Well, the Fringe Festival is done for the year. And, the final party has been held. We all got together at Fringeville and all the staff folks got up on stage to the ovations of the crowds. I nearly killed myself on the stairs on the way down from the stage (2nd time this year...not good).
I enjoyed the company of Fringers and Fringe Staffers, and enjoyed a couple of Summit Grands, too.
It was a nice evening, and one that I hope we will repeat next year at the end of the Fest.
Until then, I will be putting together some stats about my die rolling, and also my complete ranking of the shows that I saw. So, look for those over the next day or so.
Thanks for reading.
TTFN
Monday, August 15, 2005
Day 11 -- 8:30 p.m. Time Slot
Show: We Make Porn Artsy
Company: Look Ma, We Wrote A Play
Venue: Women's Club
Die Roll: 12
The title for this play seems somehow fitting for a way to cap off the Fringe. In one sentence it says what the Fringe Festival can accomplish.
This is a play by a small group of High School, or just out of high school, girls. It is the story of girls who are in an art school and it is a slice-of-life play. Just as that it was pretty good. The girls were actually a bit better at the acting thing than many of the older adults that I've watched these past 11 days.
I really liked their method os doing scene changes. The fact that they talked and held random conversation in the darkness was actually quite a nice break from convention. The scenes themselves weren't always the most satisfying, but they were played truthfully, and had inherent humor.
I thought it was a nice end to the festival.
RATING: "d12 - A Heckuva Lotta Fun"
Company: Look Ma, We Wrote A Play
Venue: Women's Club
Die Roll: 12
The title for this play seems somehow fitting for a way to cap off the Fringe. In one sentence it says what the Fringe Festival can accomplish.
This is a play by a small group of High School, or just out of high school, girls. It is the story of girls who are in an art school and it is a slice-of-life play. Just as that it was pretty good. The girls were actually a bit better at the acting thing than many of the older adults that I've watched these past 11 days.
I really liked their method os doing scene changes. The fact that they talked and held random conversation in the darkness was actually quite a nice break from convention. The scenes themselves weren't always the most satisfying, but they were played truthfully, and had inherent humor.
I thought it was a nice end to the festival.
RATING: "d12 - A Heckuva Lotta Fun"
Day 11 -- 7:00 p.m. Time Slot
You know, I was going to try to make it through the entire day without stopping or skipping a Time Slot, but when it comes down to it, food is important. I got myself a sub and unwound a bit. Rolled the dice and discovered my final show of the 2005 Fringe Festival...more on that in a minute.
Day 11 -- 5:30 Time Slot
Show: Speechless
Company: Jessica Ferris
Venue: Red Eye
Die Roll: 20
One of the best things to come out of the Fringe this year was the sheer number of good people I met. One of them, Jessica Ferris. Jessica is very talented and uses that talent to the utmost in this show. Now, having read most of my other posts, you may have gathered that I'm not a fan of the one-man show under most circumstances. However, Jessica made her one-woman show well worth every moment. She played many characters, physically embodied each one entirely, and gave a moving performance and had my attnetion in its grasp non-stop.
She spoke different languages, used a method of storytelling that far surpassed just talking to the audience, and displayed an understnding of other people far beyond her years.
This woman is one of the best of the Fringe just by herself, mix that with her material, and it was a true treat.
RATING: "d20 - One of the Best"
Company: Jessica Ferris
Venue: Red Eye
Die Roll: 20
One of the best things to come out of the Fringe this year was the sheer number of good people I met. One of them, Jessica Ferris. Jessica is very talented and uses that talent to the utmost in this show. Now, having read most of my other posts, you may have gathered that I'm not a fan of the one-man show under most circumstances. However, Jessica made her one-woman show well worth every moment. She played many characters, physically embodied each one entirely, and gave a moving performance and had my attnetion in its grasp non-stop.
