A Horse Walks Out Onto the Stage and Dies

So good! A must see!

I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time!! But, still had tears in my eyes at points. So, so good! A must see!!

If Ryan Reynolds was a Horse

One of the funniest scripts I've seen in a long time- like if the writers of the Deadpool movies wrote a philosophy textbook. Sam Sweere is incredibly funny in the title role, elevating the humor and inviting the audience into some delightfully spicy jokes. The ensemble is quick and smart in a number of very funny and occasionally adorable side characters. All of it works together in a hysterical, intelligent, and uniquely poignant show that makes me incredibly excited to see more from these very talented artists. Run, don't walk, maybe clomp

Exactly as advertised

Its not the destination, its the Mistys you meet along the way. If you see me dressed as a horse or mama rat for halloween this year mind your business.

So so good

What a silly horse

Laughter and tears

This show has it all. Makes you laugh, makes you think, makes you cry. A very good example of why theatre is so important. Bravo!

Yeah that horse DIES and I came to WATCH

Immediately the show had me in its grips. It was a really engaging mix of good humor and pressing uncomfortable emotion. Every character in addition to the Horse was punchy and impactful. Overall the show flowed well, even with the audience participation. And it really resonated with me. This was an exceptional fringe show and I'll be thinking about it for a while.

5/5 Horsies!

So funny but also so beautiful. Talented performers and a great script, you don’t want to miss this one!

It was really good!

Man, I really wanted to love this one as much as everyone else! I enjoyed the comedy a lot, particularly at the moments with audience participation. However, I felt the performance, while very earnest and heartfelt, was bigger than the actual depth/significance of the written words, and that mismatch made the tragedy of it come off a bit hollow. While I think the self pity vibe was completely real to the character, I agree with other reviewers that it’s a tough tone to take for forty minutes straight (as an audience member). That being said: l laughed, I cried, I would recommend seeing it, I can’t wait to see what this guy does next.

Had a lot of good stuff, but some parts dragged a

Overall, I liked this show. It had a lot of great meta stuff, absurd humor, dark comedy, all stuff I like. The horse was engaging and likable. I felt, though, that the pacing of the show could have used a bit of work. The parts when the horse was trying to figure out what to do sometimes felt a bit like the story itself wasn't sure where to go, not just the character, if that makes sense. In some of those moments, I just wanted something, anything at all, to happen. Again, I did like it, and there were a lot of hilarious moments. I just felt that sometimes, the pacing of the story could have been improved.

Fringe has a Winner

Sam Sweere really runs for the roses with A Horse Walks Out Onto the Stage and Dies. Very funny, interesting, moving. It behooves you to see this show.

So Fun & LOL

This show was great, totally exceeded my expectations! I'm the type to usually chuckle under my breath at a great joke - but this performance had me laughing out loud!! And as fun as it was - it was more than that. Go see it - you'll walk out with your spirit lifted.

Brilliant and Human

What does a horse’s death tell us about how to live a human life? Quite a bit, as it turns out. Sweere’s character in “A Horse Walks Out Onto the Stage and Dies” is the perfect journey from playful self-obsession to self-actualization. There is surprise, parody, and a heaping dose of humanity from beginning to end, not to mention an intoxicating amount of engagement with the audience. Sweere’s performance is incredibly conversational and easy to follow, yet his writing also has subtle depth that only grows as the show goes on. The genius of Sweere’s art is both its sincerity and simplicity. He provokes deep reflection and, in my case, profound gratitude as well. Sweere challenges the audience to see themselves and the world differently, especially in light of death. He shows more than he tells us what life is really all about, (as all art should). All the while, he makes a profound argument for the goodness of it all and where we can find that goodness. . The trick to watching this show is to come in with your arms wide open to everything Sweere has to offer you. He will make you laugh, cry, and think - if you are willing to play along. Some jokes are just jokes, and you shouldn’t linger too much on them. Just have a laugh and gallop along. Some jokes, however, will bring the room to a standstill and make you wonder how a man in his twenties could have such acute insight into the world around him. Sweere is clearly a man with talent, perspective, and an incredible heart. You couldn’t ask for anything more from an aspiring writer, actor, or artist in general. You will be amazed by the gifts he brings to the stage, but you will be most impressed by his authenticity, his vulnerability, and once again, his humanity on full display.

