Baldwin's Last Fire

Absolutely brilliant exploration of true crime

Highly Recommended

Harry Waters Jr. gives a genius performance (as the titular genius himself) in a deeply human, cleverly staged, imaginative history play.

Harry Waters, Jr.!!!!!!

Wow! What a great show, thanks especially to Harry Waters, Jr.’s performance. He is riveting. The writing and staging were wonderful, too. I’m so very glad I saw this.

Best actor in Fringe, by a mile

If Fringe has a 'best actor' award, it should go to Harry Waters, Jr. What a masterful turn as James Baldwin! [Now that I have checked him out, I realize why. Take a look at his resume] The story is engaging, and the minimal props were extremely well used. As others have noted, the supporting cast could have used more help in how to speak and act to a theater in the round. Also, I wish I knew why the playwrite chose this scenario: Baldwin in France solving a child abduction mystery. Is there a deeper message that I could have seen here?

The Fire This Time

It's such a gambit to write a play about one of the best writers of his generation, and Reginald Edmund pulls off a beautifully written, funny, suspenseful, and deeply meaningful work. I enjoyed the thrill of the murder mystery while also feeling disheartened and disgusted by the racial injustice at play, and the lack of regard for Black lives. I hope this play is staged more often, because as others have mentioned, it is an important work. Harry Waters fully embodies James Baldwin and directs a talented ensemble that moved fluidly through the very inventive staging. I walked away wanting to read more of James Baldwin's work, while feeling thankful that I could share in this beautiful show for the short time it was here.

Baldwin as an action figure

I enjoyed seeing James Baldwin and Park as investigators. The other actors took on a variety of roles sometimes fun sometimes serious. There was one actor who sometimes stood on a platform above to stage and I had trouble hearing him because the background music drowned him out. Black words matter. It was interesting to see how racism in France is similar to an different than racism in the U.S.

Heartbreakingly Beautiful

Please see this show. It's such a necessary, important, and beautifully heartbreaking piece of work.

A Dramatic, Thirst-Quenching Masterpiece

Dual perspectives are presented in equal in greatness and inner fortitude (though, yes, Mr Baldwin is a divine writer) and I never thought so much creativity could flow through satin drapery, copper set pieces, and paper butterflies.

Round & Round & Round We Go!

Theater in the round can be quite challenging, but the high paced action of this play, lead by Harry Waters Jr., made it look like a piece of cake. I thoroughly enjoyed the diverse use of minimalistic props in such a creative way. I want to see this play fully produced. Kudos to playwright, Reginald Edmund , whose work I hope to see again.

One of the best acting performances you'll see

Harry delivers an incredible performance. And this show used the TRP space incredibly well!

Beautiful performance

Impressive performances and impeccable staging. One of the best uses of an in-the-round space that I've seen in a long time.

Fantastic show, a must see

Harry Waters as James Baldwin is a must see of this years fringe, the show is moving, suspenseful, and full of surprises

Baldwin Channels His Inner Sherlock

The show turns Baldwin into a detective in order to solve the murders and disappearance of French children. The lead actor is super as Baldwin. The mannerisms and attitudes of the man an his time are displayed. The ending would be well placed in a Walter Moseley novel. Some of the supporting cast have not mastered acting in the round, this I marked down half a kitty.

Incredible Staging

As someone with a strong appreciation for clever staging and direction, this production knocked it out of the park. The elements of the butterflies, the multipurpose rectangle-type structure utilized as well as the work with fabric truly made the production visually stunning and engaging. The tech elements/direction really took center stage on this one, and was genuinely inspiring for folks interested in directing. I thought the lead was incredible! His storytelling & character was delivered with the preciseness needed with the script he was given. I know I need to find out what else this actor is doing in the Twin Cities so I can watch him more! I did struggle with some of the supporting actors, as it felt as though I was watching a line read at times. I also enjoyed the script quite a bit; it reminded me stylistically of Hunchback of Notre Dame - the actors narrating themselves and the environment throughout the play, and was a perfect example of excellently written narration. (Which, in turn, was highlighted by the staging. Would love to pick this director's brain). Go see this one, especially if you're a fan of creative technical elements!

Black Theater Matters

Beyond the brilliant acting and compelling storytelling, I was impressed with the use of space. A few set pieces transform over and over so that we never lose a tiny slice of action in the round.

Excellent Show

The moment Waters starts declaiming, it feels like you're there with Baldwin. It's passionate, sometimes dreamlike, with an emotional payoff at the end. One of the best at Fringe this year.

Don't miss this one!

Harry Waters, Jr. is simply superb in the central role of James Baldwin. Honestly, this is some of the best acting I've ever seen at the Fringe. The entire cast works well together. They move between realism and dream-like/metaphorical sequences fluidly, while a few very simple props are used and re-used very creatively in the theater-in-the-round venue. The plot carries a powerful message about racism that is intertwined with the exploration of Baldwin's fascinating character. This is a polished production that wholly satisfies the viewer.

SO glad I saw this!

This was an amazing theatrical experience. The stagecraft was so inventive and the actors so versatile. Harry Waters Jr. has my vote for best acting in the fringe. So far this gets my best of Fringe vote. Sorry, it closed Wednesday - If you did not catch it you missed the boat!

well-told detective story

5 people will transform throughout the action, the show will keep you interns from start to finish

Old fashioned mystery with a modern message

Harry waters junior is a king. He knocks his role out of the park as James Baldwin in this thrilling mystery. It feels like watching an old movie except the themes are timeless.