She spoke different languages, used a method of storytelling that far surpassed just talking to the audience, and displayed an understnding of other people far beyond her years.
This woman is one of the best of the Fringe just by herself, mix that with her material, and it was a true treat.
RATING: "d20 - One of the Best"
Show: Preacher Seeks Choir
Company: Phil Tippit
Venue: Minneapolis Theatre Garage
Die Roll: 8
From the moment I walked into the theatre, I figured this had to be something unlike what I'd originally been expecting, given the title. The sound system was playing the song "Big Balls." Not exactly the churchy song I thought was going to be cmoing my way.
So, I eventually put together that Phil wasn't doing a religious show, he was attempting to make a play on the phrase "Preaching to the choir." He need s a "choir" who agrees with him, in order for his rant to have any positive effect, so it is a fitting title, once you've thought it out.
I say rant, because that is what this show is. It is merely a guy bitching about the world for an hour. The script is spotty, comedy sketchy (and I don't mean in a BNW way), and the whole thing was filled with needless unmotivated swearing and numerous mentions about how the show is constantly being revised and went better the last time he told it. Odd.
I'm frightened that he's considering doing this again next year. Phil, get yourself a director, fast.
RATING: "d4 - Not Worth the Time"
Company: Phil Tippit
Venue: Minneapolis Theatre Garage
Die Roll: 8
From the moment I walked into the theatre, I figured this had to be something unlike what I'd originally been expecting, given the title. The sound system was playing the song "Big Balls." Not exactly the churchy song I thought was going to be cmoing my way.
So, I eventually put together that Phil wasn't doing a religious show, he was attempting to make a play on the phrase "Preaching to the choir." He need s a "choir" who agrees with him, in order for his rant to have any positive effect, so it is a fitting title, once you've thought it out.
I say rant, because that is what this show is. It is merely a guy bitching about the world for an hour. The script is spotty, comedy sketchy (and I don't mean in a BNW way), and the whole thing was filled with needless unmotivated swearing and numerous mentions about how the show is constantly being revised and went better the last time he told it. Odd.
I'm frightened that he's considering doing this again next year. Phil, get yourself a director, fast.
RATING: "d4 - Not Worth the Time"
Show: An Actor's Nightmare
Company: 5 OUTta 6
Venue: Mixed Blood
Die Roll: 15
After a weak beginning to my day, I was hoping that my second show could turn it around, and this one did. It is the old standby from the Community Theatre cannon by Christopher Durang. Normally, I would dread seeing it, because, though I have been in it once, the show is not normally well done. However, this was not the case today. Keith Kryzer is a very good actor. I've had the good fortune of sharing the stage with hime once upon a time, and I can safely say that he is one of the best actors in town to not be making his living at it. I'm always hoping that he takes the leap into the professional realm. He's that good.
So, with that, Kryzer played george Spelvin, the hapless accountant who finds himself accidentally inside a number of plays that he hadn't prepared for, and that go horribly wrong. Keith's wife, Rachael Cavegn also starred, and did a wonderful job. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of this group next.
The comedy was good, the acting strong, and the production wonderful.
RATING: "d12 - A Heckuva Lotta Fun"
Company: 5 OUTta 6
Venue: Mixed Blood
Die Roll: 15
After a weak beginning to my day, I was hoping that my second show could turn it around, and this one did. It is the old standby from the Community Theatre cannon by Christopher Durang. Normally, I would dread seeing it, because, though I have been in it once, the show is not normally well done. However, this was not the case today. Keith Kryzer is a very good actor. I've had the good fortune of sharing the stage with hime once upon a time, and I can safely say that he is one of the best actors in town to not be making his living at it. I'm always hoping that he takes the leap into the professional realm. He's that good.
So, with that, Kryzer played george Spelvin, the hapless accountant who finds himself accidentally inside a number of plays that he hadn't prepared for, and that go horribly wrong. Keith's wife, Rachael Cavegn also starred, and did a wonderful job. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of this group next.
