Sub-Total
2018 Audience Reviews
Member Reviews
The following reviews were submitted by Fringe Member:
Company: Goof Goof
Show: (a) Normal Theatre Play
Venue: Strike Theater
Oof Oof...
With a Dadaist company promising a "normal" play, I found myself disappointed that they delivered on that promise. The absurdist elements teased and introduced were few, far-between, uneven, and repetitive. It was, in its majority, a straight forward retelling of the old classic *redacted* with varied energy. I saw glimpses of the wacky magic Goof Goof can produce but ultimately this one missed the mark.
Company: TROMPE L'OEIL
Show: Bits & Bobs: An Evening of Short Plays
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Blah
I applaud the actors in their commitment to deliver their best performances given what I found to be lack-luster scripts. Much of the script(s) was filled with play-writing cliches and only a couple of the narratives knew what they wanted to say beyond their beginning premise.
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Company: Wayward Theatre Company
Show: Far Away by Caryl Churchill
Venue: Rarig Center Arena
Blown Away
Incredible. As usual, Wayward delivers a clean, powerful performance. They have tactfully handled the subject matters haunting atmosphere. The band was fantastic, further building the world and mood erected by Nargang and cast. Cutting any full work for a Fringe slot produces some gaps the audience has to mentally jump but Far Away draws you in so masterfully that these cuts are forgiven without qualm.
Company: Grand Island Theatre
Show: Hamlet, but Hamlet's a Chicken
Venue: Minnsky Theatre
Poultry-mendous
Fantastic ensemble. Always excited to support absurdism at the Fringe! Tilly has star quality, no doubt about that. I would have perhaps liked to see more interaction /contrast between the absurdist elements and the canonical powerhouse that is Hamlet (and its themes). Regardless, be proud of what you've put on: a delight, and a guaranteed evening of laughter. I'm excited to see what this company does in the coming years.
Company: Sister Shakes
Show: Proof! An Alien Abduction Pop Musical
Venue: Augsburg Studio
ALIEJNtertaining
A fun little musical romp through alien territory. The alien/watcher concept was fascinating but fell away to a kinda cheesy love story. Clean and effective acting from all cast members and catchy musical numbers that stick in the brain. I'm not sure if the use of suicide in the plot of this light-hearted show was redeemed by its messages of self-worth and human potential or a tad flippant in its presentation.
Company: Theatre Corrobora
Show: Rejection
Venue: Augsburg Mainstage
Let's talk about LOVE
An important dialogue young adults should have more often. When the world sells us the importance of labels and appearances and relationship expectations things get emotionally and socially messy. I walked away with a ton of questions about the nature of love and my own relationships and self. Rejection does not offer easy if any answers as the answers ought to differ for each audience member. Rejection is a great example of theatre that calls for self-examination. Praise all around for the cast and director Aidan Jhane Gallivan of this delightful and poignant piece. Very impressed by the performance of Brady Mueller, taking on a role last minute is impressive enough but to blend seamlessly with a cast that has had a rehearsal process to mesh is astounding.
Company: Hot Chocolate Media
Show: Remy Raygun of the Space Brigade: A Build-Your-Own Space Opera
Venue: Augsburg Mainstage
Lost in Space
A fun premise but far from polished. Timing and energy were start and stop. As an adult i cant speak to its success as a kids show, but for myself and my fellow kids at heart it was a miss. Loved the visual elements and musical accompaniment. Needed a larger cast or smoother character transitions for actors with multiple roles. Some of the ad lib/self referential lines made it more difficult to suspend my disbelief. Could be great with a focused re-write and sharper energy use.
Company: Say It Loud Productions
Show: Revolt of the Beavers
Venue: Mixed Blood Theatre
Cute and clear
Straightforward allegory. A little too self-referential and self-glorifying at times but lays out an important message of collective bargaining and serving each other's needs as well as our own. Natalie Wass is a gem, shining as Oakleaf and bringing an energizing boost of spunk and grit to the revolution.
Company: Paper Soul
Show: SOFT
Venue: Ritz Theater Mainstage
Softened edge
Motz is a wonderful and effective performer but this production doesn't deliver the gravity and horror its script and concept attempt to produce. We can see pretty early the direction of the plot and the shocks are softened by that foresight. A smart portrayal of a dangerous mindset on relationships that hits too softly.
Company: Blinking Eye Theatre
Show: Swipe Right
Venue: Augsburg Mainstage
Super Liked
Light and humorous display of some of the challenges and absurdities of modern dating. Recognizable situations and charming characters make this show a delight.
Company: The Bearded Company
Show: Swords & Sorcery: The Improvised Fantasy Campaign
Venue: Theatre in the Round
Nat 20
Stupendous. A must-see spectacle of pure fun. Improv-fans and nerds alike revel in this delightful act. I wish I could see this show/concept on a regular basis year-round as I was immediately hooked.