Magical Athlete: Stadium Showdown

I want to play!

The show is simple on the surface. They're playing a life-size version of a real board game -- a board game I didn't know existed, but now I'm definitely buying a copy when I get home! While it may not have been the intent, this show is a fantastic ad for the game, and whichever genius out there is behind the partnership with the board game developer/publisher deserves a raise, because you've made a strong sale. The improv characters really leaned into the absurdity and physical comedy of their roles! The audience was so engaged and rooting for their favorites with all the enthusiasm of a a real sports match of your favorite spectator sport. My only complaint is that Gabby lost so badly and I bet all my tickets on her! :(

Great fun!

Ive had the chorus stuck in my head for days and honestly - I'm very happy about it. This show was an absolute BLAST! You can really tell that the actors are having a great time too. Everyone in the audience was hooked! This is a show you really can't miss. I wish I could see it a second time. Race 3 times and whoever has the most points wins!

The joy of stadium sports

This was a grand old time, getting to watch a bunch of goofballs race around stage, act silly, and trip each other up. They really captured the joy of rooting for a home team, especially enhanced in how the stakes are completely meaningless and the game rules themselves simple and silly. Loads of fun.

Chaotic Board Game Night Comes Alive!

I had SUCH a blast watching Magical Athlete: Stadium Showdown. From right when you step into the theater you’re bathed in the joy and energy of this cast and crew. This show is a board game geek’s dream- you’re watching game cards come to life in brilliant interpretations by its performers and cheering alongside fellow game night nerds in a safe and welcoming space. All the while getting color commentary from two folks straight out of Monday Night Football, a sassy referee who must have all the game rules by heart in their head (which is a FEAT), a lanky minstrel who kept the audience smiling with their lyrics, and an on-the-ground reporter who only speaks in sound effects (who also had double duty HURLING oversized dice into the air for nearly an hour- peak physicality). People: This is not one to miss. Go see this show, go have such INCREDIBLE fun for an hour, and maybe even go home with a copy of the game if you’re lucky!

Favorite Show I've Seen So Far!

I'm new to seeing Fringe shows and really didn't know what to expect, but the variety amazes me. This was a tight, high energy show that was just a blast to see. I don't know if the troop had ever done this before, but it felt like a well oiled machine. I've seen "wacky personalities play a game" before, but every creative decision here felt like a checkbox to address every potential lull to allow no boredom. The announcers, the deadpan singing clown, the fact the big dice were rolled by an assistant instead of forcing the playing to stop and roll every 30 seconds, the board growing more complex, and the silly personalities they embodied to match what "card" was played. I don't want to diminish the talent of the performers bringing this energy on the spot, but I'm mostly impressed by the design and structure. By introducing a raffle element, the crowd so naturally winds up rooting for a specific player, cheering along with the hijinks and unlikely comebacks. My show included character cards "The Duelist," "The Scoocher," and "The Mouth." After a more mild 1st game, the crowd was going wild for every Duel and every "Scooch" in the 2nd especially when the occasional loop trapped them to do it over and over again. By the time The Mouth was in the 3rd game, the stakes were far too high for something so silly. They channel the betrayal of an intense Mario Party game in the best possible way. Would genuinely pay to see this regularly.

Great acting purely for OUR enjoyment

Humorous and keeps us invested BECAUSE the costumes, acting, props/set, and entire concept are perfectly set up to be entertaining no matter how the variables vary. You could go all 5 times and maybe never see some of the characters (or not see them move through being on top vs in the dumps as we want to see all clowns be).

Yay! Yippee! Yahoo!

these are just some of the exclamations I exclamated upon seeing this show! I was smiling so big and wide the whole time! Props and costumes were on point, sound and lights were a delight. I would kill and die for Onomatopoeia.

So Fun!

super fun interactive show! i usually avoid audience participation shows but this is pure fun. bet on your favorite racer and cheer for them to win, you may even win a copy of the game! the cast is great and the costumes are so fun ;)

Just silly FUN!