The comedy was good, the acting strong, and the production wonderful.
RATING: "d12 - A Heckuva Lotta Fun"
Day 11 -- 1 p.m. Time Slot
Show: Do Not Pass Go
Company: Bobaloo
Venue: Mixed Blood
Die Roll: 7
This play goes into the category of either stand-up comedy routine, or theatre as therapy. Or both. From the moment that Bobaloo runs down the steps, he is doing a set about board games, but it morphs into a few tales about how he knew he was gay as a child.
Bobaloo seemed like an affable enough guy, and it is hard to dislike the show because he was trying so hard. But really there was little of substance here for an audience to watch. The substance was made up of things that clearly meant something to the actor, but the transition to a point where we could care, too, was missing.
RATING: "d6 - Has Some Merit"
Company: Bobaloo
Venue: Mixed Blood
Die Roll: 7
This play goes into the category of either stand-up comedy routine, or theatre as therapy. Or both. From the moment that Bobaloo runs down the steps, he is doing a set about board games, but it morphs into a few tales about how he knew he was gay as a child.
Bobaloo seemed like an affable enough guy, and it is hard to dislike the show because he was trying so hard. But really there was little of substance here for an audience to watch. The substance was made up of things that clearly meant something to the actor, but the transition to a point where we could care, too, was missing.
RATING: "d6 - Has Some Merit"
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Day 11 -- The Beginning
Guess what? It's almost done!
Last day. For the first time ever we've got a Day 11, and that's exciting in and of itself. I'm so happy.
I am a little bummed that certain plays didn't come up on the dice charts, and that I wasn't able to see more shows. But it was a good run. I'm planning on seeing a ful docket of shows today, and that'll be fun.
You know, I've had certain anecdotes saved for the moment I got to see certain shows. I have a really cool story from Spain that involves a guy from Australia at a bullfight that I was going to write about after I saw "DIVE" but I guess that won't be happening. I'll just have to save it for another time. Maybe it'll be in the random notes on a later blog, in the event that I'm back next year. We'll see.
Okay...let's get this party started...randomly:
My first job was as a radio announcer at WJJY AM in Brainerd, MN. I understand that station is no longer in existence, although their FM station is. I eventually worked for them, too. At different times throughout my radio career (both in MN & IA), I went by either Cole Williams or Christopher Robin on the air. It wasn't until I was working for an NPR affiliate that I went by Christopher Kidder on the air.
I'm hiding right now...You can't see me!
I just learned how to plant potatoes on "Rebecca's Garden."
Trivia time thanks to Hooked on Facts: "In Nebraska, It is illegal for bar owners to sell beer unless they are simultaneously brewing a kettle of soup." -- I love soup!
I have nothing terribly useful to say.
Last day. For the first time ever we've got a Day 11, and that's exciting in and of itself. I'm so happy.
I am a little bummed that certain plays didn't come up on the dice charts, and that I wasn't able to see more shows. But it was a good run. I'm planning on seeing a ful docket of shows today, and that'll be fun.
You know, I've had certain anecdotes saved for the moment I got to see certain shows. I have a really cool story from Spain that involves a guy from Australia at a bullfight that I was going to write about after I saw "DIVE" but I guess that won't be happening. I'll just have to save it for another time. Maybe it'll be in the random notes on a later blog, in the event that I'm back next year. We'll see.
Okay...let's get this party started...randomly:
My first job was as a radio announcer at WJJY AM in Brainerd, MN. I understand that station is no longer in existence, although their FM station is. I eventually worked for them, too. At different times throughout my radio career (both in MN & IA), I went by either Cole Williams or Christopher Robin on the air. It wasn't until I was working for an NPR affiliate that I went by Christopher Kidder on the air. I'm hiding right now...You can't see me! I just learned how to plant potatoes on "Rebecca's Garden." Trivia time thanks to Hooked on Facts: "In Nebraska, It is illegal for bar owners to sell beer unless they are simultaneously brewing a kettle of soup." -- I love soup! I have nothing terribly useful to say.
