Sub-Total
2025 Audience Reviews
Member Reviews
The following reviews were submitted by Fringe Member: Richard Shields
Company: Tree.Lock//Productions
Show: The Professionals: A Broadcast
Venue: The Southern Theatre
Retro or Futuristic or the Here & Now?
A lot happen in this show yet at times sending out a mellow vibe. At times I got the futuristic overtones and at others it reminded me of the counter culture vibes of my youth (am 71). At times this show moves rapidly but at other times you could catch your breath and reflect. I left feeling okay.
Company: an alleged Theatre Company
Show: The Temporary Tattoo Trio
Venue: Rarig Kilburn Theatre
Wisconsin Dells and Lots of Bro Angst
Besides tattoos and a relaxed paced (not so much), you get a trip to the Wisconsin Dells and to unwarp a ton of male angst. No deep messages but some great laughs along with the free tattoos. I like it.
Company: Twin Cities Trapeze Center
Show: Tapeze
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Dancing, Comedy, Athletic Feats Oh My!
An extraordinary show which seems to display the talents of a cast of 1000s! You get dance, comedy and gymnastics. You have a cast that ranges in age from your grandparents to your middle age relatives to the 20 somethings to elementary school. While mainly female their were some men on stage. There appeared to be a range of talent levels displayed too. A fast paced and intense show that holds your interest. Loved the cast's diversity and unique skill sets. Remember them for future patronage.
Company: SUPERMOON
Show: All Your Shimmering Gold
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
At Least 3 Shows In One
This production has three comments. By the end of the hour you see how well they blended in this skillfully done show. It open as a satirical show and tell "from" a military contractor ( which does actually exist). It moves into a Wagner opera which changes gold to uranium at one point. We close with the reality of nuclear destruction made more potent as this week is the historic date that marks America's dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan. This show comes at you intellectually, emotionally and in an intense sensory manner. If you can see it go and if the schedule allows a companion show at Fringe is titled"Salt", which delivers an antiwar message too.
Company: Duluth Improv
Show: Duluth: An Improvised Midwest Murder
Venue: Rarig Nolte Xperimental Theatre
Murder Actually Not In Duluth!
The murders occurred per audience input not in Duluth. One of the killers went all Sweeney Tood in disposing the evidence! Fun and fast pace improv at its most creative. I would see this performance company again. Go to their final show if you can.
Company: KAIROS Dance Theater
Show: husk/vessel
Venue: The Southern Theatre
A Dance Show with Q & A
Y first dance show of this year's Minnesota Fringe. Tonight four members performed. The show has been touring nationally. It was 40 minutes of intens movement. The performers took questions and gave responses.
Company: Timothy Mooney Repertory Theatre
Show: Breakneck Twelfth Night
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance
I Knew Him When He Was Moliere
He was great back when and had aged like a fine wine. A great showman that delivers a face paced show that was as promised. He holds his audience. This show should be on your closing list.
Company: Aethem Theatre
Show: Grief, It's What's For Dinner
Venue: Open Eye Theatre
A Reality-based Show On Care-giving
Powerful and well delivered. This show explores being a caregiver to a dementia family member. I was such a caregiver so the show rang true. It is told in a manner that does not leave you depressed. If you want a serious show consider this one.
Company: Michael Rogers
Show: That Which Is Green
Venue: The Southern Theatre
A Waiting For Godot Vibe
The show had some interesting themes. The actors commanded the stage. The green light as a symbol of life had an affirming vibe. A note: the performers use the stage, aisles and rear entry area so pay attention.
Company: Third Space Theater
Show: Breach
Venue: Theatre in the Round
At Last Some Killing!
Very well crafted and presented production The six person cast displayed an array of emotions. I did get feels of being at sea, in a storm and facing a dread crab! I could hear clearly and enjoyed the performance.y emotional state was impacted. If you want drama go to this production.
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Company: JexArzayus Productions
Show: La Tunda: A Reimagining of a Colombian Folklore
Venue: Mixed Blood
Lots of Action At The Bar
This 8 person cast kept things moving on the stage. The show has a diverse vibe. A rediscovery of roots, romantic hook-ups, horror and lite noir in a Latinx setting demands a lot of a cast in one hour but they deliver. I liked the show and was fine with the ending. A new producers entry. I suggest adding it to your list.
Company: Octoberdandy Productions
Show: Clown Funeral
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Death Can Be A Delight
Had I had known the funeral was going to be so amusing I would have wished him dead much sooner! He got a great send off and the crowd was large and attentive give it was Happy Hour on a Monday in August. He touched so many of us often times in ways that might have been illegal in some states. All and all my only regret is he omitted my name from the will when almost every layabout in town got something in his final bequests! I had a great time and cannot wait for another funeral like this one!
