Yo-Ho-Hum: A Pirate's Midlife Crisis

Almira Downs

Clever, wonderfully written, witty dialogue. This play has super well delivered lines from a great script, brilliant comic moments by these wonderful actors. With the use of minimal props the play takes you to the high seas adventure of a pirate and his crew. Best of show: the acting, the school of fish, the flowing waves and the sails. Congratulations the playwright and cast of Hay Rube production. A must see!

Disjointed, ok

The show plays like a show meant for children, just has that vibe with the performances and comedic delivery. But it has a couple swear words and a drawn-out "seaman" joke, and the disjointed nonlinear structure might be confusing to kids. I thought the co-lead had good chemistry and fit the tone, but she gets dropped from the story once Blackbeard appears. Also did they bring those two kids on board just to sweep during the preshow?

Fun

Fun, but a could be tightened up. Some good Bits and solid comedic choices. Worth a visit if your interested area and want a lighthearted break.

Fun and Lively Romp

This was my first time seeing a Joshua Scrimshaw show, and it delivered. Lots of fast-paced humor, clever props, and some great accents (especially by Natalie Rae Wass) along with over-the-top pirate lingo. I was a little worried about how the ending would wrap up storywise, but they nailed it. Occasionally a line or two didn't quite land (always a risk with humor), but the actors plunged forward and on to the next bit, which then did. So kudos to adapting in real time to the audience!

Belly laughs!

Such a great show! The cast was amazing, writing was spot on and choreography also well done. I couldn't stop laughing!

Hi Seas Hi-Jinks!

The show is a good blend of comedy, clever writing, and strong performances. The cast brings the follow-your-dreams story to life with great physical humor and charming chemistry. While the narrative can be a bit disjointed at times, the overall experience drew out a lot of audience laughs. The use of minimal stage props adds to the creativity. A standout performance by Joshua and Natalie makes this an entertaining and memorable watch. Don't miss this gem of a show!

A Buried Treasure of Comedy Gold!

Ahoy there, ye landlubbers and sea rovers alike! If ye’ve ever wondered what happens when a pirate starts worryin' more about his achin' back than his treasure map, then set yer course straight for "Yo-Ho-Hum: A Pirate's Midlife Crisis." This swashbucklin' comedy be a true treasure, and it’ll have ye laughin’ harder than a parrot with a bottle of grog! At the helm of this comedic ship is none other than Joshua English Scrimshaw, sailin' as the infamous Stede Bonnet. Known in these parts as a modern-day Buster Keaton, Scrimshaw’s wit be as sharp as a cutlass, and his performance in this role is as legendary as any pirate tale. With a resume as deep as the seven seas—from Comedy Suitcase to The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society—he’ll have ye clutchin’ yer sides and beggin’ for more. But what’s a pirate tale without a fierce crew? Enter Natalie Rae Wass as Tristram Shanty, bringin' her undeniable charm and boundless energy to the stage. Whether she's on a stage by herself or sharin' the spotlight with her fellow pirates, Wass be a force to be reckoned with. Her past exploits in the theater are the stuff of legend, but her turn in this here show proves she’s still got plenty of wind in her sails! And then there be Madhu Bangalore, takin' on the role of the dreaded Blackbeard himself! His performance be so fierce and so full of life, ye’d think he’s been terrorizing the high seas for centuries. With his background in South Asian arts and improv, Bangalore brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the stage that’s as unstoppable as a full-speed galleon. Together, this cast delivers a performance that be worth more than any treasure ye’ll find buried on a desert island. The jokes fly faster than cannonballs in a broadside, and the laughs be as plentiful as the stars in the night sky. So don’t be a bilge rat—get yerself to the Minnesota Fringe Festival and catch "Yo-Ho-Hum: A Pirate's Midlife Crisis." It’s a show that’ll make ye wish ye had two good legs to dance a jig! Five doubloons outta five, and a hearty "Yo-ho-ho!" for good measure. This be one pirate adventure ye won’t want to miss!

ARRRguably the most fun!

Super talented actors and amazing physical humor. It was a treat to watch! The chemistry between Joshua and Madhu and Joshua and Natalie was anazing to see in play!

Well worth your time

The two main actors have high energy and a great chemistry together. The script has lots of laughs, although, some slow points. The two other women actors in it are very good, and the two other male actors are adequate. I had a fun time.

Clever, brilliantly performed, creatively staged

Loved this clever, cheeky, and sometimes zany story about the Gentleman Pirate and his relationship with Blackbeard. The script was wonderfully written, the actors all have fantastic performances with perfect timing and delivery, and I loved how they staged the play to convey settings and action much bigger than the space affords. Be sure to catch this one before it’s gone!

So well done and so fun

Everything about this show is so well done — the writing, the costumes & props, the direction and the performances. This will sell out as the Fringe continues, and for good reason. Special shout out to Scrimshaw and Wass for their wonderful performances.

Yo ho hum! This show be awesome!

I loved the characters and the plot. It was great how they used props and masterful choreography to tickle your imagination to believe the different scene settings (a prison cell, a sailing ship, and more). Most of all, I enjoyed the humor and the story. It was fantastic. Must watch!

Yar, what a Bootyful show!

So well done! I loved this show; it was historically accurate, funny and clever. The cast were fabulous, and their story telling was entertaining. This was a fun show.

Highly polished with great production value

This production is simultaneously minimalist and provides the audience with a very polished show, with the set pieces and props that are used being that much more impactful. The costumes are fabulous and the movement is well rehearsed and at times mind-blowing in its cleverness. The ensemble are great together and the script has some very funny moments that had the entire house laughing. Joshua and Natalie make a great duo, each bringing their own larger-than-life style of performance to their characters. It's almost like it had a post-credits scene.

