Bangs!

Incredible visuals, queer art matters!

I could tell this was a labor of love, and goodness--the dancing was phenomenal! We need queer art, and, at the same time, queer art is dangerous for performers in the current political climate. I appreciated the multiple content warnings for the audience, the MN references, and the representation of beauty and risk inherent in queer and trans identity. The only reason I take 0.5 off is because some of the lines were hard to hear. Overall, worthwhile and such an important show!

Go Support

Please go support queer art!! While the potential reality of this hits a little too close to home, this show is a necessary reminder of the complex and complicated world we live in. Amazing job to the cast!!! 🩷

Queer Art Done Right

I went to the opening show Friday and thought it was such a fun rollercoaster! They delivered with great comedic relief, a real message, and dazzling performances. I loved seeing local drag performers show how talented they are across many stages of performing arts. I highly recommend this play to anyone that wants a glimpse into the world of queer entertainers.

a real BANGer of a show

I really loved getting to see all the aspects of a drag show, both on stage and behind the scenes. This is fierce queer art, and I am here for it. I do feel, however, that some elements, like the titular tragedy in question, felt somewhat disconnected from the rest of the show. Not to project my own expectations, but I also kinda wished there was more pitch black humor in regards to the shooting itself. As is, it felt a little self congratulatory at the end. Still though, what a proud bastion of queer art and well worth your time at fringe.

Some knock-out numbers, costumes, & makeup

I connected with all of the performers and their stories, and I think that as they continue to develop this show, it will gain more finesse in its transitions and timing--but I enjoyed it very much, and there were some knock-out costumes, makeup, and numbers, including the central number in which tragedy strikes (described eloquently below by reviewer Clem Soelter in a way that captures my feelings about it exactly).

Gorgeous final moments overshadow the rest

To write a play that unfolds during the massacre of a gay bar, one will inevitably be stretched to their limits by risk, daring, ferociousness, and heartache. That's probably why they decided NOT to, despite the show synopsis. And don't get me wrong, the banter and thematic exploration was highly appreciated, it's always a joy watching rapid-fire queer comedy, and the setting was perfectly suited for that. But the showstopper comes when the theme of the synopsis is finally touched, a deep red musical number that drags and warps and chills and sparkles and it's simply amazing. I craved more of that bravery, more of that artistry. It almost moved me to tears, and I forgot nearly every moment that came before it. The moments that came after were few. If ever there's a longer version of this show that explores more deeply the horror it addresses, I'll be there no question.

Show Description Misleading

I feel rather conflicted writing this review. First and foremost, I LOVE drag, and I’m so glad that there’s a show celebrating drag in Fringe this year! I saw Bangs opening night. The performers are top tier, and when they are able to show their personalities and talents, the show shines. (Without a doubt, this show earns the 2026 best ass twerking award). It’s a black box-type theater, which is HARD for performers, and I was impressed with the way they used the space on stage. I thought that the script (and as a result pacing) was a weak point in this show. The shooting didn’t occur until the end of the show and as a result, it didn’t really investigate how different individuals wrestle with tragedy in different ways. That said, I do think the show really reflects the daily tension and fear that queer people (especially visibly trans and nonbinary folks) experience every day. You spend the whole show waiting for the gun to go off and for your safety to be jeopardized. And (speaking from personal experience) that’s what it’s often like living as a queer person in America today—knowing your safety is precarious. If you like drag shows or want to get a peek into a dressing room, I recommend coming to see Bangs! But if you are looking for a show with well-developed plot or character arcs, I recommend checking out something else. But no matter what you decide, I hope you support queer art and artists not only during Fringe but throughout the rest of the year.

A great choice for queer art

This show takes you into the back room of a drag show. This behind the scenes peek is a great nod to both theater and drag, as it's a play about what we don't normally see. Great cast of local drag entertainers, who you can go out and see live after Fringe! Very well done, and the music and presention of the most dramatic scene really hits hard!

Celebration of Drag and chosen family!

I love that this show gave drag queens a space to share their experience, identities, and perform! We get some great lip-sync performances! I can agree with other reviews that the description doesn’t match up with what is on stage. What I really appreciate and what makes the show special is you can tell the performers are sharing from their point of view. I would like to see what would happen if the show had more time to react and build off the climax. Overall a really good celebration of drag, but sometimes not the cleanest executed play.

Funny, Serious, and Important!

Went to the show on opening night and I was truly in awe by the thought that went into this show. Well-written, entertaining, and a societal commentary that is important to showcase. The cast were energetic and through first night nerves put on an incredible performance. The idea of the show in a time that is so dangerous for queer people really highlights the importance of community and chosen family!

Loved

the tone of this was so much more successful than i expected and the critical scene was beautiful. a cast full of some of MN's best and brightest performers!

I Love Queer Art

This show was absolutely brilliant and I found myself engaged throughout the whole show. There was definitely moments where I was confused because of not being able to fully see the actor because they were faced the other way but I was able to quickly figure out what was happening. In dark times it is very important to have something like this short play to bring awareness to the dangers that LGBTQ+ individuals face each and every day. There were moments where I felt like it could have been taken more seriously instead of having jokes but I understand just how important it is to be able to make joy and laughter in the dark moments. Overall if you like drag and want to see queer stories and performances this is definitely the show for you!

I Was Amused

There were some traditional drag scenes that came off well and very professional. It was good at conveying behind the scenes aspects of this art form. I did sense what appeared like some opening night jitters - fumbled lines and hesitation in delivery were how such jitters manifested themselves. As for the shooting and any sense of danger being conveyed, well that could have been conveyed better. Still I like this show and if you like the art form of drag you should add it to your schedule.

Cut short

It felt like they took a 2-hour show and crammed the second hour into 5 minutes. I really enjoyed the first 90%, but the shooting reactions were not believable. Maybe add something to convey that a few weeks had passed before the concluding conversations? I was ready to tip the drag acts but they didn't get close enough. :-D