20,000 Leagues Under the Telltale Heart

Classic Fringe

A great way to spend an hour. Silly, wacky, irreverent, with lots of references to famous poems and books. At points, it was apparent that some cast members were more comfortable improving or more familiar with their author, which led to some scene chewing and an uneven share of stage time and hamminess. However, id still recommends anyone come to this show, even just to see Hans. Ari Newman shined as a Pinnochian Hans Christian Anderson, I always looked forward to their next appearance

Funny witty literary nerdy fun

The actors work together excellently and clearly enjoy what they're doing. So so funny, almost couldn't tell it was improvised. Loved the crow and Hams Christian Anderson. Would happily watch multiple iterations of the same show

Improv show?

I will start this review by saying that I had no idea this was an improv show... even though yes it does say it in their description. However even had I known I think I would have been slightly confused. It seems as if the Ensemble had previously really thought out the concept and the major points in the plot. Becuase of this it didn't feel like an improv show or a written script. All of these actors are really funny and the concept/story is well thought out. So well thought out I wish they would have taken the time to just actually write a script with all their funny ideas. The show would have been much more polished and profession just like there amazing opening dance was!

Lots to love, and even more to wonder about

[Experienced reviewers know that it is hard to differentiate between a 2.5 and a 5 when you are reviewing. This is meant to be a 2.5] WHAT WE LOVED: The art on the postcards and your Instagram page (kudos to the artist); your special effects (kudos to the special effects guy); your enthusiam (we couldn't help but laugh when you were cracking up at your own show); the idea (so fringy and SO SO much potential). WHAT WE WONDERED ABOUT: I attend with my sister, one of us is familiar with all the authors and works; and the other is not a literature buff. We both walked out totally confused. A few things you might consier: 1) work on your accents (we had a really hard time understanding some of the dialogue, expecially when you were introducing yourselves at the beginning); 2) give us some insight into your process (your description notes that this is based on real-life correspondence. If that is true, then help us understand what that means. Also it says 'Improv' ... maybe it was created with an improvisation method, but the final show seemed scripted); 3) add a little better flow, the different scenes were disjointed and hard to follow. My comments were intensified with the raucous audience. Fun, yes, but give a little more time to let things settle down before you head off again.

Brilliant, silly

The concept (famous dead authors as slightly inept superheroes) was so Fringey, and the 1980s-style theme song was a hoot. The troupe improvised really well within the given scenario as they threw each other plot twists and the clock counted down to the end of the time slot. Gave it a 4 because it wasn't perfect, the live Foley sound didn't live up to its potential, and some authors (Dickens and Twain) were hardly used at all in the performance I saw. But I laughed a lot, and I recommend it.

super fun!

I think the less you know the better, so everything is just a surprising adventure! I mean, you can read the description and know that they do have great costumes and a kick ass starting song and dance number but it does not end there, not by a long shot so just go!

Lots of laughs!

Really enjoyed this show. I wish I had time to see it again to see what is the same and what is different, because clearly some of it was preplanned, such as the characters. I loved the love story (or stories) especially!

It was fine. Tech got in the way

The premise for this show was terrific and a lot of the actors were quite good and delivered the characters they were portraying. Jules Vern, Poe, Dickens, etc. I didn’t realize it was an improv show until afterwards, which added to how impressed i was that it felt like a scripted show!. For me, what took away from the show was the tech the music at the top of the show was too loud and you couldn’t really hear, which improved without the music, but Arena is a challenging space. The live sound effects added to the show, but again made it hard to understand the actors

BEST SHOW YET

This is my favorite show so far: SO silly and SO goofy, the actors were all enjoying themselves and I really enjoyed the improv, especially from the sound tech person, who did live affect old school radio show style. Also the introduction song was helpful and very wonderful. If I have time I would go see this again to see what happens next time.

Quirky & funny

I loved the characters and the opening song number! I wouldn't mind having that in my music library to listen to again. Enjoyed every moment, it was surprising and creative, really a great Fringe pick!

Clearly an Audience Made up of Friends

It was fine. The first two scenes felt scripted and from then on the improv was fine. This group had clearly worked with each other for a while and plays off of each other very well. The only thing I found funny was the the situational comedy built from leaning into Hans’ character. That actor made a choice and stuck with it. But I don’t get what they did with the literary authors or why that theme was there in the first place. They should have leaned into portraying the authors like real life more or just went with a new theme. If not for the audience being made up of friends, I don’t think anyone would have laughed more than thrice.

Come for the Costumes, Stay for the Foley

This is an enjoyable show that makes you want to find five friends and form an improv group. The costumes range from rather modest to OTT and really seem to match delivery for many of the actors. Some were quite restrained while on the other hand some broke on stage, which an audience (almost) always loves - they did tonight, anyway! I’d guess that the historical part of this is pretty much begins and ends with “these are people who existed and corresponded” which is fine because it is very clear that this group of performers has a lot of fun together, which makes it fun to watch. The live foley was a great addition, and of course the “opening credits” of the show are something we all loved and were eagerly hoping to see again. And those wondering how scripted versus improvised the show is should simply attend a second time to see if it’s different. If they’re writing a new show each night, that’s still impressive.

