Sub-Total
2026 Audience Reviews
Member Reviews
The following reviews were submitted by Fringe Member: Josh Elmore
Company: Hannah Wydeven
Show: Leave Room for Jesus
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance
A wonderful time, but needs more structure
The cast is clearly talented, hilarious, and inventive. I laughed pretty much the entire time I was in the show. I did find myself at times wishing there were a bit more structure, as several of the songs went on too long and I lost interest. Don’t let that stop you from seeing it, though! I look forward to seeing more from this group.
Company: PhysicalLies
Show: How to Escape Hell
Venue: Rarig Nolte Xperimental Theatre
Format isn’t ideal, but potential is there
I saw this show and had the opportunity to talk to the artists afterward about their intentions. The particular format of this show (structure) doesn’t quite work with the awesome mythological history they share and the effective multimedia they pair it with, but that doesn’t mean the concept isn’t creative. I’d also like to note that the review implying this show is transphobic is harsh, unfair, and personally vindictive. There are more appropriate ways to share concerns about the content of a show, rather than writing a nasty review with a fake name for the world to see instead of engaging in dialog with the creators. In my experience as a queer person, I’ve found that no one grows or learns anything with that approach. You can critique a work without attacking the creators. And finally, please do not automatically assume bad intent.
Company: Joking Apart Theater
Show: I'm Afraid, I Have To Leave
Venue: Mixed Blood
Very enjoyable - good for Horror Fest
This is the kind of show that I would expect to see at Horror Fest. I’m not familiar with this group, but I enjoyed how the cast captured Minnesota passive aggression and gaslighting (particularly within families). There are some dead spaces that could use work, but overall its a solid show.
Company: Combustible Company
Show: Machinal
Venue: The Southern Theater
Excellent stagecraft, but story needs work
I appreciate the combination of dances and cast interactions, and this is certainly a good show. I do think, though, that there needs to be more clarity in the direction of the story, as (at least from my perspective), I got lost a bit through the final 20 minutes. Excited to see more work from this artist in the future!
Company: Local 574
Show: HELL ON WHEELS: The Winter Strike of 1934
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance
Worth the wait
This story is an engaging tale of Minnesota union history. The quality of the performance reminds me of a show I would see at the Guthrie. It humanizes the plight of working class families in the 40s and inspires us all to rise up. Excellent.
Company: The Winding Sheet Outfit
Show: A Confluence of Magical Arseholes
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
The perfect 10PM show
This work is ridiculous, hilarious, and a bit scattered. I learned about Irish literary history and guffawed at the same time. This is ideal for a late-night laugh either way friends. It could use more tightening and clarity with some of the chaotic elements, but you won’t regret seeing this.
Company: Third Space Theater
Show: BE NOT AFRAID
Venue: The Southern Theater
On par with Breach - professional quality
This was undoubtedly my favorite show of the festival. Original, powerful, and an excellent use of stagecraft. It teaches us about the harsh realities and broken dreams of the oil culture in North Dakota. The dialog is strongly-written, the story has a mystical feel to it, and it entrances you from beginning to end. I only wish I hadn’t waited until the last day to see it! Remarkable.
Company: Sugar Throw Theatre
Show: Magical Athlete: Stadium Showdown
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Would watch this many times over!
I’d never heard of this game before, but it was wonderful to see it brought to life! It was a fun, family-friendly game that everyone can enjoy. The characters do excellent clowning, the gameplay is easy to understand, and the songs are catchy. I might see this again before the festival closes tomorrow!
Company: New Endeavors
Show: Muskie
Venue: Mixed Blood
Hilarious, topical, almost perfect
I was delighted by this performance, as it combines one of my all-time favorite movies with local references. The cast was clearly committed and there were so many ridiculous, farcical moments that created the perfect 10PM-on-a-Friday viewing experience. My only reason for giving it a 4.5 is that I think the script could use a bit more tightening. At times, there are bits of dead space in the dialog that rely exclusively on the topical humor and fall a bit flat. Overall, though, this is one of the most enjoyable shows I've seen during the entire festival. Great job, everyone!
Company: Albino Squirrel Productions
Show: It's-a-Me, a Musical!
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Hard not to smile!
It’s exactly what you expect - a fun, silly, heartfelt reenactment of a Mario movie from 1993. The characters are hilarious, the musical numbers are enjoyable, and you leave feeling good. What a great pick-me-up! Would see again.
