[Today, Tommy will be the guest blogger for the second part of his Top Ten List.]
5. Hogg and the Humors
'Hogg and the Humors' is, in a word: hilarious. Done in the style of a late-night talk show(with guests included), the show has lots of great comedy. There was one point in the show where they did a 'preview' of a show ('Afterlife') and the guys did it completely based on the description! Oh, and by the way, it is NOT FOR KIDS.
4. Silent Poetry 2
'Silent Poetry 2' is beautiful. Very beautiful. Remember that 'Silent Poetry' show I raved about last year? This sequel of sorts doubles everything about the first 'Silent Poetry': the stage, the size, and even the performers! The skit 'The Chase' shows lots of mime illusions, and the hilarious 'One Sunday Morning' skit is back - and expanded.
3. The Harty Boys and The Case of the Limping Platypus
'The Harty Boys and The Case of the Limping Platypus' is an awesome parody of adventure books. They spoof everything from left to right: the girl in trouble, the big 'plot twist', and the suspect that seems like he did it but didn't. You must see this show, especially of you love books like 'The Hardy Boys' or 'Nancy Drew'.
2. Sideways Stories from Wayside School
'Sideways Stories from Wayside School' is an excellent trip through Memory Lane. Having read the books about a year ago, I must say that the people who did this have excellently captured the weird scope of the books. All of the classic stories are there: From Ms. Gorf, the teacher who turns her students into apples, to Ms. Zarves, the teacher who doesn't seem to exist, the show is hilariously well-polished. You must see this show if you've read the 'Wayside School' books.
1. Jurassic Dork
'JURASSIC DORK'. IS. AWESOME. A one man version of the film 'Jurassic Park', the show conveniently mocks - and endorses - the film for which the show was inspired. There are seemingly endless jokes about the film. Overall, is absolutely deserves first place on my Top 10 list this year.
Also, the shows 'Alliteral Selection: The True Tale of a Wayward Wallaby' which had an interesting topic but suffered from slow pacing, and 'Untitled Duet with Houseplant', a funny solo show where there are great jokes, including a...'duet' with a houseplant, deserve an honorable mention, as I saw them after I conceived this list. 'Wayward Wallaby's run has ended, but Untitled Duet With Houseplant still has one more showing today at 7:00. 'Harty Boys' still has a showing at 5:30, as does Mutant Squad and In Another's Size. Two Short Operas has also landed a Fringe Encore at 8:30. Alas, the runs of all the other shows have come and gone, so a big hurrah to those who saw them!
And this is where it ends.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Wallabies, Misfit Toys, and a Houseplant
Whew! Only two days remaining. I'm exhilarated from seeing so many shows but sad that I can't see everything. There is no possible way I will collect an entire set of "Rockstar Storyteller" trading cards. I will miss about five musicals that I really wanted to see. We never made it to the Ritz! Oh well. Chris and Tommy are going to see Jurassic Dork this afternoon while I catch up on my blog backlog. (Tony is devoting his afternoon to video games.) Tonight-Crescendo, Slow Jobs, and maybe Rumspringa the Musical!
Friday night we began with Alliteral Selection: Tales of a Wayward Wallaby. Tommy found the subject interesting. He was glad he saw it. But I found myself watching the clock cruelly placed on the wall just to my left. I could hear the voice of the old Wednesday night Roundtable at the Playwrights' Center : "Don't tell us, show us!" 75% of the play is a woman at a desk reading newspaper articles. The true story of Wally and Wanda the Wallaby and their adventure in Zumbrota has the potential to be many things-a great tale for a one person storytelling show, a folksy Prairie Home Companion style multi-character play, or a family musical . Of course, now I'm breaking the PWC's other rule: "Give comments-not rewrites".
Next up was Horace Greeley the Lesser: On the Isle of Misfit Toys. This dark and twisty picaresque adventure back to the isle of Rudolph fame is one of my fringe favorites this year. There is only show remaining this afternoon at 4:00 PM. It is one of those shows that the adults will enjoy just as much as the children. Packed with literary and movie references from the likes of the Wizard of Oz, Clockwork Orange, Winnie the Pooh and Gulliver's Travels to mention a few. The original songs could stand alone but also keep the story moving forward. The opening song which states "I am and I am not what I thought" is a laundry list of contradictions :"I'm a meat-eating vegetarian" , "I'm an expired infinity".
