"Improvised Love is Blind" at Strike Theater

I don't get to Strike Theater, our Northeast Minneapolis home for sketch comedy, storytelling, and spoken word, nearly as often as I would like. But with zero traditional theater shows opening this weekend (in advance of the storm that is late February), I was able to check out Improvised Love is Blind: Season 2. Apparently it's based on a Netflix dating show, which I've never watched or even heard of, so I might have missed some of the references (what are pods?). But the general concept is clear - one of those contrived dating pool situations, with lots of drama and mayhem. They're running it this weekend like episodes of a TV series, and I saw the second episode - after the pairing in the pods, and before the weddings. It would be fun to see all three shows, but even one is a fun evening. The finale is tonight, but last night was over sold out (perhaps the fullest I've ever seen Strike Theater), so get your tickets soon if you're interested! Otherwise check out Strike's website for upcoming shows, including a return of the laughing-through-grief show Wish You Were Here in March. I'm also hoping my favorite - Improvised Bake-Off - will return this year. But there are plenty of shows to choose from in the meantime, as well as classes for those interested in learning how to do improv and storytelling.

Minnesota Fringe Festival 2023: "New Origins: Beauty and the Beast"

Day: 10

Show: 39

Title: New Origins: Beauty and the Beast

Category: MUSICAL THEATER

By: Two Minnie Cooks

Written by: Aaron Cook

Location: Rarig Thrust

Summary: A prequel story to Disney's Beauty and the Beast that explains how the Prince became a Beast, and later, someone Belle could love.

Highlights: In this version of the story, before the one we know, Belle's mother is a witch and a consultant to the King. But after a tragedy the King turns on her and banishes her, along with Belle's sister, who inherited her mother's magical powers. The only way out is for beautiful Belle to marry the Prince, who is an arrogant unread brute. But Belle loves the sweet Gaston, who loves books as much as she does. If this sounds opposite of the characters in the movie, you're not wrong. Working with the Prince's BFF LeFou, Belle's sister casts a Freaky Friday spell to swap the two men so that Belle will fall in love with the Prince. But they fail to inform Belle's mother, who wants to protect her daughter, and casts the spell that sets up the story we know. It's a bit of a convoluted story, but it's plausible in this world, with some cute B&B-esque songs written by Kyle DeGoey (of Fringe hits Oregon Trail, Gilligan, and more), and accompanied by a live musician on keyboard. The cast performs the score and the story well, especially Kaz Fawkes and Drew Atwood who believably swap personalities halfway through and become the other. It's a fun exploration of a familiar story, with familiar characters we know, as well as a few new ones introduced into this world.

Read all of my Fringe mini-reviews here.

Minnesota Fringe Festival 2022: "On a Stick: A Minnesota State Fair Musical"

Day: 2

Show: 4

Title: On a Stick: A Minnesota State Fair Musical

Category: COMEDY / MUSICAL THEATER / ORIGINAL MUSIC

By: Literally Entertainment

Created by: Literally Entertainment

Location: Rarig Center Thrust

Summary: A disgruntled and wealthy Minnesota ex-pat tries to buy the Minnesota State Fair but is thwarted by a local band who reluctantly enters the amateur talent competition and somehow saves the day.

Highlights: This isn't my favorite creation from Literally Entertainment (see The Scranton Strangler and Gilligan), but it's a lot of fun. The kinda ridiculous plot involves a local band in need of a break who goes to the Fair with flyers to try to get people to come see them play at Harry's bar, and instead finds themselves playing in the talent competition, despite lead singer Meg's (Sarah Frazier) protestations that she hates the State Fair (eventually revealed to be due to a childhood talent competition trauma). And somehow they get tangled up in the delightfully evil Richard Effinghead's (Kaz Fawkes) scheme to destroy the Fair. A bunch of stuff happens, but of course our friends end up on top, with the help of a magical cookie fairy named Sweet Martha (Shell Wolfe, who almost steals the show). As you'd expect it's chock full of local references, specifically to our great get-together (nobody hates the State Fair!), a celebration of all things Minnesota, as well as the power of music and friendship. Written by the Literally team of Kyle DeGoey (music and lyrics) and Travis Carpenter (book), the show features live music by Lindsey DeGoey on piano, in addition to several cast members playing in the band onstage. This one may not be their most clever or original musical, but it's a fun and Fringey good time.