Fantastic

Must see!

You have never seen a show like this before! A must for anyone who needs a laugh, a cry, or is really passionate about horses!

Emotional tour-de-force

Many of the other reviewers talk about the humor in "A Horse Walks Out," but it is also very emotional and philosophical. From the first papal quote to the last journey home, it is an engaging pleasure.

Nothing if not intrepid

Sam--the horse, the writer, the actor--is nothing if not intrepid. The zaniness works because he's not afraid to follow through on what feels like a stream of consciousness. Sam had the presence and confidence to pull it off.

A Must See Fringe Show

The whip-smart comedic/emotional writing and performance of Sam Sweere, combined with the strong direction of Hannah Steblay, make this a must-see performance at the Fringe.

DON'T MISS THIS GEM!

A beautiful blend of humor and heart! You can tell that this was a labor of love and joy, and that everyone is just having a blast, which makes it that much more enjoyable to watch. Truly, cannot recommend this show enough!

Loved it!

Equal parts funny and poignant. Sam Sweere did an excellent job balancing comedy and emotion; he played really well off of the audience, which made it even better! One of my favorites of this year.

Amazing From Start To Finish!!

This is a fantastic show that everyone should go out of their way to see! Sam Sweere is phenomenal and he does a fantastic job at telling a wonderful story through outstanding humor and emotion. Everyone in the audience was having the time of their lives! I couldn’t recommend seeing this show enough. 5/5, 10/10, A+++++

This made me cry [and laugh]

A very moving look at the beauty and value of an “unremarkable, unimportant and nondescript” life. Just beautiful, in concept and execution.

Welcome to Fringe!

Really enjoyed myself at this show, and such an impressive Fringe debut! The buttons for sale after the show were a welcome bonus :)

Funny and thought provoking

Sam gave a very funny delivery of a thought-provoking subject. Highly recommend seeing this one.

How much would you pay to save a horse?

A mix of hilarity and existential dread, true to the Fringe spirit!

Funny, Heartfelt, Fringe

A truly amazing first fringe show that delivers on its title and so much more. I laughed, I cried, I imagined a horse absolutely slam dunking basketballs. Sam and his cast blew it out of the park with a great balance of humor and raw emotion. Sam’s improv skills shined when he interacted w the audience, and his writing skill punched me in the gut at every opportunity. A wonderful show from an artist that I can’t wait to see more of!!

Meaningful.

The story and artistry were very compelling. My thoughts on what the horse had to say continue to be provoked...which is a good thing.

A wonderful beautiful time

Go see this show!!!!!!!!!

Must see!

So so funny, greatly written and executed, with both comedy and lots of emotion. This show is so worth the price!!

This show killed me too

I created an account to leave my first ever Fringe review just to support this show. It surprised me. I was expecting comedy and that was delivered. However I "aww'd" almost as much as I laughed. The acting was great and i was happy to be on the journey. As an aside, there was some unsolicited audience participation that the horse dealt with super seamlessly and gracefully. I hope to see more from this crew!

Best Fringe Show I've Seen (Ever)

Incredibly funny and incredibly sad.

Wonderful

I thought “A Horse Walks onto the Stage and Dies” was amazing. Humorous, poignant and surprising. If I were Sam Sweere’s dad, I’d be incredibly proud of him. But I’m not.

Am I crying watching a horse die?

This is one of the most original pieces I’ve seen in a while. Sam clearly out his heart into this, and it spoke to my existential sense of finding meaning in an empty existence. Thank you so much for giving me what I needed to hear today. Very rarely am I so wowed and constantly entertained by one-man shows, but this one touched me. Congratulations - this is art.

