"Here it is, that wonderful Fringe experience that doesn't feel like a Fringe show. Jeremiah Gamble has written an elegiac musical about a man who tries to forget his sad life by running away to Christmas, Ohio, and assuming a new name. He and Vanessa Gamble portray a stable of funny, sweet characters with spot-on detail -- such as a nerdy video-store clerk bent on vengeance. With a musical assist from Michael Pearce Donley ("Triple Espresso"), this show is ready for another life itself. See it here first." GRAYDON ROYCE, Star Tribune 8/6/06
"Silly good cheer." Jessica Armbruster, City Pages, 8/10/06
"Cream of the Crop" Star Tribune, 8/10/06
Posted on Sat, Aug. 06, 2005
Nibblers: A Musical With Sharks
As family-friendly as a shiny new minivan, this clever goof had an all-ages audience laughing throughout. Set at the Mall of America (with a particular emphasis on "Underwater World"), it tells the spunky story of a young brother and sister who use junk food and a little ingenuity to outsmart some kid-cravin' sharks. Written by Brook Berry and composed by Michael Pearce Donley, one of the co-writers of "Triple Espresso," this piece has the same sweet and genuinely funny vibe of that other family mega-hit. Even our 3-year-old pal, a theatrical novice, loved it. Go ahead, bring the kids.
—Carolyn Petrie
must see
Fun for all ages
Although billed as a kids' show, this musical includes sophisticated musical numbers and lyrics that adults would appreciate. The story is charming and funny, the script is tight and the acting is excellent.
--Scott Pakudaitis
Silly Fun!
"Nibblers" is a hoot! Great, happy, sparkling fun! The full house was filled with smiles at the end, mine included. Wonderful for everybody.
--Tim Voss
The choreography and music were first class. It's professionalism made it evident that it was a Front Porch production.
--Gregg Perkins
It'll Cook Your Sushi
Sharks just wanna have lunch in this marvelous musical that takes place in the Mall of America. Like all good kids' stuff, Nibblers is mainly for adults. The songs are great. The singing is great (the two kids were extraordinary). My favorite Fringe show ever (so far).
--Dave Romm
Sharks and Candy and Great Acting, OH MY! Front Porch Theatre has done it again! You'll kick yourself if you don't see this gem at this year's Fringe!
--T. Michaels
Terrific
The whole audience was into it, not just the kids. It felt like a big time musical in a smaller venue.
--Kristi Lawless
"Seussical" reviews by
Fringe Festival audiences
www.fringefestival.org
A great children's show!
This show is incredibly well done. I had a great time watching this show, and the kids around me loved it.
—Edwin Strout
WOW!
This show is so surprisingly exuberant and tender at the same time it had me in tears!
—vicki keck
The true spirit of Seuss
A children's show!? Not entirely!!! THIS production of SEUSSICAL came from a place we all love to see, the heart...making it enjoyable for kids and kids at heart in true Seuss spirit.
—MJ E
Not just for kids!
Wow! If you are looking for a performance that will leave you with a smile on your face, Seussical will do it. It is definitely one of the top Fringe shows I've seen this year!
—Ray Richards
The Front Porch Production is colorful, yet simple, nicely staged and charming.
—Steven LaVigne
A delight...
This was the best show I saw at the Fringe this year.
—Brandt Marshall
Seuss is Loose!
An extremely well done Fringe show. Go see it, especially if you have kids!
—Tim Perfect
charming and polished
What a lovely show this was!
—cyndivine gal
about "Three on the Seesaw"
Slapstick that makes you think
I thoroughly enjoyed this romp through themes of life, death, purpose, and what lurks inside a dorm fridge. This physical comedy is one that asks more questions than it answers. Unlike the Twilight Zone, there is no Rod Serling telling you what to think or conclude. That's up to the audience. My 6-year-old daughter laughed through the whole thing. The cast and director should be commended for this great performance. Don't miss this one.
—Doug D.
Three in a pressure cooker
An interesting examination of how three very different personality types react to the eventual realization of their own death. Although the author re-examines certain topics or themes numerous times with little different result, the actors do an excellent job of keeping the show moving at a quick pace. Randy Miller does an excellent job of portraying a man’s gradual and horrifying realization that he is dead; you can see the sweat flow as the tension mounts. Overall an interesting study of the human question of "Why are we here and where are we going?" that has enough energy and humorous interludes to keep us interested.
—D H.
Review from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, August 7, 2002:
"Kevin Mayer's script uses a mystery to convey the heartbreaking bitterness of the Depression in the Dust Bowl. A naive government worker (Elizabeth Peyton) is drawn into a Rashomonlike story of a possible con man promising water. "Thirst" becomes a metaphor for greater deprivation and longing. Joy Donley's direction creates a powerful sense of the Oklahoma community with a strong ensemble, including Katherine Juul Nevins, Michael Pearce Donley, Angie Gislason and Kelli Tatum." (Minneapolis Theatre Garage) -- William Randall Beard
Serious Drama: Serious, thought-provoking drama at the Fringe! Such a deal!
A very interesting story about quite "foreign" times and places, effectively brought to life by a wonderful cast and crew. Catch it!
—Mariellen J.
I left thirsting for more...:
For those who venture to look beyond the obvious, this dramatic portrayal of historic hard times proves a winner. High quality acting, a quaint theatre setting, and "free water" all add to the experience. Thirst is a Fringe hit!
—Julie J.
Sparkling Water:
"Thirst" is a well-acted and intense show with many parallels for us today. There are obvious similarities between the show’s Depression era to our post-High-Tech-Economy-crash and a reminder that the solution is not by government action or legislation (although both were tried then and now) but through changed character. Although the play might have come across heavy-handed, the director and actors handle it well, building believable and interesting characters that engage the audience while allowing the finer nuances of the play to slowly bubble to the surface. A very refreshing show.
—D H.