J. Roth who also wrote the show, played Horace and the army of characters that inhabit the story. He also played many instruments along with the indispensable Paul Cameron and Ryan Murphy. Percussion instruments, tin sheets, trumpets, washtub bass. But basically, Horace is a one man storytelling show with music. Sometimes sweet, sometimes silly, always sharp, Roth takes the audience on a great ride.
After two shows at Augsburg we hiked across the street to the Rarig for Untitled Duet with a Houseplant by Noah Bremer. Tommy chose this show after seeing Bremer play the hilarious gym teacher in Sideways Stories from the Wayside School. Tommy loved every moment of Houseplant. Bremer inhabits the body of the world's tallest eleven year old. Plus, he handed out free snacks. What's not to love?
Bremer told the audience he didn't have time to finish his fringe show. I believed him-the first half of the show meandered. Although charming and playful, the games were beginning to wilt when he got to the meat of the show, the promised "duet with a houseplant". This is when the shenanigans began to germinate into a full-fledged show. We left the Rarig with a smile.
Friday night we began with Alliteral Selection: Tales of a Wayward Wallaby. Tommy found the subject interesting. He was glad he saw it. But I found myself watching the clock cruelly placed on the wall just to my left. I could hear the voice of the old Wednesday night Roundtable at the Playwrights' Center : "Don't tell us, show us!" 75% of the play is a woman at a desk reading newspaper articles. The true story of Wally and Wanda the Wallaby and their adventure in Zumbrota has the potential to be many things-a great tale for a one person storytelling show, a folksy Prairie Home Companion style multi-character play, or a family musical . Of course, now I'm breaking the PWC's other rule: "Give comments-not rewrites".
Next up was Horace Greeley the Lesser: On the Isle of Misfit Toys. This dark and twisty picaresque adventure back to the isle of Rudolph fame is one of my fringe favorites this year. There is only show remaining this afternoon at 4:00 PM. It is one of those shows that the adults will enjoy just as much as the children. Packed with literary and movie references from the likes of the Wizard of Oz, Clockwork Orange, Winnie the Pooh and Gulliver's Travels to mention a few. The original songs could stand alone but also keep the story moving forward. The opening song which states "I am and I am not what I thought" is a laundry list of contradictions :"I'm a meat-eating vegetarian" , "I'm an expired infinity".
J. Roth who also wrote the show, played Horace and the army of characters that inhabit the story. He also played many instruments along with the indispensable Paul Cameron and Ryan Murphy. Percussion instruments, tin sheets, trumpets, washtub bass. But basically, Horace is a one man storytelling show with music. Sometimes sweet, sometimes silly, always sharp, Roth takes the audience on a great ride.
After two shows at Augsburg we hiked across the street to the Rarig for Untitled Duet with a Houseplant by Noah Bremer. Tommy chose this show after seeing Bremer play the hilarious gym teacher in Sideways Stories from the Wayside School. Tommy loved every moment of Houseplant. Bremer inhabits the body of the world's tallest eleven year old. Plus, he handed out free snacks. What's not to love?
Bremer told the audience he didn't have time to finish his fringe show. I believed him-the first half of the show meandered. Although charming and playful, the games were beginning to wilt when he got to the meat of the show, the promised "duet with a houseplant". This is when the shenanigans began to germinate into a full-fledged show. We left the Rarig with a smile.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tommy's Top 10 2009 Part 1
Tommy (age 11) has seen 15 shows (including Wayside School twice). I am handing my blog over to him this morning.
10. The Nightingale
'The Nightingale', while not perfect, is good and worth a look. The acting is very good. The ensemble does a very nice job. They are good actors and they are great dancers. Also, the Nightingale can really sing. However, the story has some slow pacing, but that's easy to overlook.