I saw it twice!

This pirate show is a cool exploration of mirrored and or divergent aspirations set on the high seas. Superb cast, excellent writing, and very engaging movement/pantomime and minimalist props. I quite enjoyed all the accents, my compliments to the crew. It seems to be a comedy (I laughed a lot both times), but there is also an interesting philosophical level a little deeper. Lastly, it has my all-time favorite onstage slow-motion pantomimed underwater fight scene.

Physical humor on the high seas

Loved the campy humor, physicality and excellent staging. Clever use of props: don't miss the cannon ball!

Run Away and Live your Dreams!

So much going on here. I loved the whole idea of Bonnet following his dreams and the swashbuckling fun that followed. However, the first mate, never really did realize her dream as she was caught up in his. So much more could have been developed here. Just focus on one person then. If you have two people in the tale, both tales need to be developed. Super fun, but kind of disjointed. Loved the physical comedy!

Clever and fun!

Fun from the minute you walk in. The pre-show is great. Super fun, clever show.

Who Wants to Be a Pirate? Some people do!

This is the story of a pirate- wannabe and his quest to fulfill that dream, a quest for which he seems generally ill-equipped. This performance takes it strength from the talent of all the actors and the clever, well-delivered dialogue, spoken in pirate accents with a refreshing lack of dependence on “Arrgghh”s. The costumes and creative minimalist props, combined with well-executed miming, comes together to create a fun and convincing simulation of life aboard a pirate ship. The story gives rise to questions such as “What qualifies one as a pirate or a gentleman?” “Which is preferable: the pirate’s code or the gentleman’s code?” “What dreams do WE have, how committed are we to them, and with whom do we surround ourselves in pursuit of those?" On a less philosophical level, this play is definitely worth seeing, based solely on its comedic entertainment value! I highly recommend “Yo-Ho-Hum, A Pirate’s Midlife Crisis” because simply put: it’s just very enjoyable to watch, with a good number of really funny lines. Audiences will enjoy this show -- even if they’ve never considered being a pirate!

Our Flag Means Death fans will appreciate it!

If you enjoy Our Flag Means Death, you’ll appreciate this show! With brilliant writing, talented actors, and solid staging, Stede Bonnet's shenanigans were comically captured. It was all around fun with lots of laughs! Don’t miss your chance to see it one more time on Saturday evening!

Pure FUN!

Perfect fringe show. Wonderfully funny from start to finish. My girlfriend and I loved it. Great script and great acting.

Celebrate Your Inner Pirate!

Wonderful script and storyline of a quest gone wrong. Actors demonstrate brilliant comic timing. Audible audience gasp at an unexpected dark moment. Enough said. Must see.

Loved the actors

There were talented actors in this play. The story didn't hold my interest so much. I think some of my favorite parts were when Tristram and Stede were lying on the stage reminiscing.

Silly AND Funny

Arrrrrgh you looking for a winner? This is it. Fun COMMITTED Characters, excellent volume & diction, slap-schtick & puns; a great way to end the night.

Super Fun

A cartoon-y romp through a pirate fantasy. Brilliantly staged. Be sure to get there early for the pre-show!

I laughed out loud!

This is a great action-packed story with clever dialogue that comes at you quickly. It's so well acted! I enjoyed every minute.

Arrr you a pirate?

Well written and staged. Acting is top notch. What a cast of characters! So much to see. Great use of minimal stage props. I expect this show to be a sellout.

Fun filled Action Packed show

A fun filled pirate adventure that is an absolute entertainment! Brilliant acting, witty dialogues and punch lines delivered with perfect comic timing, well crafted story, and admirable use of the minimal props and stage space!! The trio of Madhu Bangalore, Joshua English Scrimshaw and Natalie Rae Wass were a total riot, with amazing acting and very apt pirate lingo. Plenty of laugh out loud moments and a captivating story that plays out nicely in the end. A must see show for a good light hearted evening!!

A quixotic pirate adventure

It was nice to see a remake of Don Quixote with a pirate spin! It had neat props and good pantomiming.

Fun Show

This is a fun filled show out to entertain and it does. Embrace your dreams. No heavy messages. A romp providing laughs. Do you want to be a pirate, a gentleman or both? Go for the laughs! They writer did with success.

great fun for the Pirate in your life

A Pirate’s Life for Me (and Possibly You as Well)

Hey Rube’s Fringe offering last year was the dense and dramatic “Behemoth” and in 2024 they’ve traveled to a completely different ocean with a fun outing of pirate stuff. There are some very inspired moments of physical comedy but the script also spends time in the Doldrums. The chemistry between the two main pirates is really strong and I felt that could’ve been used to greater effect.

A wild ride

fast paced, high energy and goofy. Amazing that this is based on a real person! The cast gives it their all and it's a fun entertainment! The end was a bit of a bummer, and I felt especially bad for the first mate!

A must watch Fun filled hilarious entertainer

If you're looking for a barrel of laughs and a really good time, this hilarious show is an absolute must-watch! The show is packed with non-stop entertainment, featuring a brilliantly talented cast who bring the high seas adventure to life with impeccable comedic timing. The storyline is engaging, filled with unexpected twists and uproarious moments that will leave you in stitches. Each performance is a testament to the artists' dedication and skill, making it evident that every aspect of the production is meticulously crafted. From the witty dialogue to the vibrant set usage, everything about this show is exceptionally well put together. Don't miss out on this gem – it's a rollicking adventure that promises to entertain audiences of all ages!

Do you wanna be a pirate? Yes, you do!

Well made pirate story with twists and fun!