A League of Their Own?

The six actors who perform in this piece are all undeniably talented at what they do, and the sound effects were exceptional, but the night I went, it seemed like the same joke over and over again. I know that improv can be very tricky at times, and while they got a lot of well-earned laughs from the audience, the show just didn't do it for me. It was an interesting premise and concept, but a little too much dicking around on the stage and not enough of a story to keep me interested. I did love the opening number, but it went downhill from there.

Odd But Funny

You can tell that all of the actors are very experienced improvisors - some seemed to know a lot more about their characters than others. I missed the beginning scene's dialog because the music was so loud and so was a little confused on what the plot was supposed to be. I loved the dance at the beginning but then was thrown off by the immediate shift from Poe to HG Wells (and again because of the music, didn't know that the character had switched). I loved the secret love story but am sad that that plot point didn't get a chance to get resolved before the show ended. But overall, a lot of laughs, great character work, and a funny concept.

Wow! Wow!

I heard this was a true story.

Laughs! Action! Love! Fun! Excitement!

What a perfectly produced improv show that you make you adore these literary giants. It’s so well done that some people thought it was scripted! Gotta love that. I love the character backstories, sound effects and fun music with it! That theme song is a banger. I hope this group stays together for a long time as you can tell they have so much fun together and enjoy their craft as improvisers.

Fun night of Improv

What a fun show!!! A great theme song and intro dance. So enjoyable to see quality improv. The interplay between the cartoon characterizations of famous authors was some times thought provoking, but at all times hilariously funny! I especially enjoyed the physicality of the actors. This really added to the story telling. Additionally, a special call out to the sound effects woman - she was amazing!

Excellent as expected!

I came to the show tonight after meeting one of the performers at the Star Trek show the night before. The cast has phenomenal chemistry, and they play off each other very well. Will absolutely see them in the future!

Skilled actors

I liked the concept of these authors corresponding with each other. I wasn't expecting so much improv. The actors are skilled. Improv isn't usually to my taste and I rated on my taste, not on the actors skill.

A UNIVERSE I WANT TO LIVE IN

This show is truly original. Elevating the 6 authors to super hero status, each with relevant powers and weaknesses, the show launches straight into action from the start. Each performance also has bonus authors as the villains! Seeing improv with such a high degree of theatricality is a god damned delight. In the round, with scoring, and a LIVE FOLEY SFX ARTIST, it's one of the only shows where I never think to look at the clock, 'cause I don't want it to end! You don't need deep knowledge of each author to have a blast at this show. I hope they remount it, and soon.

Absolute delight!

This show was an absolute delight from start to finish! Even if you’re not a literature buff, don’t let the premise deter you from checking out the show. The cast is made up of of very talented (and hilarious!) improvisers who worked well together, their funny quips and bold choices kept me laughing through the entire show - even when a few references went over my head. The opening dance number, costumes and sound effects added to the enjoyment. Overall, a solid live performance!

Silly, Nerdy Fun

Complete with radio-serial foleywork, each author gave it their all, perhaps a little too much all, since there was some overlapping yes-and's. Secondly, though it's not a major gaff, shouldn't Twain be attacking with a Missouri Smash, instead of a Mississippi Smash?

20,000 Laughs!!

I didn't realize this was improv until about halfway through, which imo makes the show all the more impressive! The cast was witty and had great synergy. I was laughing the entire time, and I think I'm going to read The Metamorphosis now. AnderBen is my OTP

A Saturday Morning Romp

Adventure and laughter is to be had by all. Whether biting through a dense subtext of 19th century authors or delighting with a live foley artist—this show beautifully blends the medium of high-brow literature with wacky premises plucked right out of Saturday morning cartoons. Perfect for everyone who loves afternoon tea and crumpets or a bowl of midnight bowl of Count Chocula.

Wonderful!

I was able to catch the final performance and was so glad I did! The excellent theme song set the tone for this supremely delightful show filled with talented improvisers. I loved the props of Jules Verne’s mechanical fist and Edgar Allen Pie’s book. Plus, the foley work was so creative and on point! I wish I could watch it once again to see how these literary superheroes come together and save the day!

so many laughs

this delivered exactly what i wanted: an hour of laughs. each of those performers dove deep, and found a treasure trove of laughs :)

Out with a Bang Sundae!

This was the last Fringe show I saw on Sunday. A multi-flavored sundae with lots of goodies throughout. Jane Austen was definitely the cherry on top. Especially loved Poe and Twain. Every character as hysterical and I imagined them all together in a Lighthouse Reunion. Well done.

A Fun Mess

I don't totally know what I just watched, but I know it involved numerous laughs and I have never been more grateful to not be a chair. Zany fun sloppy silly times

Fun show!

The whole premise of the show is silly and stupid in the best way--you will discover pretty quickly whether or not this show is for you or not from the opening theme song. I had no idea what was going on, but I am not sure I cared because the improvisers were making big choices and committing to them. Great show!