9. Keiko Kasza's A Mother for Choco
'Keiko Kasza's A Mother for Choco' is the most charming show I've seen in a while. While it's more for the little ones, it's still appealing for a kid like me. However, it sometimes feels like the songs, while nice and cute, are only there to get the show to the Fringe time limit. Overall, it's a great way to introduce your little ones to theater.
8. Two Short Operas: Mr. Berman's Bath-Size Bar and There's a Mastodon In My Backyard
'Two Short Operas: Mr. Berman's Bath-Size Bar and There's a Mastodon In My Backyard' is....well duh, two short operas! Going to the first opera, 'Mr. Berman's Bath-Size Bar', I am glad to say that it was hilarious. The plot is about a man who checks into a hotel and....becomes upset because they won't stop giving him three small bars of soap when he's brought his own bath-size bar. And that's only the beginning. The plot is utterly ridiculous, and that's the best thing about this opera. The second opera, 'There's a Mastodon In My Backyard' about a woman who finds mastodon bones in her backyard, relies on the catchiness of it's melodies rather than a ridiculous plot, isn't as good as 'Mr. Berman'. (I still can't get that melody out of my head, though.)
7. In Another's Size
'In Another's Size', which is about high schoolers switching bodies, is hilariously fun. Directed by Joseph Scrimshaw of last year's 'An Inconvenient Squirrel' and produced by Stepping Stone students, the show has some great quality. Brian Kelly does a great job as the school's lunch lady (yes, lunch lady) and the other teachers at the school. Also, you never really get confused about who switched into who's body, and that's a great accomplishment. The students themselves are also very good actors - playing two roles in one show is a big feat, and they aced it.
6. The Mutant Squad
'The Mutant Squad', about a group of teenagers trying to take down a mutant, is funny. Oh, and it's borderline for kids, but it's perfect for teens. They have some hilarious jokes (the ending joke is laugh-inducing but it's too inappropriate to describe). I liked the mutant himself - he acts like a nutto, but in a good way. Overall, 'The Mutant Squad' is an absolute must-see.
Okay then, since I'm quite lazy right now, I'm going to end Part 1. (Part 2 will come tomorrow!)
TNG out!
10. The Nightingale
'The Nightingale', while not perfect, is good and worth a look. The acting is very good. The ensemble does a very nice job. They are good actors and they are great dancers. Also, the Nightingale can really sing. However, the story has some slow pacing, but that's easy to overlook.
9. Keiko Kasza's A Mother for Choco
'Keiko Kasza's A Mother for Choco' is the most charming show I've seen in a while. While it's more for the little ones, it's still appealing for a kid like me. However, it sometimes feels like the songs, while nice and cute, are only there to get the show to the Fringe time limit. Overall, it's a great way to introduce your little ones to theater.
8. Two Short Operas: Mr. Berman's Bath-Size Bar and There's a Mastodon In My Backyard
'Two Short Operas: Mr. Berman's Bath-Size Bar and There's a Mastodon In My Backyard' is....well duh, two short operas! Going to the first opera, 'Mr. Berman's Bath-Size Bar', I am glad to say that it was hilarious. The plot is about a man who checks into a hotel and....becomes upset because they won't stop giving him three small bars of soap when he's brought his own bath-size bar. And that's only the beginning. The plot is utterly ridiculous, and that's the best thing about this opera. The second opera, 'There's a Mastodon In My Backyard' about a woman who finds mastodon bones in her backyard, relies on the catchiness of it's melodies rather than a ridiculous plot, isn't as good as 'Mr. Berman'. (I still can't get that melody out of my head, though.)
7. In Another's Size
'In Another's Size', which is about high schoolers switching bodies, is hilariously fun. Directed by Joseph Scrimshaw of last year's 'An Inconvenient Squirrel' and produced by Stepping Stone students, the show has some great quality. Brian Kelly does a great job as the school's lunch lady (yes, lunch lady) and the other teachers at the school. Also, you never really get confused about who switched into who's body, and that's a great accomplishment. The students themselves are also very good actors - playing two roles in one show is a big feat, and they aced it.
