Two of the twin cities finest solo performers share a stage - only it's small so they have to alternate!
5 Monster Science shows! One Tattooed Anarchist in Covid Lockdown!
We saw Ariel's show. We have followed her since her first show ("Born in a trailer court") and appreciate seeing how her art and life have matured. A+ for her storytelling chops. Her show (as most of her autobiographical shows) was far more about "transformation, survival, and self-revolution" (from the Fringe web site) than it was about her tattoo during the lockdown. And yes, if you have mobility problems at all, those stairs down to the theater are tough.
Would it be inappropriate to say
that this one person show clips along at an appropriate pace? No, no it would not. But did it? YES. Yes it did. One person shows are a beast to write and perform--- and often a beast to endure. Ariel's show was not a beast to endure. It was captivating and captured a perfect slice of a few years in a person's life with enough back story to get us all caught up. Beautiful work.
Engaging insights on the challenges of being human
Ariel is an expert storyteller. This autobiographical material offers insights on work, love, marriage and parenthood in her always-engaging way. Such a great venue for this highly personal material. And you can even get a beverage served to your table!
A lovely comedy lecture on the development and evolution of animals, humans and if tallness makes you smarter. I’ve seen many of Rev Matt’s Monster Science shows and was compelled to review this one due to the impressive and through level of research not just on the subject matter but also in how scientists work to discover and develop leading theories. With so many jokes! I’ve never cared so much for Neanderthals than I did today. I might not ever again but today I cared and laughed at brain size science. Looking forward to seeing the others this week.
Ariel hones her craft as a seasoned storyteller in this autobiographical piece. It is vulnerable invitation into the life and mind of a self-proclaimed anarchist. Filled with lots of laughs and a fair amount of introspection, I highly suggest you check it out!
A humorous review of the history of human evolution and debunking the bunk by one well-rehearsed speaker. Not as advertised, good for what it but not what was expected.
I have seen many Rev Matt shows. I saw the performance about petrifying gazes. As always it was funny and educational. I am glad Rev Matt sat down because it was hard to see the screen. It was not my favorite show I've seen by him, but still very fun!
Ariel is a trendsetter, not a follower. I enjoyed learning about how she overcame her struggles leading up to and through COVID. In this well-paced glimpse at her very personal growth, we get to hear about her rediscovering passion and purpose. As a storyteller, she is a rockstar, and her observations about reaching life's midpoint resonated with me. Wishing her all the happiness in the plans she has for the upcoming year.
I saw Ariel Pinkerton's 4 PM show today and it held my attention. She does know how to deliver a story. This was an autobiographical one centered around relationships, COVID times, employment and growing up. She is candid and clear about ups and downs. Some deep topics, frankly addressed.
Somethings to know: this is a basement space reached only by going down a staircase. There is the possibility of food and beverage service. She rotates her with a different performer so check schedule. Btw, the chairs were not the gentlest. Still, this should get your consideration if you want a reality based, one person show.
We attended the Monster Science show on 8/3. If you've ever taken a lecture class in college or attended an academic conference, you'll be familiar with the format: a professorial-looking guy reading a scientific paper illustrated with PowerPoint slides. And indeed, you may learn a lot during the hour. Each show tackles a different topic. We were treated to a lecture on evolution (mostly human evolution) that was laced with jokes and asides that came so fast that you couldn't stop listening to sort the brilliant ones from the lame ones. And really, who cares? The overall effect is delightful and informative and unlike anything else you'll experience at the Fringe. You should see at least one of these very entertaining shows!
Ariel is always a compelling story teller, and this show is no exception. She has the ability to share her life experiences and decisions in a way that can make us confront and accept our own.
5 Kitties, Highly Recommended!
Ariel is profoundly honest and wears her heart (and tattoos) on her sleeve in this hour long foray into her midlife crisis. She unabashedly tells you who she is and makes no apologies for her sometimes scandalous behavior. Ultimately listenable, engaging and entertaining! Great job - but I did want to see the whole tattoo!
Monster Scientist
Matthew Kessen is a writer, performer, producer, dramaturg and flavored beverage enthusiast who has worked with Comedy Suitcase, the Chameleon Theater Circle, Green T Productions, and all kinds of folks like that. He is best know for his solo comedy-lecture show, "Reverend Matt's Monster Science", which has appeared at numerous museums, libraries, conventions, bookstores and theatres across the country, and which is a monthly livestream as well. He has a pet gecko named Linus.
https://reverendmattsmonsterscience.com/
Ariel Pinkerton
Storyteller
Ariel Pinkerton has been a storyteller at the Minnesota Fringe since 2013, is currently the Community Liaison for the Minnesota Fringe, and has performed in the Minnesota Fringe since 1999. She was the creator of 2022's THE HYSTERICAL WOMAN which won the Golden Lanyard for Venue Pick and played Xena in 2019's XENA AND GABRIELLE SMASH THE PATRIARCHY which also won the Golden Lanyard for Venue Pick. Her current show debuted at the 2024 Tuscon Fringe under the title "Put a needle to me, or what is permanence? or how I got a full back tattoo during covid lock down because the government gave me more money than and food service job ever has." she is Co-Artistic Director of Fortune's Fool Theatre and Production Banshee for Ghoulish Delights. https://arielpinkerton.com/
Tim Uren
Stage Manager / Board Op
For over 25 years, Tim Uren has been performing, writing, and directing theater at festivals and small venues in the Twin Cities. Along the way, has worked with companies such as Theater Pro Rata, the Brave New Workshop, and Theater in the Round. He co-produced a film adaptation of The Curse of Yig that author W. H. Pugmire called “…one of the finest adaptations of a Lovecraft weird tale to cinema that I have ever seen…brilliant and effective in every way.” Uren has also written and designed for board games and card games, notably for several Arkham Horror expansions, as well as Eldritch Horror and its subsequent expansions. This collective experience is what shaped the creation of his theatre company; Ghoulish Delights.
More Information
Two of the Twin Cities' finest solo performers share a stage! Only it's very small, so they have to alternate! Come see five full lengths Monster Science shows and one Ariel Pinkerton Storytelling Masterpiece!
"Put a Needle To Me or How I Got a Full Back Tattoo During Covid Because the Government Gave Me More Money Than Any Food Service Job Ever Has" You know what's fun? Having a midlife crisis that begins with a baby and an undercut, moves onto a divorce and a job at a punk restaurant, and really CEMENTS itself during Covid Lockdown. Might as well go all out and get a full back tattoo on the Government's dime, right? Storyteller Ariel Pinkerton returns with her tale of transformation, survival, and self revolution.
Performances: Aug 9 at 7pm, Aug 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 4:00pm
"Reverend Matt's Personal Best" is a series of five award-winning Reverend Matt's Monster Science comedy lectures, as selected by the Reverend - and his infectious enthusiasm for the shines through. A companion to the Fringe 2023's "Monster Science's Greatest Hits," come see shows about Medusa, Pterosaurs, Ray Harryhausen, speculative evolution, and human ancestry! Facts and jokes and Powerpoint - guaranteed!
Performances:
Friday 8/2, 7PM: Kill You As Soon As Look At You - Medusa and Pals Saturday 8/3, 5:30pm: The Meander of Humanity - Human Evolution Sunday 8/4, 5:30pm: Bizarrocosms - Imaginary Evolutions Saturday 8/10, 5:30pm: Original Kaiju and Fightin’ Skeletons - the Monsters of Ray Harryhausen Sunday 8/11, 5:30pm: Pterosaur Country - A Complete History of Pterodactyls
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