A Horse Walks out onto the Stage and SLAYS

I went to this show on a whim because I thought it looked interesting. This show is amazing. It's extremely funny right from the start and doesn't slow down. The performance from the Horse is incredible. He has an infectious charisma and leans into the absurd comedy of the show while delivering a performance that is honest and invested. If you have an opportunity to fit this in your schedule, do yourself a favor and go see it!

Top 5 shows

Hilarious and poignant. I loved it.

Thought provoking

I cried at the end of this show. I hope the nameless horse meets Misty again. There was some great commentary from other animals - kitty, cows, and pig.

Hilarious & heartbreaking & hopeful

This show really made me feel things. Was proud to be the “time lady” of the audience. Some of the most fun 4th wall breaking I’ve ever seen

Who Is This Kid?!

Creator Sam Sweere’s mind is a place of magical chaos and mind-boggling creativity. “A Horse Walks Out Onto the Stage and Dies” was a soul tickling combination of wit and depth. I believe the audience got to experience the full range of this young man’s heart and talents. Sweere’s delivery is so incredibly natural, aware, and intelligent. Somebody with real cred, please call SNL - they need this kid.

Gallop to the box office!

Don’t let the title of this show fool you, it is a comedy as you might expect, but it’s also filled with emotional depth and a powerful message. Sam shows that he is a versatile actor who is capable of showing all facets of emotion. The ensemble of Annika, Beau, and Marsh compliment the horse as well as adding a fun and surprising flare to the show. Go see this - you won’t regret it.

Funny in all possible ways

What I really loved about this show was how the dialogue (and horribly edited photos in the beginning slideshow) served as only a small part of the humour. The timing, delivery of lines, action, and small gestures from each of the characters really made the writing shine. The actors did a phenomenal job at telling a not so straightforward story. Will be repping the horse buttons for fringe fests to come.

Monty Pythons Meaning of Life meets Spirit

This show takes an absurd premise and crafts it into a hilarious yet insightful commentary on life. Sam Sweere's performance is a masterclass in deadpan delivery. He guides the audience through a narrative that is both sharp and subtly profound. Makes you ponder the meaning of life while chuckling like an idiot. Mad props to the director Hannah Steblay for her tireless work breathing life into this show as well. For those considering whether to see this, rest assured it's worth the ticket. You'll find more than just a comedy—it's an introspective and uniquely entertaining experience. Don't miss out!

WOAH

WOW the journey to the title event of this show is crazy. Sam Sweere is an incredibly talented comedic writer and performer, and the small ensemble did an incredible job world-building, adding to the goofiness and shenanigans, and also the real humanity of the animal world (animal-ity?). An absolutely great show that I’m unironically leaving 5 kitties for, and I would’ve even if the Horse hadn’t suggested it.

Hold Your Horses . . .

. . . and go see this show! Even after reading the description and seeing the preview, I had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised! Sam's emotional portrayal of the horse was fantastic and the supporting characters added some good layers at the most perfect of moments. (The cat and the *well-read pig" were my two of my favorites!) It's quite a unique concept for a show, a very refreshing take on the exploration of the worthiness of living. Also, super-impressed that this is this company's first Fringe production, I'll definitely be catching future shows! Should you skip seeing A Horse Walks Onto The Stage And Dies? Nay. Naaayyyy!!!

genius!

this show is so clever and so fun! i’m so glad i had the chance to see it! it has such a good balance of humor and also moments that really make you ponder. if you are a cool person you should definitely come see this show!

All Horses Go To Heaven

A quintessential "Fringe show" -- darkly funny, utterly ridiculous, and surprisingly touching. I can honestly say that when I first sat down for this show, I didn't expect that by the end I'd have tears welling up in my eyes. Sharply written and expertly performed by Sam Sweere, and deftly directed by the incomparable Hannah Steblay, this is a Fringe show you really don't want to miss. I can't stop thinking about it!

