The Big Secret

Simple amazing storytelling

Settle in for an hour of simple and mesmerizing storytelling. Just when you think there can't be more twists, there are, and it's all a true story. Don't miss the visit from an out of towner!

More people need to see this show!

We all have those people who intersect with our lives only briefly yet remain formative in who we are today. A beautiful and important tribute to an old friend.

Deeply meaningful!

As someone who was raised in a conservative evangelical environment and carries a lot of religious trauma, this show hit home in a big way. This show is incredibly well-written; there were a number of times that I laughed or groaned or sighed at a particular phrase only to realize how well-stated it was and how perfectly it captured what Brad was trying to convey. There are a few times that he got moving a little quickly and it took a moment to understand what he was saying, but it did not dull the impact of the story he was telling, as evidenced by the multiple times I had to wipe away tears as we approached the end. Highly recommend!

See this show!

A story that needs to be told, a secret that must be shared, an hour that deserves your time.

Profound and moving

Brad's performance was A+. He explores a very serious and important topic and though there were plenty of lines in his story that had the audience laughing out loud, he landed the story, and his reason for telling it, so powerfully. I saw the first performance of this Fringe, and I hope he gets a full house for each of the next performances, because he deserves it.

An important and beautiful story

Religious experiences hit everyone differently. Brad is an effective, transparent, and humorous storyteller who takes us through his journey as a 14-year-old navigating a youth group. We learn more about his friend as Brad unpacks each story on stage. I feel like everyone will be able to get something from this show, and never stop telling your stories.

Love masterful storytelling? See Brad!

Brad had a relatively small audience on Saturday afternoon, but we noticed several of Fringe's best storytellers in attendance. We couldn't help think that they were there to learn from a master. He held us in his grip for the entire hour. My only gripes? 1) The secret was maybe not as earthshattering as we expected, though as I sit here and write this review, I realize the the secret was not the point. Rather the impact of the secret was the point; 2) Brad didn't add "Cast and Crew" and /or "More Information" fields to his Fringe page. Maybe not a big deal to many, but it almost made us skip this one (since we use that info to guide our schedule)!

A must see for this final weekend

I first saw this show when Brad performed it in New York City, and the opportunity to see it again was part of what brought me to Minneapolis in the first place. If you still have an open slot on your schedule, this is the one to see

Hanging on every word!

I've only take a couple of storytelling classes, so I'm no expert, but IMO this man is a total master at it. I forgot to think about what time it was or where I was or what I have to do tomorrow or if I even have to cough. I was just sucked in.

Powerful story powerfully performed

Brad brought immense skill, heart, and affability to his performance; he is clearly an accomplished, talented, and nuanced writer-storyteller. But what really blew me away was the tremendous humility, vulnerability, honesty, and respect with which he told this story. To be frank, I do not usually hear the stories/secrets of teenaged girls treated with such empathy, understanding, and honor as Brad so beautifully gave to his friend’s story—and his own. I was moved to tears at the history he shared and also the message he pulled out of it. More people should see this.

personal narrative, spiritual bridge

Devastatingly cathartic storytelling, subverting all settled expectations for the sparse "one-man" acts that often pepper these events. Raw and direct in ways I was beyond emotionally unprepared for, but so glad to have attended. Perhaps not the most "awesome" Fringe show I'll see this year, but without the faintest shadow of a doubt it'll be the most piercing, the most empathetic. It's rare to feel such transparent connection in a room full of people. Highly recommended to anyone seeking more seriousness this go-around.

YES! Tell This Story!

I was drawn to see this show because Brad is the producer of the RISK Podcast, where I joined national and international storytellers virtually during the pandemic. YES, TELL THIS STORY! Brad is an exceptional storyteller. The struggle to keep a confidence made at a young age or decide to break a promise after the death of a friend was very real. Given the ending, Brad made and must continue to make the right choice. The RISK to tell the truth, after his friend, Jennifer, was murdered is not only appropriate, but vital. While I also advocate telling personal stories, I completely agree that the stories of others must also be told so their situation is not repeated by others who are vulnerable to exploitation by others. This is a very timely story. Keep on telling it. I believe the shame imposed by Jennifer and Brad's church, when they were younger, led to Jennifer's overcompensation to atone for her so-called "sins", young marriage to the Youth Pastor, and her horrific death. Brad carefully and brilliantly lead us down those paths. Thank you.

Deserves to be seen!

Brad is a wonderful storyteller, and this show runs the gamut of emotions from funny to devastating . I can’t recommend this show enough.

Heartwarming

This show was well organized, witty, and beautifully performed. There was clear purpose and message along with laughs.

Captures the pain and depth of BIG TERRIBLE SECRET

Brad did a great job--with authenticity, depth and brilliant storytelling. I was moved to tears that welled up and stayed in my eyes after the show ended. I had heard about this show from friends who saw Brad in another city's Fringe. He captured the multiple layers of meaning from a devastating and complex experience. I would agree with another reviewer that there were times that parts could have gone slightly slower to let things sink in more. However, outstanding writing and performing. Heartbreaking how often young people experience what Brad describes.

Impactful and Important

This excellent story is well told and quite meaningful. It is impactful because it touches the situation of so many lives (in the story and in the audience and beyond) and it is important to be told because of that broad impact. As a person of the progressive inclusive Christian faith I am grateful for the presentation. Not to be missed.

For friends whose stories we owe them to tell

I just learned via the bios that Brad is a story producer for the podcast "RISK!". This show is as "RISK!" as they come, especially in a traverse stage where Brad is surrounded and speaking upward to the split audience sides, forfeiting one outcast Christian teen affliction after the other as the base for the grisly, solemn, and real stories of tragedies from those later teen years of his life to proceed. What Brad says is right: the life stories of others, friend or otherwise, are not ours to make useful for our personal actualization. Yet we owe it to our friends to tell the stories about them that are true and untwisted by the self-serving doctrine and malice of others. Brad carries us to these themes with gripping and brisk earnestness. Send Brad some love this week, he's a touring artist whose raconteur skills are worth witnessing every second of. Tri (pron "TREE"), performer in "Apsara, the Musical"

Quite simply extraordinary

As a performer in the festival, I've always had mixed feelings about artists leaving reviews for other artists, particularly because the fact is these reviews do impact tickets to one degree or another. And that can potentially be fraught. But this performance & piece were quite simply on another level. Great writing & performance, tremendous story. Heed the content warnings, but rest assured, a very relevant & human story. A genuine pleasure, Brad. I'll say it again, the universe has tasked you with bearing witness for your friend. You've taken on the task of returning the dignity that was taken from her. Good on you. Carry on. And may the road rise as you do.

Some secrets need to be shared.

I am a fan of solo shows. In some, the performer is playing a character to tell a story. In others, the performer is sharing personal experiences. While I enjoy both, I hold some extra respect for the performers who are vulnerable enough to share such personal stories. Brad is obviously an accomplished performer and storyteller. The story he shares is one that needs to be told. In doing do, I think he is honoring his friend. Go see it.