Company: Paper Soul
Show: Boxcutter Harmonica
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance
Intriguing
An intriguing performance. Well researched and performed. The crowd responded well
Company: Griffy LaPlante
Show: Salt
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance
Thought -Provoking, Timely, and At Times Painful
This was first serious show this Fringe season. It hit home because at 71, I saw the draft and had to go before my draft board. Folks I knew saw Vietnam. Many were changed. This is a play about how to resist war and the cry for it. What are the boundaries of resistance? If you want comfort and rainbows and unicorns this is NOT that show! If you want to deal with contemporary choices and speculate on likely unhappy endings versus hopeful ones attend. This show takes you to uncomfortable places and uncertain outcomes. If you are in the mood for thought-provoking drama you need to see this show.
Company: Haute Dish Productions
Show: The Book of Mordor
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Solid Show
The show delivered what it promised - a tribute to the Rings. Costuming exceeded expectations. Some fine musical moments. If you like Lord of the Rings go to this production.
Company: LandmanLand
Show: A Sad Carousel 2: The Timely Death of Herschel Douscheburg
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
This Is A Show That Deserves A Crowd!
This is a funny, well performed show that you should consider. There are some powerhouse offering at this venue and the word needs to get out that this show is among them. The star is offering non-stop wot. The supporting cast isn't just background noise but clever and witty. I had some good solid laughs. On the serious side this show asks has our American culture grown in the last 30 years or are we just the 50's with glitzier tech? I enjoyed finding this under the radar treasure.
Company: Comedy Suitcase
Show: The Gentlemen’s Pratfall Club
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Falling In Love Again
Physical comedy is such a basic premise to gain laughs because it works almost every time. It certainly proves to provide a winning formula for a successful Minnesota Fringe show. Josh is a stand alone comedy genius ( or in this case fall alone), but add another skilled performer and you multiple the impact as clearly Levi does. This is simple pleasure and the crowd loved it as did I. When you tire of the deep angst offering populating fringe and want to feel good go to this production.
Company: Melancholics Anonymous
Show: Joan of Arc for Miss Teen Queen USA
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Incredible Audience Response
I have been to numerous Minnesota Fringe shows and seen a wide range of audience responses to performances but tonight's show got the most genuine and enthusiastic cheers I can recall. This show is one of the best Fringe productions I have ever seen. Acting, script and concept all came together. Superb casting and good costuming also need to be noted. Put this on the top of your list if you want an entertaining and fun show.
Company: Literally Entertainment
Show: The Lasso Way: A Musical
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Some Delightful Ways
There are some fun moments in this show. Some cleaver word play. And of course everyone loves a happy ending. This is a light-hearted performance that doesn't call for the viewer to process any deep concepts.
Company: Steven Nicholas
Show: Mind Reader
Venue: Rarig Nolte Xperimental Theatre
I ENTERED A SCEPTIC, I LEFT A BELIEVER
I was uncertain about this show and went with a certain amount of trepidation but within a few minutes I was glad I decided to come. Often with an understated manner this performer captivated his audience. His show is well planned and he employes clever and tested methods to wow his audience using charm and crowd knowledge. This show is worth your time.
Company: Kalal Productions
Show: GUNS! the Musical
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Guns- One Is Never Enough
Absurdist look at the American romance with firearms. Guns drive American politics and culture. Better to be armed than untriggered. Learn to bite the bullets before they bite you. If you want to laugh about our over the top romance with guns this is your show.
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Company: The Shrieking Harpies
Show: Shrieking Harpies Presents: Period Piece
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance
Love High School Harpies 1950's Style
Loved this show. Fun and creative. Improv in both a musical and comedy manner. They do a different show each performance. Tonight's was 1950's high school angst. Fast paced and clever. Real chemistry with each other. Suggest you place this on your short list.
Company: New Endeavors
Show: An Exorcism, Don'tcha Know?
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance
Demonic Puppet, Lutefisk and Lutherans
You cannot get more authentically Minnesotan than this! Fun, fast paced show. Well written and brilliantly presented. When a demon shows up at the Lutheran Church council all hell breaks loose. What powerful item can curb a rampaging demon? Highly recommend you go and find out for yourself. Fun and delightful.
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Company: Special When Lit
Show: Fangs and Bangs (and Sangs)
Venue: The Southern Theatre
Superstar cast, Live Music
The show offers a superstar cast in terms of Fringe icons. Part autobiography, part high school nostalgia and some strong improv vibes blend into the musical selection well. A seven person cast of whom three are musicians, three readers and the star does both. Nothing to really note on props or costumes. All the performers seemed to be able to project sound into the performance space and deliver their lines or musical performance. Alas, there was no killing but there was a bite of suggestive dialogue that allowed for the audience to envision what they would. I would recommend this show.
Company: The House in the Woods
Show: Neon Breeze
Venue: The Southern Theatre
Fun and There is A Snake!
This is a production from new producers. They had a fairly large cast. They also had some appropriate props for the mood and story they were trying portray. The surprise scene stealer was a live snake! As the work unfold I found myself catching the flow. The main actors also seemed to find their pace. I liked it and see good things for this cast. I would suggest that they must remember to increase their volume as the Southern is a cavernous venue.