Casa Bde-Maka-Ska

Play This One Again

If you’re going to write a message play that preaches to the converted about ICE, this is the way to do it – with art and wit, and not a sledgehammer.

Pretty Good

This kind of "local reference overload" type of comedy can be VERY hit or miss for me, but this show was very solid. Mostly because it also had the very fun Casablanca angle, so it was far less one note than local reference humor can tend to be.

Of all the parodies in all the gin joints...

Considering the playwrights, it's no wonder this show had everybody laughing, gasping and booing in all the right places. You don't even REALLY need to know "Casablanca" to enjoy it, but it makes some of the bits land better if you do. Kudos to the actor that plays ALL of the cafe parts, and to the cast and crew in general!

So much potential!

Creativity 3; Production Value 3; Interest (subjective) 4 This show has been on my 'must see' list from its first posting on the Fringe site. It seemed to have it all: authors (Duck Washington & Tim Wick) and a clever adaptation of Caseblanca. In fact, it seemed so perfect on paper: an occupation by enemy forces while trying to evaculate a couple in danger. But, darn, even though I have been in MPLS long enough (40+ years) to catch the references, and have seen Casablanca multiple times, this just didn't hit for me. My Fringe partner didn't have either of these advantages, and it pretty well went over her head (except for the Prince references). Seemed scattered and almost like it was improv, even though it was scripted. A few more drafts, and this could be dynamite.

Fun, funny, and topical

Despite our party including 1) someone who has never seen Casa Blanca and 2) a different person who is not from Minnesota and/or lived in Minnesota, we really enjoyed this show! Some of the jokes about Metro Surge felt a little *too soon* for those of us who survived the occupation, but I left feeling like it is a celebration of Minnesota’s persistence and resistance.

Airplain-style mashup Casablanca and Metro Surge

You will have more fun if you know Casablanca well. ZAZ-style "Joke-a-minute" pastiche is hard to pull-off, and it works well here.

Charming, well done, local flavor.

Excellent use of the Theatre in the Round space, not just any old show you sit around instead of in front of. Fiercely local, cathartic show with a big heart, which makes no mistakes about what it is.

VERY witty but a mixed acting bag

The usual fringe fun and laughs. Smart satire but rather weak direction in places. Too much “happy feet” and actors not placing themselves. Some volume problems as well. Up and down. The good stuff was GOOD! Just needed a little more work.

Amaze amaze amaze!!!

The show was hilarious, the timing was great and Merit played the 4 (5?) characters incredibly. The piano getting dragged around KILLED me. I definitely missed a lot of minneapolis references because I’m from Duluth, and missed some Casablanca references as well, but it was still funny start to finish. Some lines I couldn’t hear clearly. They really blended the source material and the modern setting well, I like that Rick and Ilsa both sound very “40s” compared to the rest of the cast, it made the modern references in their lines even better.

Even the teenagers had fun!

Great goofy fun! I enjoyed the timely satire and the current references. The actors were all really solid and I thought the local reference humor mashed up with Casablanca worked great. If two teenage boys who don't like leaving the house had fun you will too.

Casablanca on ICE

Take Casablanca, add some bitter ICE, next a dash of Prince and somewhat tired but reliable Minnesota stereotypes and you have this show. Not a lot of twists but is was like a fine Minnesota hot dish - comfort food for the tired Fringe goer.

Inventive and fun!

I am a big fan of both Wick and Washington, so this was a "must see" for me. It did not dissapoint! Terrific acting, especially by Jack/jill of all trades Merrit Burgess, who can change characters on a dime! Ilsa was beyond glamorous, and Gregory Parks as Sam was perfect. Great show!

Maybe They Should Rethink that Throuple Idea

This has been one of my best 2026 Fringe experiences - it was a great blend of Casablanca and current America/Minneapolis political wars experiences. Very cleverly-written and generally well-acted with heart. My shout-outs tonight go to Samuel Poppen as Rick, Bridget Foy as Ilsa and Gregory Parks as Sam.