Day 10 -- 10:00 p.m. Time Slot
Show: Talking With...
Company: In The Basement Productions
Venue: Bryant-Lake Bown
Die Roll: 17
So, this is the first time I've been in the BLB this Fringe. The 90-minute shows don't normally line-up with the rest of my schedule charts. However, twice a day on the longer days they do, and this is one of those times.
This show is a series of monologues of mostly eccentric ladies. It is good, but suffers from being too long. Meaning, a couple of them could've gone and the show would stand up better. But that isn't the fault of the performers, just the show structure.
Rather than critiquing all of the monologues one-by-one, I think i'll just mention the ones that were outstanding. First, let me mention that this play marks the best performance I've ever seen from Kathy Kupiecki. The other actresses that I have to mention are Kia Erdman, Kristin Richardson, Robin Sorenson, and Mo Perry. They all did a great job with the material they were given. Julie Bohn was also impressive as a woman living out her fantasy as a character in the land of Oz.
The other actresses that I'm not mentioning did a great job, too, but their monologues were not necessarily the best. Essentially, the second half of the show just isn't as well-written. OH MY GOD! Chris just criticized Jane Martin!!! Yep, that's right. This is a show that could've ended at the hour mark. The actresses in the second half were cheated on the material they were given.
A good presentation, though.
RATING: "d12 - A Heckuva Lotta Fun"
Company: In The Basement Productions
Venue: Bryant-Lake Bown
Die Roll: 17
So, this is the first time I've been in the BLB this Fringe. The 90-minute shows don't normally line-up with the rest of my schedule charts. However, twice a day on the longer days they do, and this is one of those times.
This show is a series of monologues of mostly eccentric ladies. It is good, but suffers from being too long. Meaning, a couple of them could've gone and the show would stand up better. But that isn't the fault of the performers, just the show structure.
Rather than critiquing all of the monologues one-by-one, I think i'll just mention the ones that were outstanding. First, let me mention that this play marks the best performance I've ever seen from Kathy Kupiecki. The other actresses that I have to mention are Kia Erdman, Kristin Richardson, Robin Sorenson, and Mo Perry. They all did a great job with the material they were given. Julie Bohn was also impressive as a woman living out her fantasy as a character in the land of Oz.
The other actresses that I'm not mentioning did a great job, too, but their monologues were not necessarily the best. Essentially, the second half of the show just isn't as well-written. OH MY GOD! Chris just criticized Jane Martin!!! Yep, that's right. This is a show that could've ended at the hour mark. The actresses in the second half were cheated on the material they were given.
A good presentation, though.
RATING: "d12 - A Heckuva Lotta Fun"
Day 10 -- 8:30 Time Slot
Didn't make it to a show in this slot, because I got to talking to folks for too long. Instead, I headed for the waiting line for the 10:00 p.m. show at the BLB.
Day 10 -- 7 p.m. Time Slot
Show: Quarter Life Crisis
Company: Urban Samurai Productions
Venue: Brave New Workshop
Die Roll: 16
This is a play that looks at one relationship at one moment in time. It starts with a sequence reminiscent of the writing of David Ives (part "English Made Simple," part "Sure Thing"). It then moves into a date scene in which the female character goes through a life changing revelation and eventually breaks up with her man.
It's funny and amusing throughout. And it is well acted by Nate Hessberg and Emily Blanchard.
There is a little difficulty at the end when the show wraps up in a series of phone calls that could've been cut, but otherwise it is good.
RATING: "d12 - A Heckuva Lotta Fun"
Company: Urban Samurai Productions
Venue: Brave New Workshop
Die Roll: 16
This is a play that looks at one relationship at one moment in time. It starts with a sequence reminiscent of the writing of David Ives (part "English Made Simple," part "Sure Thing"). It then moves into a date scene in which the female character goes through a life changing revelation and eventually breaks up with her man.
