Minneapolis, MN
Fringe review: ‘Good Ones’ skewers ‘Minnesota nice’ and Minneapolis liberalism
Must see
What’s the point of a social conscience if there isn’t an audience to parade it in front of? Inspired by French bouffon-style comedy, three clownishly colorful friends embrace extreme virtue signaling in a series of short, irreverent, high-energy sketches that skewer “Minnesota nice” and satirize Minneapolis liberalism. Two white homebuyers in North Minneapolis fret they might be gentrifiers — until they put up a “science is real/love is love” yard sign that seemingly exonerates them. Unwilling to intervene without knowing his politics, a pair of kayakers debate saving an injured man wearing a “Trump ’24” hat and “Black Lives Matter” T-shirt. The creators, each boosted by professional training in physical theater, bring high energy to an otherwise minimalist set with topics ranging from the fundamentally uncomfortable to the delightfully cringe-worthy. Not for kids.
Presented by Shambles Theatre Company at HUGE Improv Theater; 2:30 p.m. Aug. 4, 7 p.m. Aug. 5, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 7, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 8
Still trying to decide what to see? Check out all our Fringe reviews at twincities.com/tag/fringe-festival, with each show rated on a scale of Must See, Worth Considering, Could Be Worse or You Can Skip.
The Minnesota Fringe Festival is presenting more than 100 hourlong stage acts from Aug. 1–11 around Minneapolis. Visit MinnesotaFringe.org for ticket and show information.