6. The Mutant Squad
'The Mutant Squad', about a group of teenagers trying to take down a mutant, is funny. Oh, and it's borderline for kids, but it's perfect for teens. They have some hilarious jokes (the ending joke is laugh-inducing but it's too inappropriate to describe). I liked the mutant himself - he acts like a nutto, but in a good way. Overall, 'The Mutant Squad' is an absolute must-see.
Okay then, since I'm quite lazy right now, I'm going to end Part 1. (Part 2 will come tomorrow!)
TNG out!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Comedy Hypnosis Show
The Comedy Hypnosis Show featuring certified hypnotherapist Katie Knutson was our fourth show of the day. Tommy and I are split on this one-I think that the majority of the twenty volunteer "stars" were hypnotized to various degrees. Tommy is more skeptical. He also isn't remembering all of the details. Which makes me wonder if he didn't slip into a state of deep relaxation too.
I was fascinated by the process. Knutson is very positive and gentle. She reassures her volunteers that they are "stars" and that any laughter is supportive. Everyone on stage seemed to be enjoying themselves. The comedy comes from the unpredictability of the "stars" responses. It reminded me of an improv show. Each performance will be completely different.
The highlight was a giant "America's Got Talent" style talent show. She suggested to a few stars that they were celebrity judges. One gentleman thought he was Lindsey Lohan, a woman thought she was Mr. Spock, and another thought she was Elton John. And I was glad to see that one of the guys from "Lick" was able to find his belly button before the next show.
I was fascinated by the process. Knutson is very positive and gentle. She reassures her volunteers that they are "stars" and that any laughter is supportive. Everyone on stage seemed to be enjoying themselves. The comedy comes from the unpredictability of the "stars" responses. It reminded me of an improv show. Each performance will be completely different.
The highlight was a giant "America's Got Talent" style talent show. She suggested to a few stars that they were celebrity judges. One gentleman thought he was Lindsey Lohan, a woman thought she was Mr. Spock, and another thought she was Elton John. And I was glad to see that one of the guys from "Lick" was able to find his belly button before the next show.
A Mother for Choco, The Nightingale and Two Short Operas
This year's contribution from Gustavus Adolphus is another piece of quality theater for kids. Keiko Kasza's A Mother for Choco (and other mother stories) is a darling show for the little ones. The preschoolers in the audience were enchanted by the experience. Strong singing and colorful puppets enhance Amy Seham's lovely adaptation of Kasza's children's book. Thoroughly engaging and only 45 minutes long, this would be a great first theater experience. It plays three more times this week-Tuesday and Friday at 5:30 and a Saturday matinee at 2:30. You can introduce a young one to theater and have them home by bedtime.
The Nightingale, written and directed by Judy Cooper Lyle and based on the tale by Hans Christian Anderson, offers some joyous singing, particularly Mari Harris as the sexy nightingale. Andrew Brown-Thomas is very funny as the overwhelmed Prime Minister to the King. The ensemble (Samantha Miller, David Lee, and Penny Masuku) tells much of the story through dance. It is beautiful to watch them dance. However, the show is bogged down by slow transitions and too much "monologue-ing". And much of the production was difficult to hear. It isn't all the artists' fault-I have seen 3 shows in the Proscenium and all three have had sound difficulties. But as Mama Rose and fellow blogger Matthew Everett like to say "Sing out Louise!".
Next we grabbed our car and zipped over to the Playwrights' Center for Two Short Operas: Mr. Berman's Bath Size Bar and There's a Mastodon in My Back Yard presented by the Dead Composers Society. (Although the composer of both pieces, Stephen Houtz, is certainly not dead.) I'm glad we didn't stop for lunch first because the show sold out quickly. There are three shows remaining; I would strongly urge you to reserve your tickets.
The first short opera, Mr. Berman's Bath-Size Bar, is a laugh riot. As Tommy says, "The plot is absolutely ridiculous. I loved it." The second opera, There's a Mastodon in My Back Yard is equally absurd. In between the two operas we were treated to an entr'acte by local singer/actress Jennifer Eckes. She sang the cabaret song "I Want Them Bald".
Musically, all five performers fill the tiny theater with beautiful sounds. But their willingness to embrace the silliness of the moment makes the performance wonderful. The skillful music direction and accompaniment of Andrew Fleser allows the performers the foundation and the space to really inhabit their characters.