It's funny and amusing throughout. And it is well acted by Nate Hessberg and Emily Blanchard.
There is a little difficulty at the end when the show wraps up in a series of phone calls that could've been cut, but otherwise it is good.
RATING: "d12 - A Heckuva Lotta Fun"
Day 10 -- 4:00 & 5:30 Time Slots
With nothing appropriate for Wendy, we headed for home. We ate supper and then I headed back to the realm of Fringe sans kid.
Day 10 -- 2:30 p.m. Time Slot
Show: A Little Princess
Company: Top Hat Theater
Venue: MCTC Whitney Mainstage
Die Roll: None -- Wendy Choice
We stayed at MCTC for this one. It's nice to have friends and acquaintences in the shows that I take Wendy to. She thinks I'm famous when people say "hi" to me. That strikes me as humorous, seeing as she often sees me in shows, has met the people in the shows with me, but I'm not famous because I know them. She takes the Baldwin sisters in stride. Patty Nieman is someone who she sees as a friend. But, since I've never been in a show with Joe Scrimshaw or Tim Uren, the fact that they say goodbye to me as they walk out of the theatre, and I'm a famous guy! Wild!
So anyway, I knew a few people in A Little Princess, too. And so I've been looking forward to seeing it since the beginning of the Fringe. I hadn't expected to get a chance, so having Wendy with me helped out in that regard.
The show involves a cast of thousands (actually about 40, I think). It was like a community theatre show, in that, if you cast a bunch of kids, you've got a guaranteed audience. Also like a community theatre show, the blocking was sloppy, the staging presentational, and the quality of acting inconsistent.
Some of the adults put on good performances, and a number of them just didn't. The kids were generally pretty good, though. The girl who played the main character, Sara, is very talented and does carry the show.
My daughter enjoyed the show, but she kept asking questions and talking during the show, which normally indicated her full attention isn't on the show itself. The way she works, she was determined to like this show before we went in, so the fact that she says she did doesn't really mean it's true. What she did like was seeing other kids acting in front of her. She can't recount a single part of the story, though. She does say that she thought it was a sad story, and that one actress was playing a character who was mean.
So, there's that.
I don't really want to pan this show, but I guess that's what I'm in the midst of doing. It was slow moving, disjointed, and not fun to watch. I guess it woulsd be if I were related to one of the kids, but that's the only way I can see it being something more than it is.
RATING: "d8 - Not Bad, Not Great"
Company: Top Hat Theater
Venue: MCTC Whitney Mainstage
Die Roll: None -- Wendy Choice
We stayed at MCTC for this one. It's nice to have friends and acquaintences in the shows that I take Wendy to. She thinks I'm famous when people say "hi" to me. That strikes me as humorous, seeing as she often sees me in shows, has met the people in the shows with me, but I'm not famous because I know them. She takes the Baldwin sisters in stride. Patty Nieman is someone who she sees as a friend. But, since I've never been in a show with Joe Scrimshaw or Tim Uren, the fact that they say goodbye to me as they walk out of the theatre, and I'm a famous guy! Wild!
So anyway, I knew a few people in A Little Princess, too. And so I've been looking forward to seeing it since the beginning of the Fringe. I hadn't expected to get a chance, so having Wendy with me helped out in that regard.
The show involves a cast of thousands (actually about 40, I think). It was like a community theatre show, in that, if you cast a bunch of kids, you've got a guaranteed audience. Also like a community theatre show, the blocking was sloppy, the staging presentational, and the quality of acting inconsistent.
Some of the adults put on good performances, and a number of them just didn't. The kids were generally pretty good, though. The girl who played the main character, Sara, is very talented and does carry the show.
