Climbing my family tree

Always a fan of Les!

The story itself is super interesting and Les put it's together in a way that makes you want to dive into your family tree to see if there anything 10% as exciting as what he found!

Family history can be a wild ride!

Les did an incredible job taking us through the twists and turns of his family tree. I was riveted the entire time and am excited to dig further into my own genealogy. Congratulations on the connections you found and relationships you’ve built!

French royalty in the US

Without pomp and just a few props, Les deftly commands an audience and takes us along with him on his journey to discover his roots, "for sure eh."

Masterful solo show from Les!

Les is an amazing storyteller; I've seen pretty much all of his fringe shows in multiple cities, and I have loved every minute of it. This show is not only compelling and interesting, but relatable to many of us (especially if you have tried searching for your family roots). A must see!

Too bad this show is over

Too bad that Les is going back to LA tomorrow and won't be doing this show at the MN Fringe again this year, so that more people can see it. It was a great romp through his new-found family tree. Les's storytelling is great and this story is really compelling. Just wish he had some way of figuring out what his grandpa did in return ...

No-Frills Strong Personal Storytelling

I make a point to see Les when I can as there is always a great message to his shows and this was no different. As I saw the last show, recommending it would be fruitless, but I'd encourage those that missed this show to seek out his next one.

My 1st Les show!!!

I’ve Fringed in another city for over a decade and always seek out storyteller based pieces, but had no prior knowledge of Les. Of the shows I’ve seen this year, this was the most JOYFUL. Les’ gifted storytelling with his amazing family findings had me enthralled and wanting more. And honestly, I feel we need to recognize Les as the nobility he is!! Hoping to catch this again before the fest ends!

Engagement (5); Production Value (2)

A tough review to write: we were intrigued by Les's preview. This looked intereting! And it was interesting. We were engaged through the entire show. Engaged, but confused! It appeared as though this were a "work in progress'. You might want to consider adding a projector and project the family tree so we can keep everyone'straight' (sorry); you can also use this to show us the pictures of you and your cousins (hard to see from even half way back in the Thrust theater). And the transitions between the two stories were sometime hard to follow .... not impossible, but harder than they could be. None-the-less, it is an awesome story and recommended to all with even a small interest in the power of genetic geneology!

The mysteries of family connections

Les Kurkendaal-Barrett is a glorious gift to the Fringe (and the world). His warm, witty stories always pull us into the rich details of a given subject and explore important subjects in a fascinating way. This time the subject is Les himself, and his search for a biological family he never really knew. He manages to find and visit his mysterious 99-year-old grandfather, and along the way, uncovers a lot of truths about families chosen and not chosen. Half a point taken off because if I wasn't in the second row, I never would have seen the visual material. I feel sorry for those in the back. But that's a quibble. See this show -- you'll laugh and feel better about the world.

Lovely dive into what makes us us!

Racism IS really stupid

It's always a joy to watch Les on stage telling stories.

Riveting

I never miss a Les show; he’s a gifted storyteller/solo performer and his newest show is up to his high standards. This was a riveting show that opened doors for me in places in my heart. Only suggestion, as another reviewer said, project the photos on a screen to help the audience keep everything straight. See it before Les heads back to LA.

I Want to Climb my Own Family Tree

I saw Les's show last year and was so excited to see him back here again. He captivates with each story he tells. This year's was particularly fascinating - I enjoyed seeing the photos and hearing all about Les's fascinating family. It made me want to look into my own genealogy more!!

The Genealogist in me loves this story

Les always has such enthusiasm in his shows. Genealogy is my passion, so hearing a relative newcomer to genealogy share his excitement with learning more about his family history and the cousins he's met was fantastic.

Les does it again, with even more heart!

If you are one of the many, many Les fans in MN, you won't be disappointed. Les has the same causual, seemingly off-the-cuff style. (But don't be fooled, this show is well-rehearsed.) Les weaves together two different stories in a way that kept me wondering amd waiting to hear what happened next. I did get a little lost in some of the family relations, but it really didn't matter. The show is solid - probably my favorite of any of Les's shows I have seen. His artistry shines. He will have you booing (along with him), cheering, and caring about geneology.

Another Must See!

Only day two and another show I definitely recommend. My brother in law is an amateur genealogist but the lessons to be learned revealed tonight are incredible. Beyond that, our nation would be on a real track to healing and understanding. Bravo!!

Genie-Ology

The actor is very relatable and sounds like a neat guy to get to know. I remember talking to my grandfather when he was 99. Finding some worthwhile knowledge of one's ancestry is like opening a treasure chest after making a wish to the genie. At first I found it hard to follow along when there was background music in the opening minute or two of the show. But then it cleared up and held my attention throughout. That plus to mini stories within the script is something special you just can't say no to.

