"The Seagull" at Theatre in the Round

The Seagull may be the most tragic comedy I've ever seen. As it happens, this Chekhovian mix that makes you laugh as much as it makes you cry is my favorite thing (see also: The Bear). This slice of life story of a group of family and friends at a country home by the lake one summer, with a flash forward to catch up with them two years later, is full of laughter, music, love, heartbreak, and tragedy. Just like life. #TCTheater artist Craig Johnson has written a new adaptation of Chekhov's first play, and although I can't really speak to what's new or different about this adaptation since I've only seen it once before, it feels fresh and funny and modern, and heart-wrenching. An across-the-board strong 10-person cast and a charming nature-based design bring this 125+ year old story to such vivid life that it was jarring to leave the theater and walk out into the bitterly cold night. Experience this great tragicomedy now through February 4 at Theatre in the Round, the oldest theater in Minneapolis.

Minnesota Fringe Festival 2023: "BRUTUS"

Day: 5

Show: 21

Title: BRUTUS

Category: DANCE / DANCE - MODERN / DRAMA / HORROR / ORIGINAL MUSIC / PHYSICAL THEATER / HISTORICAL CONTENT / LGBTQIA+ CONTENT / POLITICAL CONTENT / SHAKESPEARIAN ELEMENTS

By: Rebecca Wickert and Ella Eastman-Kiesow

Created by: Rebecca Wickert and Ella Eastman-Kiesow

Location: Theatre in the Round

Summary: A retelling of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar with a mostly female cast and creative team.

Highlights: The creators and much of the cast are recent or current U of M theater students, and it's exciting to see the thoughtful, creative, unique work of young artists, making the future of #TCTheater look bright. With perhaps the largest cast I've seen at the Fringe this year, they tell this story of violence and betrayal in a taut and intense 60 minutes or less. Dominique Drake makes for a regal King Caesar, Alexis Neumann is a sympathetic Brutus who kills their friend, and Amber Frederick is all broiling intensity as the chief conspirator Cassius. The ensemble uses movement, choreography, and fight choreography to tell the story in a physical way (with choreography by Nakeema King). There's also recorded original music (by Colin Fitzsimmons and The Buttress) adding to the tone and intensity. The stylistic look of the show is achieved by extreme face makeup, consistent hairstyles, and wild costumes of unknown period. It's all very thoughtful and intentional and beautifully constructed.

Read all of my Fringe mini-reviews here.