Sub-Total
2018 Audience Reviews
Member Reviews
The following reviews were submitted by Fringe Member:
Company: Minneapolis Ballet Dancers
Show: Activate
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Strong Performances, Forgotten Tech.
The performers were strong across the board, and the choreography was diverse and mindful of TRP's staging. The technical elements for the show were not cued well, but as it seems this was due to last-minute changes after the tech rehearsal: there were more than a few light shifts that were several minutes late, lapsing into the "fear of total collapse" point. Hopefully this company will be able to better work out their tech needs in the future.
Company: The Rest of Us
Show: An Odyssey Backwards and in Heels
Venue: Minnsky Theatre
Backwards in Progress
It's a stretch to find the comparison here to "The Oddyssey", and the play itself feels like two different stories: the first half is a lighthearted musical comedy, and the second half is a dark drama. These halves don't jive together, nor in truth do they work in isolation. There are a few scenes in bars and a particular street scene that contribute little to the plot outside of wacky characters and an attempted assault that had little consequence to the story or characters. The music is alright, although it all sounds very similar and not particularly like what the characters would be singing if they were in a jostling club or chaotic post-bar street. The actors have energy and musical juices pumping, and a couple of the supporting actors' comedic bits really work despite the thin and meandering plot: kudos to Nicole Goeden, Joe Allen, and Matt Saxe for some particularly funny moments. Despite this, there are other shows that'll better deliver your contemporary adaptation or musical fix.
Company: The Bearded Company
Show: Swords & Sorcery: The Improvised Fantasy Campaign
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Opening Performance on 8/3
The Bearded Company has a reputation for their long-form improv, and it's certainly on full display during "Swords and Sorcery". Other than a few dead spots when the performers became confused on each other's suggestions, the show moves at an aggressive pace that rides the audience's excitement the entire time. Special shout-out to Allen Voight, Jack Barrett, and Bradley Machov: Allen as the game master keeps a soft control of the show's flow; Jack's constant piano playing helps set the tone and responds to the improvisers; and Bradley as the improv technician (a person I didn't know could exist) is reactive and largely spot-on with his choice of sound and light effects. This is a rare show worth seeing multiple times, as the story becomes more convoluted with each passing performance.
Company: Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society
Show: The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society Versus the Nazis
Venue: Rarig Center Thrust
Opening Performance on 8/3
The content itself, radioplays of the 1940s, aren't very interesting in their writing; however, the cast is excellent and clear in the multiple characters, and their live folly soundwork is entertaining and effective.
Company: Pacific Midwest Ballet
Show: Zombies And Pirouettes
Venue: Southern Theater
Opening Performance on 8/3
The premise is solid and filled with so much opportunity, but unfortunately many of those opportunities are missed. The choreography doesn't seem well-catered to many of the dancers' skills and doesn't change nearly as radically as the story, and the scene transitions aren't choreographed at all so they lack urgency immediately and interrupt the momentum of the story. Some of the dancers, particularly the shorter bridesmaid and the green wedding guest, a astounding to watch: crisp technique, powerful movement, and confidence in their performance to own up towards what the show intended. Ultimately, however, a director and not more skilled dancers is what this production needed to reach its potential.