2024 Audience Reviews

Company: Denzel Belin Presents
Show: 5 Episodes of Minnesota Tonight; 4 Minnesota Fring3, it’s Minnesota 2Night’s 1st Time at Minnesota Fringe.
Venue: Mixed Blood Theatre

Denzel is the next Twin Cities comedy superstar

I have been blessed to witness Denzel’s rise in comedy from his 101 showcase at HUGE Theater, and this showcase serves as a victory lap in not only writing, but producing as well. Doing five different shows is not an undertaking that any Fringe director would take lightly. I went to the Sunday 2:30 show and from the warm-up comic through the closing music, I was captivated. Shyloh Blake served as a comedic and familiar through-line that immediately made the audience feel comfortable and welcome. I was crying from laughing at Ellie Hino’s set, and will be quoting “I’m from Wisconsin, I do both positions” till the day I die. When Denzel sat at his desk, he did a beautiful and funny story about his mother that showed his prowess in narrative while flexing his heartwarming muscles. Smartmouth Comedy provided a nice break in flow with a silly sketch, but they really shined in their short-form bits. And I would be remiss to not shoutout Kelliann Kary, whose timing, tone and physicality is pure genius, quite simply. The show ended with James Rone’s beautiful music, whose crystal-clear voice transported me to my Happy Place and wish I could turn on the radio and hear him on The Current. Unfortunately for everyone not there, this was a one-night affair. I am already plotting to see if I can go to another show, because Denzel being the prolific producer he is satiated my funny bone, while also making me want another serving.