Thousand Pears

Total hilarity

Ross weaves together stories about being a father with biting comedic songs that will leave you rolling with laughter, and invites the audience to join in the comedic synergy. This Chicago based performer plays a mean guitar, sings, plays multiple characters, and invites the audience on a journey of heartfelt discovery all while dashing you to bits with laughter. We’re lucky Chicago is lending him to us for Fringe. Highly recommend!!!! Prepare to laugh, prepare for call and response, prepare to be there!

Surprise, surprise!

Full disclosure: went to this show simply because I was stage manager for a show on the same stage right before and didn't feel like going home. Sat in a seat near the door so I could dash discreetly if it sucked. A one man show at 10:00 on a Wednesday, the audience was exactly 9 people - yikes! Out walks this guy who looks like he should be overhauling a transmission in his backyard. He picks up an electric guitar, I give the exit a look. Then he starts singing the wildest, funniest song and I'm hooked! For the next hour he launches into hilarious monologues, stand up sets and mini sketches portraying several characters - all woven around several clever, original, satirical songs. Ross Childs is a master at keeping the audience engaged by inviting them into the process. Not an easy feat, especially with such a small "crowd." He makes you laugh even when discussing the challenges and pain of growing up as a kid with a stutter (while cleverly weaving that tale around a silly song about his car - trust me, it works). The highlight for me was a song called "Sweetest Kitty." As a cat owner, I laughed until I had tears. I'm an actor who has done improv, stand up and comedy writing. So I do not say lightly that this guy should be headliner at a comedy club! You have two chances left to catch Ross Childs at Minnesota Fringe so you can boast "I saw him before he hit it big!" One caveat, if your politics lean right, you might not enjoy his ditties "Florida Man" and "Air Fry the Rich."

Enjoyable, funny and creative

Ross sings the best kitty love song you will ever hear! Also, the dad-joke timing was 100% on-point and probably the only time I legitimately ever laughed at dad-jokes. There's a lot more to this show and it inspired me to get out of my comfort zone too.

Great show

Tonight’s experience was an amazing one. It’s hard to find someone who can not only sing and play guitar, but also write amazing comedy and satire, and Ross can do all three with ease! It’s a show that combines comedy, music and personal storytelling, and one well worth your time and money.