The Nightingale, written and directed by Judy Cooper Lyle and based on the tale by Hans Christian Anderson, offers some joyous singing, particularly Mari Harris as the sexy nightingale. Andrew Brown-Thomas is very funny as the overwhelmed Prime Minister to the King. The ensemble (Samantha Miller, David Lee, and Penny Masuku) tells much of the story through dance. It is beautiful to watch them dance. However, the show is bogged down by slow transitions and too much "monologue-ing". And much of the production was difficult to hear. It isn't all the artists' fault-I have seen 3 shows in the Proscenium and all three have had sound difficulties. But as Mama Rose and fellow blogger Matthew Everett like to say "Sing out Louise!".
Next we grabbed our car and zipped over to the Playwrights' Center for Two Short Operas: Mr. Berman's Bath Size Bar and There's a Mastodon in My Back Yard presented by the Dead Composers Society. (Although the composer of both pieces, Stephen Houtz, is certainly not dead.) I'm glad we didn't stop for lunch first because the show sold out quickly. There are three shows remaining; I would strongly urge you to reserve your tickets.
The first short opera, Mr. Berman's Bath-Size Bar, is a laugh riot. As Tommy says, "The plot is absolutely ridiculous. I loved it." The second opera, There's a Mastodon in My Back Yard is equally absurd. In between the two operas we were treated to an entr'acte by local singer/actress Jennifer Eckes. She sang the cabaret song "I Want Them Bald".
Musically, all five performers fill the tiny theater with beautiful sounds. But their willingness to embrace the silliness of the moment makes the performance wonderful. The skillful music direction and accompaniment of Andrew Fleser allows the performers the foundation and the space to really inhabit their characters.
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Frog Prince and the Harty Boys
The Frog Prince! A Splashy New Musical leaps through eighteen songs and fourteen scenes in fifty minutes. The songs are catchy, the young performers are exuberant, and the costumes are exceptional. Young children will enjoy the eight pretty princesses and the silly dancing frogs. Older children will enjoy seeing their peers having a good time. The original score skillfully tells the story through many different styles of music-a little jazz, a little pop, and some old-fashioned Broadway showtunes. But there are so many characters that the show becomes unnecessarily labyrinthine. The Frog Prince is a ninety minute musical crammed into fifty minutes. Still, the music and the performances make this musical a top choice for the family Fringe.
After a stop at the Equal Exchange Booth where we split a silky giant dark chocolate bar (for only $3-those babies are $5.50 at Lunds) we went to see The Harty Boys in the Case of the Limping Platypus. No question, this is my favorite show so far (I have seen 15.) The parody is written and directed by Levi Weinhagen and Joshua English Scrimshaw, who also play the title characters. The crackerjack script is faithful to the spirit of the Hardy boys books. There is a real mystery to be solved. But familiarity with the books is not necessary to enjoy the show.
The action is set throughout Minneapolis. These gentlemen could write for CSI: Minneapolis-the Sitcom! They also poke fun at the subtle misogyny of the books. Sulia Altenberg ( the same actress that so convincingly played the bullied tween camper in Mutant Squad!) and Leslie Ball bring on the "girl power" as the boys' chum Becca and their mother, forensic criminologist Dr. Lana Harty.
After a stop at the Equal Exchange Booth where we split a silky giant dark chocolate bar (for only $3-those babies are $5.50 at Lunds) we went to see The Harty Boys in the Case of the Limping Platypus. No question, this is my favorite show so far (I have seen 15.) The parody is written and directed by Levi Weinhagen and Joshua English Scrimshaw, who also play the title characters. The crackerjack script is faithful to the spirit of the Hardy boys books. There is a real mystery to be solved. But familiarity with the books is not necessary to enjoy the show.
