Twin Cities Horror Festival VIII - Day Three

Frankenstein by Dangerous Productions
Photo by Dan Norman

Our weekend at the Twin Cities Horror Festival continues with productions by three TCHF favorites: Dangerous Productions, Oncoming Productions, and The Winding Sheet Outfit.

Just to recap: Why We Love TCHF, Day One, Day Two, and our TCHF archives.

Saturday. DAY THREE.

Frankenstein
Dangerous Productions

I hesitate to say much about this show, since the way things are revealed is a great part of the scary fun. The story is told out of order, as if being relived in a characters head. The intricate script and some nifty work with handheld lights make for an unsettling experience in the best possible way. Inspired by Mary Shelley's famous novel, this Frankenstein finds a new way to tell the story, and since it's from Dangerous Productions, there's a fair amount of blood and gore. The performers were all excellent, and the staging is impressive. If you're looking for something scary and different, this is a great bet.

Ah, there's the blood. Frankenstein by Dangerous Productions
Photo by Dan Norman

Geminae
Oncoming Productions

Geminae by Oncoming Productions
Photo by Dan Norman

In Geminae, astronaut Cassie is on a solo space mission that goes awry. Her sister Helen, working from the ground, tries to bring her home, but Cassie is alone. Or is she? This production was originally mounted at the 2018 Fringe Festival, but this was our first viewing. The space effects are neat, and there are some interesting character dynamics, but the eventual supernatural element feels a little underthought. The performances are very good all around, especially from Victoria Pyan as Helen and Leslie Vincent as Cassie, who beautifully depict the relationship between sisters.

...And What Alice Found There
The Winding Sheet Outfit

OMG, these masks! ...And What Alice Found There by
The Winding Sheet Outfit. Photo by Dan Norman

The Winding Sheet Outfit creates works that examine historical events and people, and we've enjoyed their work, though we couldn't get tickets to their hit 2019 Fringe show, You Are Cordially Invited to the Life and Death of Edward Lear, which took home two Golden Lanyard awards. Now the company looks at the relationship between Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, aka Lewis Carroll, and Alice Pleasance Liddell, the girl who first heard the stories that would later be published as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The show raises more questions than it answers, in a roundabout way that seems to mimic the twists and turns in the mind of Dodgson, played by Kristina Fjellman. The supporting cast of six women play Alice and her sisters, as well as everyone else. And when confronting Dodgson, they sing a discordant setting of one of his poems to a tune that was still running through my head days later. Creepy and fun!

(Jules)

Dread the Halls by Oncoming Productions at Off-Leash Art Box

Please note that this show runs from December 14-16 ONLY so we are going to make this fast, short and sweet!

Love horror? Love theater? Love Christmas stories with a twist? Get yourself to the Off-Leash Art Box in Minneapolis to Dread the Halls: A Gathering of Holiday Horror.

Presented by Oncoming Productions, Dread the Halls features four short holiday-themed vignettes interspersed with music by The Champagne Drops. Anyone who loves the Twin Cities Horror Festival (and you SHOULD--how many times do we have to tell you?) needs to catch this show.

Dread the Halls starts with Rogues Gallery Arts's "Naughty or Nice," a short piece about siblings surviving the zombie apocalypse. You may note overtones of Dawn of the Dead and The Ref. Written by Duck Washington and directed by Jena Young, "Naughty or Nice" manages to create strong characters and believable, touching familial relationships in a very short play. Lovely acting by Brynn Berryhill and Eric Thompson as Constance and Gabe add even more depth and emotion. I love the skilled way Washington sketches the setting with a radio voice-over and the lighting (by Julia Carlis) beautifully evokes the mood.

Between each segment, the lovely duo The Champagne Drops (Leslie Vincent and Emily Dussault) accompanied by Erik Ostrom (on a variety of instruments) add their distinctive blended voices to haunting original numbers as well as putting a dark twist on holiday classics. You'll never hear "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" the same way again. Also, they need to put out a Halloween album like now please.  

"777: A Very Crowley Christmas", is a Ghoulish Delights production created and performed by Tim Uren (also of the Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society--a podcast you should definitely be listening to). Uren takes us through the complex history of Aleister Crowley and the concept of Anti-Christmas. His approach reminded us of his fellow Twin Cities Horror Festival alum Reverend Matt's Monster Science. That is, until Uren's tale ends with a mysterious, startling twist. 

Erin Sheppard Presents is up next with "Searching for Santa (You Better Watch Out)" which tells the story of a man (Joe Bozic) who heads to the North Pole in search of Santa Claus. He does not find Santa (spoiler!) but what he does find there is delightfully dark, creepy and funny. Written by Joe Bozic and choreographed by Erin Sheppard, this twisted holiday tale features Sheppard's signature fantastic blend of athletic, energetic dance and perfect contemporary song choice. We love that Sheppard's dancers are also compelling actors (Erin Sheppard, Regan K. Saunders, Jessica Chad) as well as dancers. And the costumes are spot-on--particularly Sheppard's first costume, which is hilarious. As we always say when we see her work: Yay, more Erin Sheppard Presents PLEASE.