My daughter enjoyed the show, but she kept asking questions and talking during the show, which normally indicated her full attention isn't on the show itself. The way she works, she was determined to like this show before we went in, so the fact that she says she did doesn't really mean it's true. What she did like was seeing other kids acting in front of her. She can't recount a single part of the story, though. She does say that she thought it was a sad story, and that one actress was playing a character who was mean.
So, there's that.
I don't really want to pan this show, but I guess that's what I'm in the midst of doing. It was slow moving, disjointed, and not fun to watch. I guess it woulsd be if I were related to one of the kids, but that's the only way I can see it being something more than it is.
RATING: "d8 - Not Bad, Not Great"
Day 10 -- 1:00 p.m. Time Slot
Show: Three Billy Goats Gruff
Company: Old Gem
Venue: MCTC Whitney Studio
Die Roll: None -- Wendy Selection
I was sort of disappointed that the Fringe didn't schedule more kids shows on the final weekend, or that they were right on top of each other in the first two time slots on Saturday. I brought my daughter with me again this morning, but I was only able to take her to the first two Time Slots. No dice. She got to pick the shows. And in this slot she chose to see Joe Scrimshaw, Tim Uren and Jen Scott in one of her favorite folk tales.
Wendy really liked the fact that she got to learn how to count to three in Norwegian, and that she got to get up on stage to blow bubbles at Joe who was playing the troll. She was on a mission to blow streams of bubbles into Joe's eyes.
This is the kind of kids show that is a lot of fun with very little production expense. Kids don't need to have all the fancy stuff. They are willing to play make believe with you for an hour if you'll play with them, and that's what this show accomplishes. It was beautiful.
Great show.
RATING: "d20 - One of the Best"
Company: Old Gem
Venue: MCTC Whitney Studio
Die Roll: None -- Wendy Selection
I was sort of disappointed that the Fringe didn't schedule more kids shows on the final weekend, or that they were right on top of each other in the first two time slots on Saturday. I brought my daughter with me again this morning, but I was only able to take her to the first two Time Slots. No dice. She got to pick the shows. And in this slot she chose to see Joe Scrimshaw, Tim Uren and Jen Scott in one of her favorite folk tales.
Wendy really liked the fact that she got to learn how to count to three in Norwegian, and that she got to get up on stage to blow bubbles at Joe who was playing the troll. She was on a mission to blow streams of bubbles into Joe's eyes.
This is the kind of kids show that is a lot of fun with very little production expense. Kids don't need to have all the fancy stuff. They are willing to play make believe with you for an hour if you'll play with them, and that's what this show accomplishes. It was beautiful.
Great show.
RATING: "d20 - One of the Best"
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Day 10 -- The Beginning
Well, I have Wendy with me for the first two time slots again today. She'll be headed home after that, and then I'll be back to dice-determined Fringe Exploration. Should be fun. We'll be starting our day with the Three Billy Goats Gruff, and then A Little Princess. After that, kid-friendly doesn't matter any more. My dice are getting ansty, so I'm die-ing (oooh! a pun!) to get going.
Just a bit of random stuff:
I'm going to the gym to work out. I need that.
I'm thinking of a number between one and five!
"To go along with the comfort, we've built in hard working features like mid-leg utility pockets." -- Blurb from the Duluth Trading Co catalog.
Trivia Time!: "The first TV commercial: a Bulova watch ticking onscreen for exactly 60 seconds." -- This is exciting to me. I have a Bulova watch. It's a great time piece, and good-lookin' too!
Just a bit of random stuff:
I'm going to the gym to work out. I need that. I'm thinking of a number between one and five! "To go along with the comfort, we've built in hard working features like mid-leg utility pockets." -- Blurb from the Duluth Trading Co catalog. Trivia Time!: "The first TV commercial: a Bulova watch ticking onscreen for exactly 60 seconds." -- This is exciting to me. I have a Bulova watch. It's a great time piece, and good-lookin' too!