The action is set throughout Minneapolis. These gentlemen could write for CSI: Minneapolis-the Sitcom! They also poke fun at the subtle misogyny of the books. Sulia Altenberg ( the same actress that so convincingly played the bullied tween camper in Mutant Squad!) and Leslie Ball bring on the "girl power" as the boys' chum Becca and their mother, forensic criminologist Dr. Lana Harty.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Hogg and the Humors
Fringe Day 3, Part 1
We started our day at 1:00 with Hogg and the Humors. It might have been a tad too raunchy for my youngest who is 11(the promotional material said 12+). That said-he loved it. The show is part improv, part late night variety show, and part Fringe-for-All. It is like being a live studio audience member of an old time late night talk show. Hogg is a generous and natural host.
For one of the sketches, three fringe show cards were pulled out of a hat. The audience voted on which show the cast would present. The cast, along with special guest Mike Fotis, proceeded to make up their own goofy interpretation of the winner, AfterLife.
The Dramaturkey segment, which was inspired by a bad script competition in Montreal, had the cast cold read a dreadful script. They enjoyed every line of stilted dialogue and overwrought angst. It was wicked funny.
Sigal Shoham from Sure to Cure: Dr. Amelia's Medicine Show was the special musical guest. She played banjo and sang two clever original songs. I hope to see her whole show.
We started our day at 1:00 with Hogg and the Humors. It might have been a tad too raunchy for my youngest who is 11(the promotional material said 12+). That said-he loved it. The show is part improv, part late night variety show, and part Fringe-for-All. It is like being a live studio audience member of an old time late night talk show. Hogg is a generous and natural host.
For one of the sketches, three fringe show cards were pulled out of a hat. The audience voted on which show the cast would present. The cast, along with special guest Mike Fotis, proceeded to make up their own goofy interpretation of the winner, AfterLife.
The Dramaturkey segment, which was inspired by a bad script competition in Montreal, had the cast cold read a dreadful script. They enjoyed every line of stilted dialogue and overwrought angst. It was wicked funny.
Sigal Shoham from Sure to Cure: Dr. Amelia's Medicine Show was the special musical guest. She played banjo and sang two clever original songs. I hope to see her whole show.
Silent Poetry 2 and Jurassic Dork
Friday-Fringe Day 2
We only made it to two shows tonight. I didn't plan on the lost cell phone, the dysfunctional ATM at the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the 25 minute wait to exit the SMM parking lot. Fortunately, the show we missed (The Frog Prince) has another show tomorrow that slides into the only blank spot in our schedule.
Silent Poetry 2, Mime inspired by Marcel Marceau, was at the top of Tommy's list the day the 2009 schedule went live. Dean Hatton's 2008 solo show was one of his favorites last year. This year Hatton is joined by Kirsten Stephens. The duo is brilliant . I don't have the technical vocabulary to describe what they do; I only know that it amazes me. During the five different vignettes the pair took us through the spectrum of human emotion using only their bodies and faces. We saw a high speed chase, a light saber battle, a dancing corpse, and "Jackass the Mime". But at times there was also a stillness, a space that had more feeling than mere words can express. Stephens' anguished prayer in "One Sunday Morning" was achingly beautiful.
The show is listed as for ages 0+ but I would wait until a child is old enough to sit relatively still.
Tommy also found some of the team's work on you tube this morning. Check out this one!
The second show was Jurassic Dork at the Gremlin in St. Paul. It was easy to get there from Rarig. Parking is free and easy across the street at the US Bank. While I have enjoyed many of Gremlin's productions over the years, I hadn't been in their new space until the Fringe for All.
Jurassic Dork was a lot of fun. John Skelley did more than re-enact the movie Jurassic Park, he created an original experience. Using minimal props, Skelley plays all of the characters, including the dinosaurs. He out-Goldblums Jeff Goldblum. I enjoyed the fringe show more than the movie. Jurassic Dork isn't listed as a kid's show but I would highly recommend this as a family fringe outing.
We only made it to two shows tonight. I didn't plan on the lost cell phone, the dysfunctional ATM at the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the 25 minute wait to exit the SMM parking lot. Fortunately, the show we missed (The Frog Prince) has another show tomorrow that slides into the only blank spot in our schedule.