The last play of the evening is Oncoming Productions's fantastic "Holiday Spirits," written by Sean Dillon and directed by Victoria Pyan. Simultaneously funny and genuinely spooky, "Holiday Spirits" tells the story of Jackson (Sean Dillon) and Tim (Rob Ward) who, upon moving into their new (old) house, find a bottle of cognac which gives them some very unexpected effects. To say more would spoil the magical surprise of where the story goes, but suffice it to say that we'd love to see much more of these characters and their story. Hilarious and chilling and a perfect way to end a winter's evening. 

Go! Quick! Follow and support these amazing theater companies! Happy Holidays! BYE!

Holiday Shows 2017 - No Carols, Extra Quirk

Are your Christmas movie tastes more on The Ref side than It's a Wonderful Life? Us too.

Sure, we love our Grinches, our Carols (and Caroles), Hershels and Nativities, but sometimes you just need to try something new, quirky, funny and/or dark.

Check out these shows that have more than a little twist to them, and support our smaller theaters this holiday season!

(Sorted by closing date, FYI.)

Khephra: A Hip Hop Holiday Story - Open Eye Figure Theatre (11/30 - 12/9)

Sha Cage (photo by Mark Vancleave)

In Short: A story of a young girl's journey from Africa to America and how she finds her true voice through poetry and hip hop.

Why Go? Look at this creative team!!! Created and performed by Shá Cage with collaborators:
E.G. Bailey (director), Rico Mendez (composer/musician), Ta-Coumba Aiken (scenic designer), Michael Sommers (puppet & prop design), Janaki Ranpura (design consultant), Edna Stevens (movement), Jamela Pettiford (vocalist), Destiny Anderson (performer), and Alissa Paris (performer). I mean, how can you not want to see this? Also, 50 minutes. Sweet.

A Doll's House - Presented by The Orchard Theater Collective at the James J. Hill House (12/1-4, 12/8-10)

In Short: "Set in a Norwegian town towards the end of the 19th century, this theatrical phenomenon by Henrik Ibsen follows the fate of Nora Helmer, a married woman with limited opportunities for self fulfillment in a male dominated society. It explores the relevant themes of identity, femininity, marriage, parenthood, and selfishness."

Why Go? This classic Ibsen play is performed at the gorgeous James J. Hill House (which apparently has amazing acoustics given there was a bagpipe contest there the same night we saw the show). Directed by Craig Johnson and featuring a strong (and young!) cast that make this 1879 play feel fresh, relevant and contemporary. A wonderful version of a classic play performed in a lovely holiday setting.

The World Crime League's F**ked-Up Xmas Special - Phoenix Theatre (12/7 - 12/10)
In Short: "This holiday play festival will consist of nine plays, all of which are making their Twin Cities premiere, and all of which explore the more twisted avenues of the holiday season."

Why Go? With Christmas shows that feature evil little girls, zombies, attempted assassinations, vampires and all sorts of wicked propositions, how can you go wrong? 

Oncoming Productions Ruins Christmas -  Strike Theater (12/15 and 12/16)

In Short: "Sure… the winter holidays are a time for friends and family, for home and hearth and happiness. But it is no coincidence they fall at the coldest, darkest part of the year, when mystery and mortality live right outside the front door. Come join Oncoming Productions as we explore the myth, fiction, and reality behind the REAL spookiest time of the year."

Why Go? Because Oncoming Productions does really interesting work. The Last Bombardment (Fringe 2017) and Deep Dark (TCHF IV) were both spooky, fascinating shows. And sometimes, you just have to go dark.

North Pole 1973 - Strike Theater (12/8 - 12/17)

In Short: "'Join Strike Theater for a play about the greatest Christmas story ever told...'

Why Go? The CAST: Debra Berger, Allison Witham, Andy Rocco Kraft and Mike Fotis

Also This: "Directed by: The delicate hand of God. J/K Mike Fotis"

Blackout presents: Bah Hum-Black - Blackout Improv at Mixed Blood Theatre (12/18)
In Short: "Tis the reason for the season, so lets start cheesin'! Come watch our team take on the most offensive of holiday seasons in MN, winter. This show will have lots of laughs, some church, and definitely seasonal swag!"

Why Go? Because you should take every opportunity you can to see this amazing improv show featuring some of the wittiest, sharpest and woke (are we still saying that?) actors/theater artists in the Twin Cities. Role call! John Gebretatose, Ashawnti Ford, Duck Washington, Alyssa DiVirgillio, Joy Dolo, Theo Langason, and Khary Jackson on the Keys.