The vibes were off-the-charts even before the show/game started! Silly, random FUN!

Absolutely hilarious

The whole cast is amazing and they have so much energy on stage. The whole crowd was laughing, cheering, and having the best time. Placing bets on the athletes made it even more fun! This is definitely a must see show.

Hilarious, competitive fun

This show is exactly what it says - a live board game, played out for you by really fun character actors who fully embody and enjoy the racers chosen for them. This is the most funniest have had at a fringe show yet. I might even go back again with my family.

Magical Athlete takes the gold

"Race three times and whoever gets the most points wins!" I swear this song has been stuck in my head since seeing this infectiously fun show. The audience participation of gambling on your favorite racer brought a specific energy to the show that was pure chaotic fun. I was INVESTED in yellow winning so I could bring home my own copy of what looks like a really fun board game! This is a show you could see twice, thrice, maybe even quadrice? It makes me want to see more shows based on games in the future.

So much fun!

This show is a blast! The cast energy was great for such a late night show. Definitely recommend seeing with friends.

must see!!

you never know what you’ll get. these actors are on their toes at all times providing hilarious, witty, improv as they participate in a live competition. cheer on your favorite character (hint: Gabatron all the way) and get ready for some wild entertainment! it’s a must see. maybe more than once!

Definitely the BEST show I’ve seen.

A perfect fringe show Audience interaction. Putting the power in the audience hands. Full game played on stage. Each round changing characters and acting out different people. The program is SO clever and great. Truly a perfect perfect show. Go with all your friends. This show you can go multiple times!

Amazing show!

Such an amazing show! Everyone will be different and it will give you a good laugh. You definitely should not miss it!

Beyond Magical!!!

Amazing show! Amazing concept! SO FUN!! Go see it!! Incredibly talented cast & creative team! Congrats to all involved!

An actual sporting experience at Fringe

Chaotic and crazy from the moment you step into the theater, Magical Athlete: Stadium Showdown brings the chaos of the board game right onto the stage with no compromises that I can think of. I've seen the show twice and am planning on a third! All around awesome fun and a truly ambitious project.

amazing cast and crew- So Fun!!

went in knowing it would be good and was still blown away by the talent of everyone involved. truly outstanding don’t miss this!!

Don’t Miss this Show!!

This show is so fun!! Full of energy, laughs, and every show is different than the last! Very talented cast, and the concept is amazing!! Bring your friends, place your bets, cheer the players on, and have a fabulous time!

Clever

A game show brought to life. Very creative, entertaining, and funny. And they give out a free physical board game at the end of the show if your name is drawn from the winning character. Every show is different, and the players have great banter. I personally loved the clown who had to roll every die. What a workout! This is fun and lighthearted and a very clever game! Happy Fringing! :)

This Is What Fringe Is All About — Go See This!

I absolutely loved Magical Athlete: Stadium Showdown! From the beginning, you get a ticket to pick who you think will win, and if you’re right, you could even win a game in the drawing at the end. Such a cool concept, and the cast was so much fun. I found myself laughing, cheering, and completely getting into it! This is exactly what I love about Minnesota Fringe - creative, different, and just a really fun experience. Definitely go see this one!

An absolute blast!!

This show was such a joy!!! Kept us laughing the entire time!!!!

Good call, Ref!

I would see this show again and again. A really fun premise for a Fringe show with great players, colorful costumes and props, and a bright, playful vibe overall. BIG shoutout to the Ref, who made all the right calls and brought absolute professionalism to the game. (Also, where do I get those sparkling green pants the announcer wore?)

A circus of zany gamester fun!

The atmosphere was pretty amazing. Color-coordinated players clamoring for your bets, a clown troubadour host, energetic announcers, people to roll the dice. The preparation for each round is moderately paced, and then the game zooms! Each actor gets three roles during the show and it was fun to watch them them act out - especially Ethan "The Train." I was frustrated by how luck-based it was, however, with almost no player decisions.

A board game with live characters.

If you're bored in the evening and want to watch clowns and clowning around, and cheer for the players, go to this show!