Silent Poetry 2, Mime inspired by Marcel Marceau, was at the top of Tommy's list the day the 2009 schedule went live. Dean Hatton's 2008 solo show was one of his favorites last year. This year Hatton is joined by Kirsten Stephens. The duo is brilliant . I don't have the technical vocabulary to describe what they do; I only know that it amazes me. During the five different vignettes the pair took us through the spectrum of human emotion using only their bodies and faces. We saw a high speed chase, a light saber battle, a dancing corpse, and "Jackass the Mime". But at times there was also a stillness, a space that had more feeling than mere words can express. Stephens' anguished prayer in "One Sunday Morning" was achingly beautiful.
The show is listed as for ages 0+ but I would wait until a child is old enough to sit relatively still.
Tommy also found some of the team's work on you tube this morning. Check out this one!
The second show was Jurassic Dork at the Gremlin in St. Paul. It was easy to get there from Rarig. Parking is free and easy across the street at the US Bank. While I have enjoyed many of Gremlin's productions over the years, I hadn't been in their new space until the Fringe for All.
Jurassic Dork was a lot of fun. John Skelley did more than re-enact the movie Jurassic Park, he created an original experience. Using minimal props, Skelley plays all of the characters, including the dinosaurs. He out-Goldblums Jeff Goldblum. I enjoyed the fringe show more than the movie. Jurassic Dork isn't listed as a kid's show but I would highly recommend this as a family fringe outing.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Mutant Squad
Mutant Squad, presented by the Young Artists Council of the Youth Performance Company, is a fresh take on the "for teens by teens" category. Nick Clark's script is original and quirky. The plot has surprising little twists and turns. And the origin story of the Mutant is a hoot. Mutant Squad is a funny, witty comedy that never talks down to its audience.
The ensemble work is strong. All four members of the Mutant Squad play well off of each other. Axl (the role is double cast; I'm not sure which actor we saw tonight) is the ad hoc leader of the mutant hunters. He wants to be the hero and save the day. The actor does a good job of showing the vulnerability behind the swagger. Winona (Kiana Adams, with excellent comic timing) is the goth girl with the heart of gold. Walter(Koby Feldman) is the funny best friend. The fourth squad member, Po (Kaitlyn Andrews), is a Japanese or Japanese-American 6th grade boy who speaks with a broken English accent.
I did not understand why Po was played by a girl. Yes, the nerdy Japanese boy was a stock 80's character. Yes, I understand that the intent is to satirize the 80's, not the Japanese. But the cross-casting and cheesy accent made the execution of that intent murky at best and offensive at worst.
The trio of toughs were just as funny as the mutants.
The costume design adds a lot to the show. I don't want to spoil the wonderful weirdness of the Mutant costume so I won't describe it here. The late 80's/early 90's period costumes (I feel old!) helped define the characters.
FYI, the show, recommended for ages 10 and up, is loaded with language and innuendo (and a penis joke) that might make some ten-year-olds (and their parents) uncomfortable. The bullies do a lot of crotch grabbing and name-calling. My eleven year old had no problem with it. He laughed throughout the entire show.
By the way, Mutant Squad is playing at the Theatre Garage, which is being sponsored by Play by Play theater book Store and opening night gifts. They have tables set up. Check out the books and gifts and enter the drawing.
The ensemble work is strong. All four members of the Mutant Squad play well off of each other. Axl (the role is double cast; I'm not sure which actor we saw tonight) is the ad hoc leader of the mutant hunters. He wants to be the hero and save the day. The actor does a good job of showing the vulnerability behind the swagger. Winona (Kiana Adams, with excellent comic timing) is the goth girl with the heart of gold. Walter(Koby Feldman) is the funny best friend. The fourth squad member, Po (Kaitlyn Andrews), is a Japanese or Japanese-American 6th grade boy who speaks with a broken English accent.
I did not understand why Po was played by a girl. Yes, the nerdy Japanese boy was a stock 80's character. Yes, I understand that the intent is to satirize the 80's, not the Japanese. But the cross-casting and cheesy accent made the execution of that intent murky at best and offensive at worst.
The trio of toughs were just as funny as the mutants.
The costume design adds a lot to the show. I don't want to spoil the wonderful weirdness of the Mutant costume so I won't describe it here. The late 80's/early 90's period costumes (I feel old!) helped define the characters.