Brief stumbles, overall successful adult storytime

This review is from seeing show #4. In one sentence: despite a few rushed transitions, reciting stumbles, and a bit of an awkward graphic format, this show inspires you enough to dig into the nuances of your own past and not judge in the present. In three sentences: Witness an all-natural, no frills rendition of what it might look like to find both fun and unexpected plot twists in your ancestry. At times I wanted quite a few moments to offer a beat or two to let the information soak in, but the show’s tempo keeps a bit of a rushed pace. Alas, the show may be worth a watch to embrace an authentic, witty Fringer with plenty to offer to most attendees.

this story branches out

the twists and turns! the mystery behind the 5k a year payment! family secrets! this show is really worth one of your slots!

Sometimes, LES is more and more is less.

As a person with a neurological disability and sensory challenges, it was difficult for me to separate the background music from the spoken words of Les at the very beginning, even though I was sitting right up front. However, the dropped music cue was very effective at that specific time of the story about his grandfather. The grandfather story was interweaved with meeting other relatives after taking a DNA Ancestry test. The weaving was fun with lots of twists and turns. I especially enjoyed the change is Les’ voice when he became his grandfather and that there wasn’t the need for vocal changes the other new relatives. Regarding photos as props, I did not need them, even from the front row. The story, itself, carried the story with brilliant storytelling. The old adage, “sometimes less is more and more is less,” is true. Either way, Les is always Les, a delight and must see act! The final sound cue was fun without competition of hearing words.

Funny and Captivating

I love getting surprised by shows and this was one of the best Fringe performances I have seen this year. Les starts with an incredible hook about meeting his 99 year old grandfather and the show only grows from there. At times hilarious and poignant but consistently engaging, I cannot encourage you enough to check out this show. Highest recommendation

The Taste of Freedom

Les has chiseled a wonderfully-paced back-and-forth show, detailing a first-hand story from his grandfather and inserting enchanting encounters with a diverse assortment of other relatives. These chapters are perfectly balanced to keep the crowd hooked throughout. I truly hope Les considers a follow-up show entertaining the what-ifs of a promise owed to a sheriff. I’ll be first in line if he does. Hurry back to Minneapolis, my friend.

Racism is stupid, this show is not

I was expecting more of a stand-up feel and was pleasantly surprised that it was an interweaving of two stories- both fun and engaging. Great energy and the audience (myself included) stayed with the stories the whole way through! The props were unnecessary and caused some stumbling, but other than that it was fantastic!

Climb this tree!

I love genealogy stuff. I find it absolutely fascinating, not only about myself, but about others. (I have been known to watch “Finding My Roots” on PBS.) I have found myself going down rabbit holes of ancestor names till 3am more times than I can count. So of course I was down for Les’ show. I happen to be a Facebook friend of Les, and I saw when this saga began! Which honestly, really added to my excitement of seeing this show. What a wild, funny, beautiful journey that leads to a universal truth. Les has a unique storytelling style all his own that keeps me, and others, coming back for more.

Adventures in Ancestry

Whether you've seen Les a million times, or never before, you're in for a treat! Have you ever considered climbing your family tree? After Les' show you'll want to. The master storyteller shares tales from his recent adventures getting better acquainted with his. Mystery! Secrets! Scandal ! Laughs ! Tears! Joy and ...Family Photos! Make sure to sit in the front row to see the photos. His narrative cuts in and out of present day and the past in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.

We Got A Bonus Pink Panther!

Delightful show where discovering family leads to discovering truths about life and self. This one person show has laughs, surprisingly good historical reflections and truths about the complexity of the modern American family. Our 4 o'clock audience got a bonus, unintended Pink Panther reference that we loved. Any good show should leave at least one unanswered question: what did the sheriff get in exchange for releasing grandpa?

Beautiful and Fascinating

Everyone’s family tree is shrouded in a little mystery, but the twists and turns in the roots of Les’ tree is honestly incredible, there were several gasps from the audience as new information was revealed. The piece alternates between Les meeting various interesting long-lost relatives and a harrowing story told by his grandfather. There are many lovely examples of how we can be connected to others in unexpected ways and even after fifty there are new ways to learn about yourself and your place in the universe.

Personal storytelling at its best

I almost skipped this one, because I saw it (and loved it) the first time Les performed it (online when the Fringe went virtual during the COVID lockdown). But my spouse hadn't seen it and was intrigued, so we went. I'm so glad we did! New details have been added; the story is even richer and more entertaining now. Les has such an engaging and enthusiastic style of delivery that I could've happily sat for another hour listening to how he got to know his relatives, past and present. He let us know that his genealogical research is ongoing, so there may be further iterations of "Climbing My Family Tree." For sure I'll be in the audience!

Les is more!

Les K has been a staple of the fringe for as long as I can remember! His storytelling is stellar and he has a wonderful positive energy that makes you feel good just listening to him.