Fringe Preview 2009: The Comedies

There are a lot of things that people take into account when deciding which shows to see at the Fringe. Does it have some one I know in it? Is there a lot of buzz going around about this show? Does it have mimes or clowns? Granted, my method of choosing shows to attend is relatively novel (if you ignore the fact that I've been writing about it since 2004), but I don't expect most people to jump on the random die-roll train. What I will attempt for you in the next few entries here are quick lists of FIVE shows that you will want to see in a specific genre. Like to laugh? Great! That's today's topic: comedies. Tomorrow we'll talk dramas. Also between now and Thursday (the first day of the Minnesota Fringe Festival), I'll cover dance, spoken word, and solo shows. Once the festival is open, though, you can count on me to review randomly determined shows just as I have for the last few years. Check back to see which shows get the coveted "d20" rating. So... Here's the situation. You're trying to save money this year. You don't want to cough up the big bucks for a Fringe Festival Ultra-Pass. A 5-show punch card is more on your level this year. And... you like to laugh. A lot. Here are the five shows I would take in if I could only see five comedic shows at the 2009 Fringe:

1. Every Pastie Has a Story -- Nancy Donoval -- Nancy is a perennial hit with her story-telling at the Fringe. And this year she's venturing into risque territory... stripper-style nipple covers!
2. June of Arc -- Sandbox Theatre -- From the bit I saw of this play at last week's Fringe-For-All preview, there is a lot one can do with a spoof of "Leave it to Beaver" even after all these years.
3. The Harty Boys in the Case of the Limping Platypus -- Joshua English Scrimshaw & Levi Weinhagen -- As long as we're on the topic of spoofs of things from the 50's and early 60's, let's look at the Hardy Boys mysteries in the hands of two remarkably talented funny men. Both of these guys have been making me laugh for years, and I don't anticipate that stopping this year.
4. 2 Sugars, Room for Cream -- Shanan Wexler and Carolyn Pool Productions -- Two mainstays of quality theatre here in the Twin Cities take the stage together. Comedy fans will remember Wexler's stint at the Brave New Workshop and from a Fringe show two years ago with Joshua English Scrimshaw. Topline comedy endorsement right there. Carolyn has some of the best timing and sharpest delivery skills of any actress I've seen in the state.
5. Jurassic Dork -- John Skelley -- This is the risk/reward pick of my list. One gets the idea that this is going to be hilarious from the video clip of it from the first Fringe-For-All preview a couple of weeks back. However, there's a chance that a one-man version of the entire film Jurassic Park may just crash and burn. Thing is, there's a good chance that if it implodes, that'll be funny, too.

There are a few other shows that should com into your consideration as well. A couple of safe bets are the shows by Ferrari McSpeedy and Joseph Scrimshaw. Both are Fringe Festival and comedy legends... well, "legends" might be overstating it, but their shows are remarkably well regarded amongst the locals.

I'd also like to mention Ben San Del. When I left the Fringe Festival's official unofficial blogging team in 2007 for another gig (singin' and dancin'), they replaced me with Sir Ben. Why? He's funny. People like to read funny things. And his stage shows are funny, too. More like stand-up than a play, per se, but still very worth your bucks if laughing is what is important to you.

Watch for more in this space. But, more importantly, watch for exclusive entries over at Secrets of the City. That's the big news for today. I'll be reviewing for them this year. While my long-winded musings will stay right here, you'll be able to read short takes on Fringe shows there from yours truly. And what is published there won't be published anywhere else after today.

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No randomness today: Patience!