FYI, the show, recommended for ages 10 and up, is loaded with language and innuendo (and a penis joke) that might make some ten-year-olds (and their parents) uncomfortable. The bullies do a lot of crotch grabbing and name-calling. My eleven year old had no problem with it. He laughed throughout the entire show.
By the way, Mutant Squad is playing at the Theatre Garage, which is being sponsored by Play by Play theater book Store and opening night gifts. They have tables set up. Check out the books and gifts and enter the drawing.
In Another's Size
In Another's Size, a play created and performed by the students of Stepping Stone Theatre's year long training program with Joseph Scrimshaw, is an inventive interpretation of the age old battle of the High School Stereotypes. The framework of the story is simple: each teen (at John Hughes High!) knows their individual role in the social order. An incident in the cafeteria leaves them "Freaky Friday-ed" and chaos ensues. Like any good 80's sitcom, they learn something about themselves in the process.
Because of the body swap, each young actor plays two different roles. The cast does an excellent job using their gestures, voices, and bodies to create clearly contrasting characters.
The show is anchored by Brian Kelly, the only adult in the show, as the nameless, under-appreciated Lunch Lady. Think Julia Child, the Church Lady, and Professor McGonagall rolled into one funny person. (He also plays bit parts as the health teacher, gym teacher, and the choir teacher.) His catch phase "Did you? Did you?" has already entered our family lexicon.
This show is a great choice for 6-12 year olds who enjoy the Disney Channel/Nickelodeon tween sitcoms. I felt the show deserved a bigger audience-5:30 Thursday evening is a tough time to get to a family show. But there are still 4 shows left!
Because of the body swap, each young actor plays two different roles. The cast does an excellent job using their gestures, voices, and bodies to create clearly contrasting characters.
The show is anchored by Brian Kelly, the only adult in the show, as the nameless, under-appreciated Lunch Lady. Think Julia Child, the Church Lady, and Professor McGonagall rolled into one funny person. (He also plays bit parts as the health teacher, gym teacher, and the choir teacher.) His catch phase "Did you? Did you?" has already entered our family lexicon.
This show is a great choice for 6-12 year olds who enjoy the Disney Channel/Nickelodeon tween sitcoms. I felt the show deserved a bigger audience-5:30 Thursday evening is a tough time to get to a family show. But there are still 4 shows left!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Fringe For All 2009-Part 1
Fringe for All #2 is tonight at the Ritz Theater. The box office opens at 6:00. The price of admission is a $4 purchase of a snazzy new 2009 Fringe Button (with a picture of the newly christened "Wobbles the Cat". )
Kids' Fringe and Musicals were well represented at Fringe for All #1 last week. During the intermission I was regretting that I did not bring the boys. When the lights came up on part 2, the cast of Best Little Crackhouse in Philly (or Crackwhore!:the Musical) made me feel better about my choice.
The show opened with Youth Performance Company's The Mutant Squad. This is theater by teens, for teens. They performed a rap that introduced the mutants. I look forward to seeing this show. Also, check out the added content on their artists page.
Four Humors Theater's adaptation of Sideways Stories from the Wayside School has been on our list since the schedule went live. Tommy read the book and is curious about how they "turn it into a show." The excerpt was very funny, but you don't need to take my word for it. The entire three minute performance is on their artist's page.
More to come!
Kids' Fringe and Musicals were well represented at Fringe for All #1 last week. During the intermission I was regretting that I did not bring the boys. When the lights came up on part 2, the cast of Best Little Crackhouse in Philly (or Crackwhore!:the Musical) made me feel better about my choice.
The show opened with Youth Performance Company's The Mutant Squad. This is theater by teens, for teens. They performed a rap that introduced the mutants. I look forward to seeing this show. Also, check out the added content on their artists page.
Four Humors Theater's adaptation of Sideways Stories from the Wayside School has been on our list since the schedule went live. Tommy read the book and is curious about how they "turn it into a show." The excerpt was very funny, but you don't need to take my word for it. The entire three minute performance is on their artist's page.
More to come!
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