Day 9 -- The rest
Wendy's bedtime is normally 8:00, and we left the Theatre Garage after that time. So, it was time to head home. Initially I had delusions of returning to the Fringe, but I, too, fell asleep. So, onto day 10...
Day 9 -- 7:00 p.m. Time Slot
Show: Nibblers: A Musical With Sharks
Company: Front Porch Theatre
Venue: Theatre Garage
There was no die roll, nor a number chosen by Wendy, because this was the only show she wanted to see!!! (or as she put it "I mean it, I mean it, I mean it.")
So, This was a fun hour spent, and according to my daughter, it was also very educational. She now knows that sharks can smell blood, and that if you bop them on the nose they are stunned. She has also become very focused on the fact that the play taught a lesson. That lesson: Never go off by yourself. Oh yeah, and that sharks can smell blood. Did I mention that?
The songs were good, but I'd heard parts of them before, so that wasn't a surprise. Although, it was nice to hear them live. And the kids were great.
The plotline was a little convoluted at times, but really, what do you expect with a musical in which three sharks narrate? It was just good fun for the family, and there were actual villains, conflict, and dramatic action. This far surpassed the other children's fare that I've seen recently.
RATING: "d20 - One of the Best"
Company: Front Porch Theatre
Venue: Theatre Garage
There was no die roll, nor a number chosen by Wendy, because this was the only show she wanted to see!!! (or as she put it "I mean it, I mean it, I mean it.")
So, This was a fun hour spent, and according to my daughter, it was also very educational. She now knows that sharks can smell blood, and that if you bop them on the nose they are stunned. She has also become very focused on the fact that the play taught a lesson. That lesson: Never go off by yourself. Oh yeah, and that sharks can smell blood. Did I mention that?
The songs were good, but I'd heard parts of them before, so that wasn't a surprise. Although, it was nice to hear them live. And the kids were great.
The plotline was a little convoluted at times, but really, what do you expect with a musical in which three sharks narrate? It was just good fun for the family, and there were actual villains, conflict, and dramatic action. This far surpassed the other children's fare that I've seen recently.
RATING: "d20 - One of the Best"
Day 9 -- 5:30 Time Slot
Well, we looked at the schedule, and decided that we'd throw out the number-picking entirely, because my daughter really wanted to see "Nibblers" in the 7:00 hour. That meant that the 5:30 Time Slot was our time for food. Wendy and I went to Rudolph's. She had a cheeseburger and corn on the cob. I had Beef Brisket and corn on the cob. We were happy. Then we went and got in line for Nibblers. Luckily we got there really early. Although it is difficult to entertain a 6 year-old standing in line for over half an hour, it assured us entry into the show. More on that in a minute.
Day 9 -- 4:00 p.m. Time Slot
Show: Magic Exists
Company: Insomnia, Inc.
Venue: Women's Club
Wendy's Number Choice: 10
As I mentioned earlier, Wendy (that's my daughter) tagged along with me this evening. Her choice of numbers replaced the rolling of the dice. I learned something. If you say "pick a number between one and twenty," using kid logic, you choose 10. It is halfway between 1 and 20. Well, 10 was the number on the chart for Mythed, but once we got there the line was far too long for us to get in, so we did a geographic calculation and went down the street to the Women's Club for a magic show. Wendy does magic tricks. She decided sometime last year that she'd like to be a magician. So I buy her a new trick from Twin Cities Magic & Costume from time to time.
So, we got to enjoy a few magic tricks, I got to enjoy some of the jokes that went over Wendy's head, and now I have to do some research on the rope trick so I can either buy it for her, or get a book that teaches her how to do it.
It was a fun show, although I wouldn't normally recommend bringing a kid with you, as the opening monologue is about sex. Again, I'm pretty sure it went over Wendy's 6 year-old head, but having taught theatre in many elementary schools over the past 7 years, I can assure you that if I'd had an 8 year-old with me the jokes would've been understood just enough to cause trouble, and that's not necessarily good.