Company: CuerpoxCuerpo
Show: LATIN PAPI
Venue: Rarig Nolte Xperimental Theatre
Fenomenal
Este par de bailarines nos atrae, nos encanta, y nos inspira. Muestra las interpretaciones distintas de esta palabra poderosa. Los movimientos son de calidad espectacular y la química entre los dos forja una experiencia profunda y erótica. Que padre, chicos. 😉
Company: SUPERMOON
Show: the statue of liberty is nora in a doll's house by henrik ibsen
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
An intensely creative take on Ibsen
A modern rendition of DH that, through a mix of creative decisions both humorous and somber, makes us reflect on the subjugation of women in modern society. Highly recommend.
Company: The Miller Conspiracy
Show: Bay Creek
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance
Best horror show I’ve seen at Fringe in a while
Derek is a captivating storyteller who managed to to relentlessly hold my attention. I’m not usually a fan of one-man shows, but he’s got the gravitas to pull it off. Enter into the world of a man who lives within a generational curse. You can feel the tension as he weaves in family lore with humorous and horrific anecdotes. While I will admit that it was a bit hard to follow at the beginning and he might benefit from a prop or some background scenery to help establish time, his talent is enough that I can’t not give it five stars. I hope to see more of your work at Horror Fest!
Company: Zabel Weinhagen
Show: Empty Nest
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Warm, poignant - a glimpse into a parental world
I had never heard of this show and went when I realized the other show I’d schedule sold out, and I’m so glad I did! Laura and Levi created a beautiful show that is humorous, insightful, and educational on issues affecting middle-aged parents. I was smiling the whole show and I had the pleasure of talking to them afterwards. What a sweet couple! Go see this!
Company: an alleged Theatre Company
Show: FAST Death of a Salesman
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
5 stars, with a caveat
The physical comedy in this show is excellent, and the auctioneer completely stole the show. Another knockout from this company. However, I would recommend reading the plot summary before he show (like I did, because I saw other reviews) as it will greatly appreciate your understanding. Great job, all!
Company: Dave Dvorak
Show: Just One Life
Venue: Rarig Kilburn Theatre
Good intentions, but needs work
The show has a simple, easy-to-understand message we can all relate to, the original songs are fun, and the two leads have lovely voices. However, the writing is full of cliches and needs serious tightening. The plot is, unfortunately, predictable and doesn’t offer anything new. If the script were workshopped a bit more, it would be much more enjoyable. Thank you for your activism, though.
Company: Jake Mierva
Show: I Will Become The Silver Surfer. I Will Protect You.
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Original, poignant, and daring
I had no idea what to expect from this show, and it kept me captivated every second. I've never seen Jake do a solo piece, and, admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of solo shows in general. However, he did such a phenomenal job of creating a character that's both hilarious and tragic. The writing is complex and poignant, weaving in a mix of trauma and childlike hopefulness. The spectacle of the bold stagecraft may grab your attention, but it's the performer's talent that sustains you. He should be very proud of this show.
Company: Melancholics Anonymous
Show: Watership Down
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre
Phenomenal, but suffers a bit from density
I don't think it's up for debate that MA delivers, and this year is no exception. They took a slightly different approach from their usual, original writing and created a full-blown, immersive world that keeps you engaged and connected emotionally. As always, the actors displayed their stellar chemistry. It can be very tricky to get a children's book right - especially one with such an extensive narrative - and they found the perfect balance of weight and whimsy. These aforementioned elements are so strong that they outweigh the fact that, IMHO, this should be a full 2-act show with an intermission. There are so many side quests and character changes that it can be difficult to follow at times, and the dialogue is very dense with information. Whenever I looked away for a second and stopped listening, I felt like I missed critical information, Overall, though, this is another winner that both adults and kids can appreciate.
Company: Band Practice
Show: DON'T BE SCARED
Venue: Rarig Nolte Xperimental Theatre
Pure talent, pure fringe ;could use more structure
It definitely took me a solid 20 minutes to "get it," but once I did, I was able to focus on the brilliant performances by the leads. Phenomenal chemistry, excellent improvisation skills, and a Fringe classic. I'd teetered on giving this 4.5 stars because it could use a bit more structure to make its points, but I reconsidered because the performance skills really are that impressive. Ich liebe die Finsternis. ;)