Third Times Got Charm (and Heart and Soul)

The (unofficial) third installment in the Minnesota Fringe Festival's Wells Trilogy takes the heart of his first show, combines it with the soul of the second, and adds an awkward-yet-relatable-yet-adorable-in-a-manly-way charm that can only come with being an experienced Fringe Festival showman. Wells' ability to blend seemingly unrelated stories from his life into a tapestry that we can all relate to (if not exactly how it happened, then in the themes of embarrassment, excitement, disappointment, and triumph) with his natural ability to play off the audiences' reactions (don't talk to the performers- Fringe isn't TV, the performers can hear you- but if you do, Wells is quick-witted enough to talk right back to you). Bring your lighter: you'll want to call for an encore at the end (even though Fringe time-limits won't allow for one.)

A Series of Misfortunate Adventures

A number of amusing stories. Some will interest you more than others, but none of them are boring.

Tales Told

Relatable slice of life stories (on occasion relayed with a scream style/at volume) with a musical finale.

Comedic storytelling and a rock and roll finale!

Wells is a natural storyteller, weaving together hilarious tales from past Fringe shows, everyday disasters, and life's wonderfully weird moments into a show that's consistently funny and genuinely engaging. The biggest surprise comes at the end, when he steps outside his comfort zone by picking up the guitar for a musical finish—something he openly admits is brand new. A couple of chords didn't quite cooperate, but neither did stage fright; he stayed present, laughed through it, and proved that taking a real risk onstage is often more memorable than playing it safe. Stage Presents is funny, heartfelt, and a reminder that the best performances come from people willing to try something that scares them.

My 2.5 kitties isn't erroneous use of rating UI

Creativity 3; Production Value 3; Interest (subjective) 2 OK, I know I am the minority opinion: differering widely from the Pi Press (last 2 years) and SWFG. But part of my motivation for doing my Kitty Ratings every morning is to help future audience members not waste an hour of their lives (and other great Fringe shows). So, in short, if you love stories about shitting your pants, planning sex with a Tinder encounter, driving a young kid when you are high, then this is probably for you. I was sort of frustrated at the end when Wells was really taken with the band that connected personally with him at a concert: but his own "enthusiastic force of will" (Pi Press) which seemed like yelling at me and memorized script kept me from connecting personally with him.

Great stories, great show

Really enjoyed Wells storytelling. He drew us in right away and kept us laughing all show long. Everyone’s worst nightmare is sharting in public, such a great story . Go see this show.

Captivating storyteller

Wells does it again. I love the simplicity of his background set, he has such a great "stage presents" that he really needs nothing other than himself on stage. He has a unique ability to bring empathy and humor together. Hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this show.

Funny story telling

Loud, but funny!

Wonderful Skit! ;-D

I mean Wonderful Original Solo Storytelling Performance. Wells does a great job framing his multiple various experiences in a relatable and comedic way.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

If Lewis Black had the heart of a poet. Wells’ cranky, thoughtful monologue is a constant delight as he cartwheels through various grievances in the bombastic “Stage Presents.” I especially liked the hyper-specific observation on bootleg CDs, whose imperfections can sometimes create inside-jokes between you and the band.

Perfect for 30 minutes

Wells is a good story teller and very creative but I found myself checking my watch after the first 30 minutes