RATING: "d10 - Worth Going To"
Company: Insomnia, Inc.
Venue: Women's Club
Wendy's Number Choice: 10
As I mentioned earlier, Wendy (that's my daughter) tagged along with me this evening. Her choice of numbers replaced the rolling of the dice. I learned something. If you say "pick a number between one and twenty," using kid logic, you choose 10. It is halfway between 1 and 20. Well, 10 was the number on the chart for Mythed, but once we got there the line was far too long for us to get in, so we did a geographic calculation and went down the street to the Women's Club for a magic show. Wendy does magic tricks. She decided sometime last year that she'd like to be a magician. So I buy her a new trick from Twin Cities Magic & Costume from time to time.
So, we got to enjoy a few magic tricks, I got to enjoy some of the jokes that went over Wendy's head, and now I have to do some research on the rope trick so I can either buy it for her, or get a book that teaches her how to do it.
It was a fun show, although I wouldn't normally recommend bringing a kid with you, as the opening monologue is about sex. Again, I'm pretty sure it went over Wendy's 6 year-old head, but having taught theatre in many elementary schools over the past 7 years, I can assure you that if I'd had an 8 year-old with me the jokes would've been understood just enough to cause trouble, and that's not necessarily good.
RATING: "d10 - Worth Going To"
Friday, August 12, 2005
Day 9 -- The beginning
Here in just a little bit I'm goign to pick up my 6 year-old daughter and take her with me to tonight's offerings. Should be interesting, as I searched the site for "Family Friendly" shows and there just weren't a lot that came up for Friday night.
Anyway, her mother has to work late tonight, so Dad and daughter are going to take in some shows and hope that she doesn't hear the f-word too many times. Cross your fingers for me.
I'm doing modified charts for tonight. Anything with too many warnings gets taken off the charts. Also, instead of rolling dice, I'm letting her choose numbers 1-20. It makes it more fun for her.
Okay, random stuff:
I would like to thank Rik Reppe for being the one person who understands my need to uphold the integrity of my show selection method. Also, I'd like to let y'all know that, as I mentioned to Rik, I will be putting out statistics regarding my die rolls, etc. about a day or two after the Fringe is completed.
It is too hot today to be wearing a vest and a tie. I need to change.
I highly recommend Audio Books For Free. If you have an MP3 player, it is worthwhile.
Thank you to the guys of "THAC0" for mentioning Jim Henson's "Labyrinth" and "Dark Crystal" in their show. That made me happy.
A bit of trivia? Sure...I'm hooked on facts: "Redheads require more anesthesia to 'go under' than other hair colors do." -- Not sure what this means, but it may be helpful information to you, depending on your hair color.
I have a navel!
Remember the Alamo!
Anyway, her mother has to work late tonight, so Dad and daughter are going to take in some shows and hope that she doesn't hear the f-word too many times. Cross your fingers for me.
I'm doing modified charts for tonight. Anything with too many warnings gets taken off the charts. Also, instead of rolling dice, I'm letting her choose numbers 1-20. It makes it more fun for her.
Okay, random stuff:
I would like to thank Rik Reppe for being the one person who understands my need to uphold the integrity of my show selection method. Also, I'd like to let y'all know that, as I mentioned to Rik, I will be putting out statistics regarding my die rolls, etc. about a day or two after the Fringe is completed. It is too hot today to be wearing a vest and a tie. I need to change. I highly recommend Audio Books For Free. If you have an MP3 player, it is worthwhile. Thank you to the guys of "THAC0" for mentioning Jim Henson's "Labyrinth" and "Dark Crystal" in their show. That made me happy. A bit of trivia? Sure...I'm hooked on facts: "Redheads require more anesthesia to 'go under' than other hair colors do." -- Not sure what this means, but it may be helpful information to you, depending on your hair color. I have a navel! Remember the Alamo!
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