Leaving Normal
presented by Melissa McNamara
Showtimes
Thu., Jul. 31 @ 5:30 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 1 @ 10:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 2 @ 7:00 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 7 @ 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 9 @ 2:30 p.m.
Show details
Venue: U of M Rarig Center Xperimental
Duration: 60 minutes
For ages 9+
Created by Melissa McNamara
From: Toronto, Canada
Genres: Solo, Comedy
Overall rating
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User reviews
If you saw Spotless last year...
by David Lee Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
...you've pretty much seen Leaving Normal (I think each performer directed the other's show). Similar structure, execution, character tricks, and unfocused script.
That being said, the performance was entertaining an energetic, but not enough to overcome the aforementioned issues.
"I'll do anything for a moment"
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Melissa almost dances her way through the show, shifting gravity and closing herself into luggage. I've never seen a performer with their back to the audience as much, though she more than makes up for it by interacting with and crawling through the attendees. She changes personalities to tell an odd, interwoven set of stories that didn't really gel but were fun to watch. Three and a half stars rounded up for the cookie. A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
A Sweet Show
by Reid Gagle Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
The main character in this one-woman show is Eileen, a sweet youngish misfit. This engaging character really comes alive. She reminded me of "Amelie", but this dreamer is stuck in a harsher world.
Leaving Normal" is touching and funny
by Hazen Markoe Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
"Leaving Normal" is one of those unique shows that instantly engages the audience with its physicality and charm, thanks to the delightful performance of Melissa McNamara. With her puckish smile and eccentric sense of humor, she easily draws the audience into her tale of life at a bus station, while flawlessly flitting between the three characters she portrays. Obviously, the runaway left the biggest impression since that character gets most of the best lines and "bits" including diving into the audience as a kitten and fitting herself completely into a suitcase!! Like another reviewer, I also decided to see this show at the last minute. This is definitely a show worth putting on your schedule.
Great fun
by Richard Peach Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Great fun, lots of energy, each of the character's uniquely believable in their own right. While the venue is a great performance space, try to sit in the first three rows or the upper level as it is difficult to see parts of her performance when sitting further back
Delightful!
by Tim Voss Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Oh, what a fun and eccentric production! Melissa's characters are pretty common fodder, but her ebullient style makes all three of them believable and lovable. That even includes Shirley, the crusty old waitress. Melissa uses the stage and her simple props with cat-like grace. Heck, the entire theatre plus the audience are her props. Meaning, be prepared to participate and no holding back! So get in there and enjoy. You may even be lucky enough to get a cookie!
Fun.. But Beware
by Emily Antin Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
This is a great one woman show. Full of laughs and entertainment. One warning: IT IS INTERACTIVE.
Amazing
by Rex Winsome Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Incredible energetic one woman show. Great physicality and control of body and face to create radically different characters and weave them into a poignant story about all the universal truths of the human condition, but with a totally unique presentation and voice that overcomes sentamentality and eschews cliche.
A unique artistry
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
McNamara is clearly gifted as a dancer, a writer and a performer. She has a unique and accessibly quirky style that merges a Chaplin-esque physicality with powerful visual imagery and evocative, deceptively simple text. Great use of props and audience interaction, and a perfect venue for the show, too. A great Fringe surprise: I changed my tentative schedule at the last minute and decided to go to this show, and am so glad I did.