Christmas Storiessz V: Silent Night - Sheep Theater at the Southern (12/22, 12/23)
In (Not) Short: "When the world last saw Detective Dick Mahoney he had just used Frosty the Snowman as a nuclear warhead to blow up a meteor heading right for planet Earth saving humanity and in the process, killing Santa Claus. Now it’s a year later and Christmas is no more, Santa has not been heard from nor has Dick Mahoney. The FBI goes looking for Dick Mahoney when a mysterious present shows up underneath a tree. Presented by Catholic St. Solomon’s Catholic Middle Catholic Private School as part of their annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas Storiessz V: Silent Night will teach you to love again and find out that there is a little Santa inside of all us, which should trouble us deeply."

Why Go? See above. Also, our Twin Cities Theater Blogger friends speak highly of Sheep Theater's past shows and they are v. smart.

Miss Richfield 1981 in 2020 VISION: A Holiday Survival Guide - Illusion Theater (12/1 - 12/23) 

In Short: "Miss Richfield 1981 is back for the Holidays! 2020 Vision has new music, new videos, new chatter as well as all the important holiday traditions! We need Miss Richfield 1981 now more than ever!"

Why Go: Sure, Miss Richfield 1981 is a super fun holiday tradition for a lot of people, and I've seldom seen the concessions stand so swamped at the Illusion, but don't take Miss Richfield 1981 for granted. (We interviewed her last year.) She is amazingly skilled at working the crowd, a mistress of subversive humor, and smarter than she gets credit for. Also, so so so funny. Oh, how we laughed.

Do you know what it's like to laugh like that?

A Chris Smith Christmas Carol - Daleko Arts (12/1 - 12/31)

In Short: "Will Gary stumble in on yet another mess? Will Dino get lost in a roundabout? Will there be bongos?! The Main Street Holiday crew is back for another zany holiday adventure. Grab your tickets now to see what some of "New Pragoo's" most lovable and misguided fictional residents are up to this Chris Smith season."

Why Go? Daleko is doing really great work in slightly southern Minnesota. Also, day trip! Also, original holiday show with music! Yay!

The Polarizing Express - Brave New Workshop (11/10 - 1/27)
In Short: Brave New Workshop's Holiday Show

Why Go? "There will be laughter, there will be adult beverages of your choice, and of course, there will be 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'." (Two of those things are selling points for me.)

Also for your December consideration:

Feast of Fools - Interact at the Lab Theater (11-15 - 12/9) - Support Interact and their important work.

Hatchet Lady - Walking Shadow at Red Eye Theatre (12/1 - 12/16) - Cause it's SO not holidays.

The Terror Fantastic - 20% Theatre Company at the Crane (12/1 - 12/16) - Support 20% and their important work. Also, the show art led me to the amazingness of Toby Allen's Real Monsters project which explores mental illness through character design.




A Klingon Christmas Carol - at the Historic Mounds Theatre (12/1 - 12/23) - If Star Trek is your jam.

Coco's Diary - History Theatre (11/25 - 12/23) - Okay, this might be heartwarming. Sorry!

Nutcracker (not so) Suite - James Sewell Ballet at the Cowles Center (12/15 - 12/30) - Now featuring Bradley Greenwald!

A Stocking Full of Awesome: The Wreath of Khan - The Danger Committee at Brave New Workshop ETC (11/24 – 1/6/18) - If you like a little danger with your holidays.

Happy Holiday Theatergoing! 

Twin Cities Horror Fest IV: The Deep Dark - Oncoming Productions

Did I mention that I heart Twin Cities Horror Fest, now in its fourth year?  Cause I really do.

The Deep Dark - Oncoming Productions
"When a boat like The High Hope sinks into the ocean, you don't expect to see it again. Maybe that is for the best. Told through movement, sound, and light, The Deep Dark is an account of two sisters' strange, harrowing return to the wreck that killed their father, and their encounter with what has been waiting for them in the depths."

How do you depict the depths of the ocean onstage at The Southern Theater? Very inventively.

Sisters Kara (Billie Jo Konze) and Annie (Kayla Dvorak Feld), the "Miracle Fuller Sisters," are going about their everyday lives. Annie spends her time near and in the ocean, researching whales and Kara, deathly afraid, refuses to go near the water. When Annie finds what she think is the wreck of their father's boat, both sisters go into the "deep dark."

The production of this show is beautifully done. With only a few chairs to provide sets (which reminded me of the Scottsboro Boys set) such as sofas, bars and even a research boat, the physical production is amazingly minimal. This show is all about the gorgeously atmospheric, ambient, chilling sound design and equally evocative lighting design.

I hate to say too much--I don't want to give anything away, including how they evoke the ocean, swimming and the secret behind the wreck.  I will say this: If you like the sense of the deep, dark ocean, read Susan Casey's book The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks. Although it's about sharks rather than wrecks, it wonderfully evokes the sheer depth and mystery of the ocean.

If You're Sensitive and/or Delicate: Don't forget to check out Twin Cities Horror Festival's handy genre and ratings guide.

In Short: The Deep Dark is a chilling, atmospheric production that handles real issues of fear and grief in a creative, heartfelt fashion. If you love the work of Transatlantic Love Affair (and you should), you will likely enjoy this as well.