Show: 33
Title: Ha Ha Da Vinci
Category: MAGIC / MUSICAL THEATER / ORIGINAL MUSIC / PHYSICAL THEATER / PUPPETRY / SOLO SHOW / AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION / HISTORICAL CONTENT / KID FRIENDLY
By: Phina Pipia
Created by: Phina Pipia
Location: Southern Theater
Summary: After getting accidentally transported back in time by Leonardo Da Vinci's experimental time machine, Luca must find her way back.
Highlights: This is a show that could only exist at a Fringe Festival; it's the reason why Fringe Festivals exist. So unclassifiable, such a mix of different artforms, and such an utter delight! Phina Pipia, dressed in the cutest dark green velvet overalls, combines music, magic, slight of hand, shadow puppetry, technical tricks, storytelling, and math to take us on a captivating journey. She plays the trombone, guitar, and floor mat piano hidden under a blanket, and sings as well, songs both original and familiar. The premise is that modern day Luca from Queens is reading about the failed time machine that Da Vinci supposedly invented with mathematician Luca Pacioli, who traveled back in time and never returned, and accidentally travels back in time herself. Through communication on a tiny radio, Da Vinci tells this Luca that she has to figure out a way back. Around this loose thread of a plot are placed the most charming vignettes of music and magic, cleverly using props and puppetry, with a bit of audience participation, full of wonder and delight. And a math trick involving a magic square that I'm obsessed with. I'd tell you to go see it, but sadly this was the final performance. I added it to my schedule at the last minute due to recommendations from my fellow Twin Cities Theater Bloggers, and am so glad I did. It was more than worth the walk from Rarig to the Southern and back to catch it.