This is What The Fringe is About

An absurd and unflinching look at mortality and missed opportunities, with impeccable direction and design supporting hilarious yet sincere actor performances towards a kind of show which could only exist in the Fringe.

Lovely

Incredibly well acted. Multiple sweet moments. Funny for sure yet I felt the sadness very strongly. Gave me a lot to think about.

so so funny

AMAZING script and even better acting!!! Set was perfect!! LOVED THE PROJECTIONS!! I was dying laughing!

I laughed, I cried and it moved me.

This show was truly a hoot! I genuinely LOL'ed. Sam did a great job encapsulating an existential crisis while keeping it relatable, light and funny. This show is a definite must see!!!

We must be outliers on this one

My friend and I give this one 3 kitties. We went because of the very enthusiastic reviews, but felt like we were seeing a different play than the one described. The ups: there were some very funny moments, especially as the lead moved in and out of referencing the fact that we are at a fringe show, asking audience members how much time was left, and interacting with the audience. Sam excelled at that kind of interaction; more improv would have been welcomed. The whole play was very "meta" in a good way. The downs: We felt like the emotional stance of most of the play was too monotone to hold up for 45 minutes. The extreme of self-pity and anguish wasn't believable and needed to be interrupted with another emotion. At one point the horse asks, "is anyone here involved with an animal rights organization?" YES! I thought. We are going to move to hope and planning and improv with the audience about this strategy! Alas, that was just a laugh line before devolving back to self-pity.

Hilarious & Heartbreaking

Well, that was a surprise. Even after reading the (very accurate) title and thinking I knew what I was in for, this hour-long emotional roller-coaster had me on the edge of my seat. Sam Sweere gives a remarkable performance in the title role of the unnamed horse, who initially starts to regale the audience with a fantastically funny over-the-top and absurd autobiography. In a remarkably meta twist, a farmer appears and foreshadows the future, reminding the horse of the show's title (and the audience's complicity in coming to such a show!) Suddenly the fourth wall is shattered and the horse and the audience are in this together as the horse wrestles with his mortality. There is some audience interaction, which Sweere navigates with a skilled improviser's aplomb, leaving space for a slightly different experience at every show. One particularly deft device makes everyone aware that the clock is ticking, adding a pot-boiler intensity to proceedings. Plus, he finds clever ways to involve everyone (including the theater's tech folks and the lady videoing the show) that brings a charming meta tongue-in-cheek self-awareness to the performance. The show allegorically examines issues of self-worth, kindness, and how an exceptionally ordinary life can be seen as well-lived in an earnest, almost painfully honest way. Sweere's performance is captivating, embodying a cornucopia of emotions far outstepping the Five Stages of Grief. He really shines in the subtleties of the performance -- shrugs, sighs, well-timed looks of appeal to the audience brings more life to the character than the words on the script. Heavens, I almost forgot he wasn't a horse. Lest you think this show is a downer, it most definitely is not. While it tackles deep existential questions, it does so in such a fanciful way that we end up laughing at the absurdity of it all. I bet that many in the audience will leave smiling with contemplative moments reminding us to be kind, love deeply, and really live life. I sure did.

AMAZING

Although the title makes it seem like you know what to expect, there are so many quirky details and unexpected aspects that make the show interesting. Incredible writing and acting seen in this show with sprinkled-in humor and a truly insightful monologue. 10/10 would recommend.

A Fine Show

Some clever lines and a nice premise. Enjoyed it.

Sam Sweere's performance drives this one home!

Funny, Smart, and Thought Provoking

This is a great piece of theater and an impressive debut by Sam Sweere. His performance is both funny and serious as he explores the edges of what it means to be relevant in a world that only values extraordinary. The direction was even-handed and smart. The minimal stage setting, backdrop and musical selections nicely complimented Mr. Sweere's storyline. In the end, we believe he's a horse and we care about his story and demise.