Fun and silly improv

Like other reviewers, I didn't realize this was an improv show. That said, it was a well done, fun show! The Foley artist in particular was fantastic!!

Don't Wait For the Novelization

This was either one of the Smartest Stupidest things Ive ever seen, or the Stupdiest Smartest things Ive ever seen. Who's to say? I was howling with laughter. Stellar improvisers! Plus the live tech and live foley work was top notch!!

Very enjoyable

We had a wonderful time at this show. It's even more enjoyable when you have a basic previous knowledge of each of the authors/characters. The cast was hard to hear at times, but it seems the volume of the characters and the music equalized as the show went on (we went opening night). I would definitely go see this show a second time - the chemistry between characters and the laughs they shared amongst themselves were endearing and entertaining. I laughed almost the entire hour!

Smart and funny improvisors

Like some other reviewers, I did not know this show was going to be improv (even though it says so in the description). So know that going in so you understand you're in for a zany and unpredictable ride! I laughed a ton. I got a little creeped out by some EXCELLENT popping and locking used to great effect, and I enjoyed the live foley. Hans Christian Anderson was a real standout for me. So silly and delightful!

20,000 Leagues of Fantastic!

I love this show! What a tight, generous and happy troupe. Great range from subtle to slapstick. Fantastic props, costumes, acting, humor, music and artwork. I will watch them again.

Never a dull moment

This improv troupe is tight! They play so well together - allowing everyone to shine alone and as partners. Tonight's show had brief moments of tenderness and, dare I say, even seriousness, amongst the well-played silliness and hilarity. I don't always see that with improv; it shows their trust in one another. Awesome. Outstanding character work. Would love to see them again.

A dickens of a time

A little hard to follow, could use more character introduction, but very silly and fun. Half improved details but laid out plot. They were obviously having fun with each other's improve and had fun references.

SO Funny

First to those who are trying to insinuate the show isn't completely improvised, I can confirm it is. Due to the producer's structure of the show & how well the improvisers play with each other, it was genuinely a bit hard to determine (but that speaks to just HOW GOOD these performers are). I love goofy, storytelling improv like this, and was so worth my time. Found myself laughing & with a big smile on my face almost the entire time, and wished desperately that the show were longer. The concept behind the characters were so funny, and they really worked well together. If you're someone who wants to just have a good time at a performance, absolutely go out and support them. Seriously. This isn't for people who hate fun. If you like silliness and laughter and joy, this is for you.

The most ambitious crossover event in history

This is the historical crossover we as humanity deserved, but never got. Thanks to the joy of improv, no two shows are ever alike. The one I saw, the team of Jules Verne, Edgar Allen Poe, Hans Christian Andersen, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and Franz Kafka pursue an evil HG Wells through time - to the grand and distant future of 1956 or 57 - where all of humanity has been replaced with either animal/human hybrids or clones of Orson Welles. One of the actors assumed the role of a crab person whom HG Wells falls in love with. The live sound effects of the crab were perfect and had me in stitches. Anything with a crab person in it is an instant win in my book. The costumes were incredible, and the literary references were on-par!! Plus the actor who portrayed Mark Twain is the spitting image of Mark F***ing Twain!! Catch 20,000 Leagues Under The Tell-Tale Heart while you can!! Get there early - I went on a Wednesday & the place was PACKED! One note I will give - the music in the beginning of the show after the introduction was a tad loud and made it hard to hear the performers. I got the gist of it, but perhaps turn it down a tad (*just a tad*).

An absurd and heartfelt delight!

Loved the premise and the high production value considering it was entirely improvised! (Aside from the opening sequence). I’ve never seen a show that combines live sound board improvisation, as well as improvised ANALOG foley sound effects. There were definitely moments where it wasn’t clear exactly where the plot was going, but the players focus on deep and meaningful relationships between their characters is what really makes this show captivating. I loved the juxtaposition between absurd and heartfelt, and I’ll certainly be trying to catch more! Saw two of their shows so far, they were completely different.

Entertaining, fast-paced, skillful improv

I saw this with two friends. One absolutely adored it; the other declared it a complete waste of time. I sided with the positive response. The story moved along quickly with great inventiveness. Although I wished some of the characters spoke more loudly (notably Kafka) or conveyed more personality (Twain could have been far more sarcastic and curmudgeonly), everyone did a great job at picking up prompts and building on absurd premises. I was personally disappointed that Hans Christian Anderson dropped out of the action very early on day we went, as the actor portraying him switched to playing multiple supporting roles to move the plot along--and with impressive agility and physical humor, augmented by the live sound effects. There's no deep message for the audience here, just a lot of laughs and the satisfaction of seeing improvisors at the top of their game. It would be even more fun if more literary history and gossip could be folded into the show.

An 80s anime dream

Like a comic book or an 80s anime, this show brings to life the spunky adventures of 6 famous authors from history. Made me laugh so hard, and love the sound effects.