
Great show. A truly brilliant actor/writer. Lots of creativity. I agree with the above review: "At one point the horse asks, "is anyone here involved with an animal rights organization?" YES! I thought. We are going to move to hope and planning and improv with the audience about this strategy! Alas, that was just a laugh line before devolving back to self-pity." I agree; too much languishing in the emotional downer of life's end. Cut 10 minutes out of that segment and Sam still has a 45 min show. Thanks for the good time!