2026 Audience Reviews

Company: Samuel Karie
Show: Pistachio's Playhouse
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance

Very 'Fringe'

Pistachio’s Playhouse is warm, reflective, and unexpectedly moving, with a story that kept me guessing. The set is delightfully wacky and Ms. Pistachio's costume is gorgeous. It's clear the artists poured a lot of love into this show. I second another reviewing call for a sequel. What happens next?? It's the kind of unpredictable, big-hearted storytelling that reminds you why Fringe exists in the first place.

Company: The Miller Conspiracy
Show: Bay Creek
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance

Grabs You & Doesn't Let Go

Bay Creek isn't the type of show I'd usually seek out at Fringe — but I'm so glad I did. A haunting, well-written script and a powerful, wonderful performance from Derek Lee Miller. This story grabed me immediately and did not let go. Sometimes the best Fringe discoveries are the ones you didn't expect. Don't miss this spooky tale.

Company: Melancholics Anonymous
Show: Watership Down
Venue: Rarig Stoll Thrust Theatre

Must See Adventure

This folk musical adaptation of Watership Down, brought vividly to life by Melancholics Anonymous, is incredible! Movement, dance, music, storytelling all come together to create this epic tale. The talent of this group is amazing. After years of Fringe attendance and numerous shows, this ranks among the very best I've ever seen. A beautiful, moving piece of theater that shouldn't be missed.

Company: Sockpop
Show: 1 Hour Left to Live: A One Puppet Show by That Felt Good
Venue: The Southern Theater

Dying to See This!

I love puppets. I love improv. I wasn't sure how the two could work together — until 1 Hour Left to Live proved me wrong. A puppet on his deathbed spins a brand-new life story every night, mixing flashbacks, audience participation, and stand-up guest sets into something genuinely delightful and hilarious. The puppeteer is incredible — you forget to question how it's happening and just enjoy the ride. The improv puppet mashup you didn't know you needed!

Company: New Endeavors
Show: Muskie
Venue: Mixed Blood

Fishy Fun & So Minnesota

Minnesota meets Jaws and the result is pure, goofy fun. The cast plays it just right, leaning into the absurdity without ever losing the charm, and the mythical muskie itself has to be seen to be believed. It's a love letter to Minnesota culture wrapped in horror-movie parody, and it lands every joke along the way. Don't let this one get away!

Company: Jeffries & Brown
Show: Braingystics: Seize the Mind!
Venue: Open Eye Theatre

High Octane Silliness

The two-man cast keeps the pace relentless and the laughs coming, nailing every beat of the genre they're skewering. It's smart, silly, and impossible not to laugh at, even as you recognize exactly what they're parodying. Nonstop fun!

Company: Tiger Love Studios LLC
Show: The Choose Your Own Adventures of Turtle Boy
Venue: Mixed Blood

Must See Hero Adventure

A solo-performer tour de force. Emmanuel’s skills bringing Turtle Boy to life are indescribable. The audience steers the action – and even joins in. It's part action-adventure, part interactive game, and all heart, with a hero you’ll fall in love with. A don't-miss show for all ages, it's exactly the kind of playful, inventive experience that makes the MN Fringe. Bring everyone, sit close & get ready to be delighted!

Company: DOLLY WHO?
Show: DOOZY
Venue: Open Eye Theatre

Pure Fringe Magic

Doozy is a masterclass in creativity! The puppetry is inventive, the sets are richly imagined, and every performer — human and puppet alike — clearly poured their heart into it. Destiny Davison shines as Dolly, anchoring the whole thing with heart. Underneath it all is a genuinely touching message about friendship and forgiveness that sneaks up on you. The Open Eye venue suits it perfectly — don't miss it!