Horse Amuck

“Horse Dies” is an uproariously funny dog and pony show that plays like a dark version of “There’s a Monster at the End of this Book.” A Horse with No Name discovers the name of the MN Fringe Festival show he is currently in and runs through a gamut of emotions and puppets as his 60 minute time slot dwindles. The highlight of the show for me was the improvised audience banter, which gets increasingly hostile as the show progresses (one audience member thought he was part of the show a little too much). The fact that this is a first-time effort is incredible and I can’t wait to see what these weirdos cook up next.

True Fringe Spirit (Y’know, like the horse)

Balancing cheeky humor with existentialism and poignant life observation is not an easy task, but Sam Sweere pulls it off. Even moreso he pulls it off while wearing a cheesy horse costume. This sort of raw honesty, meta humor and audience interactivity are the special kinds of experiences that remind me why we have fringe and make me so grateful it exists. The house was almost if not completely full and this team fully deserved it!

First time Fringe producer NAILS IT!

This was both SO FRINGEY and SO QUALITY at the same time, it's hard to believe it's a first time producer. Yet, here we are with a funny, edgy, relatable investigation of human purpose and existentialism. My hat's off to the folks who put this together and I eagerly anticipate your next endeavor!

What a Ride!

A wonderful entertaining story which happened in a short 50 minutes. Great humor and acting while giving a pause to reflect on life. Highly recommend! Sam’s engagement with the audience made you feel apart of the story.

Loved it!

Such a great show. Very funny AND meaningful. Probably my favorite at Fringe so far!

Sam Sweere is brilliant.

Great show. A truly brilliant actor/writer. Lots of creativity. I agree with the above review: "At one point the horse asks, "is anyone here involved with an animal rights organization?" YES! I thought. We are going to move to hope and planning and improv with the audience about this strategy! Alas, that was just a laugh line before devolving back to self-pity." I agree; too much languishing in the emotional downer of life's end. Cut 10 minutes out of that segment and Sam still has a 45 min show. Thanks for the good time!

Delightful Theatre Experience

This was such a captivating, hilarious and poignant show. So well done. Sam did a beautiful job capturing the frantic nature of an existential crisis while still being hilarious. Plus, what a sweet message overall. MUST SEE!

Great story great humor

Very funny but also very thought provoking. Outstanding play and great story. It is well worthy the time to go see this. Excellent job

"I am a loser and I still deserve to live"

Such a beautiful and thoughtful look at the human experience through the eyes of a horse. I was cackling the whole show and authentically moved in the end. We may be unremarkable, nondescript, and unimportant little folks; but we all deserve to live, laugh, love. Missing this show is not an option.

Twists and turns

This was the best kind of show. It was one thing until and it wasn't...and both parts of that were satisfying. The horse was incredibly charismatic and charming. I felt a strong urge to hold his hoof near the end there. Gallop don't walk to this show.

Horse 🐴 suffers from success!

Truthfully believable story about live and death (on the stage) one weird (but cute) (first time production) homunculus horse!

Horse might die, but this show is alive!

This show has a great variety of things that make it excellent for Fringe. It doesn't try to bite off too much in it's under an hour run time. With a blend of narrative storytelling, stand up comedy, meta fringe jokes, audience interaction, exestientialism, this show still found a way to be heart warming by the end. It's an art to blend humor with emotional work and this show really nailed it. At a 10pm showing, the audience was electric which made the show even better.

Haven't Laughed This Much In a Long Time!

The show is non-stop jokes with a tremendous central performance. The comedy is top notch and after you're done laughing, you get hit with a resonant message on the importance of enjoying life. The jokes vary from incredibly silly, extremely dark, and even meta! I had a wonderful time seeing this one on opening night and would say it is well worth the time for anyone looking for a good laugh and a surprising journey!