I'm definitely going to see these shows this year:
- A DAY WITH THE NEWHEARTS - I first became aware of Melancholics Anonymous through their virtual Fringe shows, which were sweet and funny and a little bit dark, and also enjoyed their live in-person non-Fringe production of Copenhagen earlier this year. So I'm intrigued to experience their live in-person Fringe show, one that also looks darkly fun.
- ÅRSGÅNG: WHAT YOU FOLLOW FOLLOWS YOU - over the last several fests, The Winding Sheet Outfit has become my number one must-see, and consistently ends up on my favorites list. They take a little known person or event from history and do a deep dive using physical theater, music, comedy, and drama, and create something a little bit creepy, or funny, or poignant, or all of the above.
- BOB AND REGGIE GO TO BED - Comedy Suitcase (aka Joshua English Scrimshaw and Levi Weinhagen) never fails to crack me up with their fearless physical comedy zany style.
- EROTICA FOR HOUSEPLANTS - Tom Reed's solo shows are always hilarious and musical and pup culturey and unexpected. This one sounds pretty wacky but I'm here for it.
- FINGER LICKIN' GOOD - one of the best comedic casts in the festival, the talented writing team of Heather Meyer and Nissa Nordland Morgan, and this description: "A sex-fueled horror/comedy/edutainment show about fast-food giant Colonel Sanders. There will be blood (with 11 herbs & spices)." Need I say more?!
- MICHAEL BAY'S BRIDGERTON VII: REVENGE OF THE FORLORN - it's not the Fringe without a pop culture spoof, and there's no bigger Netflix phenomenon in the last two years than Bridgerton. Good, bad, or ugly, I can't resist.
- ON A STICK: A MINNESOTA STATE FAIR MUSICAL - since their breakout hit Oregon Trail: A Musical in the 2015 Fringe, Literally Entertainment's original musicals have been can't miss. And now their topic is the beloved Minnesota State Fair?! Yes, please.
- SLENDER VALE - for something a little spooky, I'll be seeing this improv horror show by Oncoming Productions, who've brought us Twin Cities Horror Festival shows and the horror podcasts Blight Christmas and Dead North.
- SWORDS & SORCERY: THE IMPROVISED FANTASY CAMPAIGN - one of my favorite local podcasts (Break the Dice: The Improvised Campaign) come to life, and one of my favorite improv troupes (The Bearded Company) that I don't have to stay up past my bedtime to see! I've seen this show several times in the past, but it's different every time, and always fun.
- THE REAL BLACK SWANN , CONFESSIONS OF AMERICA'S FIRST BLACK DRAG QUEEN - Les Kurkendaal Barrett is a great storyteller, and here he's taking on what sounds like a fascinating story: "The true story of William Dorsey Swann, former slave who became the Queen of Drag in the 1800s."
- WHOOSH! THE CIVIL WAR MYTHOLOGY OF MICHAEL HICKEY AND HIS PERILOUS PRECIPITATION OVER ST. ANTHONY FALLS - if this solo show by Andrew Erskine Wheeler is anything like his 2019 hit Booth's Ghost (historical but relevant, thoughtfully put together), you won't want to miss it.
Here's some info from the Fringe online box office:
- The 2022 Minnesota Fringe is a 100% vaccinated Festival.
- At this time, masks are strongly recommended for participants. (I'll be wearing one.)
- How to Fringe: You will need a Fringe Button, a seat token, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the theater.
- Minnesota Fringe Box Offices are located near the entrance of all 11 venues in the Festival. The 2022 pin-back Fringe Button can be purchased at any box office for $5, and everyone needs one to Fringe. Instead of paper tickets, we use reusable tokens at each venue. You will receive your seat token at the box office when you buy or redeem your ticket, then turn it in to the usher when you enter the theater. Our box offices are cashless, so please either bring a credit card/check to purchase, or present your Multi-Show Pass, VIP Pass, Show Comp, or Voucher to redeem.
- Tickets for specific shows may be purchased online until midnight the day before a performance, or at the venue of that performance starting approximately 30 minutes prior to the show start time. Online sales will include a $2 processing fee per order. Online presales stop at 11:59pm the day before a show.
- Fringe shows start on time, and for the safety of all concerned, we cannot accommodate late seating or readmission.
My annual Fringe tips for newbies, although after three years I feel like a newbie too (as always, refer to the Fringe website for the most up-to-date and correct information):
- If a show is particularly popular, or you really really want to see it, consider reserving a seat in advance ($3). You can also take your chances and just show up. I typically only make reservations for a handful of shows that look like they might be busy (you can check the show's page to see if it's in danger of selling out).
- All shows are general admission, so get there early for best choice of seating. NO LATE SEATING!
- Shows typically run just under an hour, with a half hour between shows so it's feasible to get from any theater to any other in that time. But it's good to plan to see a bunch in one location (Cedar-Riverside is the biggest hub of venues with seven, and Uptown has four) to minimize transportation time.
- Bring snacks, water, reading material, and sunscreen - you will be waiting in line, probably outside. And be aware of what line you're in (box office or theater entrance). Ask one of the friendly volunteers in the Fringe shirts if you need help with anything.
- Keep an open mind - some of what you'll see is really weird. But that can be a good thing! And if you see a dud, well, that's part of the Fringe experience.
- Be adventurous! See something you normally wouldn't - that's the point of Fringe. If you don't like it - it'll be over in an hour.
- The Fringe website has pretty much all the info you'll need, so bookmark it on your smart phone for easy on-the-go reference!
- If you missed the preview shows (there's one more on August 3), check out the videos posted on YouTube.
Most importantly - be adventurous, be safe, have fun, and support the Minnesota Fringe Festival and the many many artists we're lucky enough to have in the #TCTheater community!!