2025 Audience Reviews
Member Reviews
The following reviews were submitted by Fringe Member: Jared Reise
Company: The Winding Sheet Outfit
Show: The Spirit Moves You To Color The Unseen
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Women artists revealing the Unseen
Winding Sheet does it again, this time showcasing the first known abstract painter (a woman- gasp!). The ensemble (led by the always able Boo Segersin) weaves the stylized story of a truly pure artist only interested in conveying a higher message. The philosophy is a bit heady at first, but the story of an artist giving her all only to be misunderstood and ignored makes for a compelling hour of theatre.
Company: Joking Apart Theater
Show: The Jaws That Bite, The Claws That Catch!
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Still reeling from this show
Congratulations to everyone that helped make this lecture come to life. A passionate dissertation begins to unravel in a most peculiar way. Edwin Strout expertly navigates his script to keep the audience guessing , punctuated by poignant moments. Highly recommended!
Company: MDV Productions
Show: Final Dress
Venue: Open Eye Theatre
The subtext of the subtext..
Michael and Sean have a great premise here. However, it induces a sort of "actor's nightmare" as the conceit of the whole thing is that THIS is the final rehearsal before the play opens, and they're still dicking around with motivation, blocking, and all that play horseshit. That said, the result is hilarious. The director's interjections (in this case, John Heimbuch) take things to a whole other cringeworthy level (ie. if it feels good or right, it's bad!). Michael and Sean follow along, have great chemistry, and invent an improvised play that would probably be well worth watching on opening night. Maybe.
Company: Octoberdandy Productions
Show: Clown Funeral
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Such a stoopid funeral!
This was a de-light. For a funeral. For a clown. A charmingly delightful show for a downer situation. Jen Scott, Levi Weinhagen (sp?), and Mark Benzel were stand outs with displays of obnoxious poignancy. I really recommend this one, and TRP is the perfect setting for a memorial service!
Company: Paper Soul
Show: Boxcutter Harmonica
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance
A Motz delightful show
This multilayered presentation disguised as a sort of meta confessional will tease you with second guesses, Godot-like presences, and then leaves you hungry for a Rueben sandwich. Motz brings the unexpected to the theater, and delivers a rewarding experience.
Company: The Shrieking Harpies
Show: Shrieking Harpies Presents: Period Piece
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance
The Harpies are always on my Fringe short-list
I like the added challenge of including a voted-upon time period in history. This vocal trio makes musical magic happen every time they open their mouths. I brought a skeptical first-timer to see the show today, but ultimately she loved it! We'll definitely have The Harpies on our calendar for next year!
Company: Snikt! Bamf! Thwip!
Show: Invasive Species or: In Space No-One Can Hear Your Steam
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Silly silly steampunk
Just when you thought it was safe to parody a sci-fi movie... wait, you still can! This little meta-romp though a Victorian-esque version of "Alien" does not disappoint. The cast clearly enjoys the jokes and sometimes groan-inducing dialogue. What more do ya need?
Company: LandmanLand
Show: A Sad Carousel 2: The Timely Death of Herschel Douscheburg
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Joyfully offensive
There are laughs aplenty in Sam's "A Sad Carousel 2". The show is ultra self aware, even poking fun at the Fringe Festival itself. I think it could have gone even further! But ultimately a job well done by the cast and crew. May they keep on cringing!
Company: Nightfall Productions
Show: Hamluke
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
5 Kitties for Hamluke. 1 Kitty for me…
… for not thinking up this concept first! On top of the ridiculous retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the even-keeled Star Wars in jokes kept the audience laughing. I appreciated the quick references oh so much, led by the expeditious storytelling. Duck Washington as Darthius was a standout with equal parts bravado and self-aware humor. I’m glad I raced over to see it!