 
Read all of my Fringe mini-reviews here.

Minnesota Fringe Festival 2018: "The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist or, Ocean's 'Eh'T?: A Musical"

Day: 1

Show: 2

Title: The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist or, Ocean's 'Eh'T?: A Musical

Category: Comedy / Musical Theater / Original Music

By: Literally Entertainment

Created by: Literally Entertainment Productions

Location: Mixed Blood Theatre

Summary: A musical spoof of the real life event in which $18 million worth of maple syrup was stolen in Canada.

Highlights: If you've seen any of their past shows, you know what to expect from Literally Entertainment (music and lyrics by Kyle DeGoey, book and direction by Travis Carpenter). Funny and clever songs, a silly and fun story, and enthusiastic performances by the winning cast. This one also features a good old fashioned heist and plenty of Canadian humor (they're so polite, they drink beer, they wear plaid, they speak in funny accents). While the lengthy plot explanation at the end of the show is a bit confusing and goes by too fast to make sense, it's a fun and very fringey musical. And there's a moose! Oh Canada, we love you (and we kind of wish we were you).

Read all of my Fringe mini-reviews here.

Fringe Festival 2017: "RomCom-Con: A Meet-Cute Musical"

Day: 8

Show: 33

Title: RomCom-Con: A Meet-Cute Musical

Category: Musical

By: August Moon Productions

Created by: Kyle DeGoey

Location: Ritz Theater Mainstage

Summary: After bad break ups, two people meet-cute at a convention for fans of romantic comedies.

Highlights: This meet-cute musical is super cute. Book writers Nathan Kelly and Kerri O'Halloran have filled the show with rom com references old and new. The show pays homage to the genre that is loved by so many, including our meet-cute couple Will (Aaron Cook) and Samantha (Erin Kennedy), while turning some of the tired tropes on their head. When Will jumps in to defend Sam to her ex Brock (Edd Jones), who comes to the rom com dressed as his favorite rom com character Severus Snape, she protests that they've only just met and she doesn't need him to defend her. And then goes on to explain that true love doesn't happen in an instant, but builds with time and hard work. The super charming and appealing cast also includes Hannah Parish as a rom com guru/fairy godmother, and Nimene Sierra Wureh and Drew Tennenbaum as the best friends who have a meet-cute of their own, even though we're told "true love is for main characters only." Kyle DeGoey (music and lyrics) has once again written a clever, fun, and genre-specific Fringe musical (see also Oregon Trail and Gilligan).

Read all of my Fringe mini-reviews here.

Fringe Festival 2016: "The ImproVoice"

Day: 4

Show: 16

Title: The ImproVoice

Category: Musical

By: Double-Blind Productions

Directed by: Eric Thompson

Location: Southern Theater

Summary: An improvised singing competitions between four contestants, with songs based on audience suggestions.

Highlights: Before the show, the audience is asked to fill out a short questionnaire, which is used as the basis of the songs. Host Eric Thompson introduces us to the four contestants (played by Molly Glover, Jeff Gyllen, Lauren Haven, and Aaron Cook), who go through four rounds of competition: solos, duets, a sing-off (group number), and the winner's solo. The talented and fast-thinking singers make up songs on the spot about such odd subjects as chainsaws, tweezers, and Monopoly. Chad Dutton ably and enthusiastically accompanies them on the keyboard with a variety of song styles. It's hard to believe this is improvised, the songs are so well done, but I guess the silly lyrics give it away. I'm always impressed by improv actors who can create a character out of nothing, but this group does that, plus writing songs as they're singing them! It's great fun to watch.

(Nerdy aside: I wonder if the company name, Double-Blind Productions, is a reference to clinical trials? Are there statisticians on the team?! #statsnerd)