The Pumpkin Pie Show
presented by Horse Trade Theater Group
Showtimes
Thu., Jul. 31 @ 10:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 2 @ 2:30 p.m.
Tue., Aug. 5 @ 8:30 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 8 @ 7:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 9 @ 5:30 p.m.
Show details
Venue: U of M Rarig Center Thrust
Duration: 60 minutes
For ages 13+
Created by Clay Mcleod Chapman
From: New York City, NY
Website: www.horseTRADE.info
Genres: Spoken Word
Warnings: Adult language, Sexual Content
Overall rating
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User reviews
From emotion to art
by Mary smith Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
I cannot shirk the belief that art should, somehow, inspire us towards our better selves. Who can help but celebrate displays of truth, love, or self-sacrifice when we find it in a coworker, friend or lover? If the talent of these actors (and they are talented) pull at our emotions, randomly, does this make it art? If, however, they were to move us towards high and noble aspirationsâtowards justice and compassion, then we might celebrate this play as art. Sure, locker room chatter may tantalizes the mind for a moment, but ultimately it leaves us hallow because it lacks true genius. I found the content demeaning to women, and thus to all of us. Two kitties is generous, from my perspective. It would be great to see these two reach their potential as artists.
Relentless intensity
by Brian Watson-Jones Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Simply the most incredible storytelling I have every seen- raw, twisted tales that feel less like they're being told than that the images are being summoned from some dark place and forced into your mind. Hope we get some more (pie-related pun) next Fringe!
Tickled My Inner-English Major
by Timothy Meyer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Literature is often ignored forthwith at the Fringe, but I was thrilled to see such an amazing showcase of it. Excellent performing and, I thought, even better writing. Wow.
Awesome
by Kassie Church Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The highs, the lows. This duo brought us 5 stories, each compelling and fun, even when creepy and sad. I loved that they seemed to care about their stories, about each other, about the audience and about fringe.
Best show I saw this year.
Worth the time
by re gurgitate Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I stumbled across this show having very little interest in storytelling shows. But the high level of performance kept my interest. Kudos!
pass the squash
by Quinn McBreen Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
Brimming with cliches and emotionalism.
Beautiful writing Fantastic performances
by Jamal Girls Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was a pleasure and an amazing showcase of talent. Rich storytelling, poignant and funny, you never know what you're going to get. See it see it see it!
WE WANT AN ENCORE!!!
by Doug Koel Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I have seen the show twice and want to see it again! Fun, energenic storytelling with a great blend of humor and sadness interlaced with a dose of the macabre. Don't miss it!
Half good, half less so
by David Lee Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I was much more impressed by the female performer on the evening I saw this show. Her stories were written better and she really seemed to own each character, whereas the man seemed to rely on physical and vocal affectations to create what should have been organic.
It is worth seeing and I hope the draw is better when you go.
I'd give it 6 kitties if I could.
by Erica Mauter Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This being my third storytelling show of the night, I was incredibly pleased to find this one to be different. The previous two were autobiographical, this one was acting. Some funny, some dramatic, all extremely well played. Clay Mcleod Chapman and Hannah Cheek were phenomenal. I was completely captivated by each story. I've thoroughly enjoyed shows that didn't take me in nearly as much as these two did.
Delicious, delectable and spicy
by Dresden Quinn Jones Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I have to admit up front--I have been seeing Clay Mcleod Chapman perform since we were wee college students at Sarah Lawrence. Hannah Cheek was there, too. But she was several years behind me, so I never got a chance to see her on stage. So I may be biased...but I'll also say this: I am not a Fringe fan in the least. And no matter how much I might like a person, I cannot encourage freinds and family to see schlocka, even if it's just 60 minutes of schlocka. So when I tell you that this show is incredible, I'm totally serious.
Chapman's stories move you in ways you don't expect; one minute you're feeling warmly wrapped in a love story, only to be jarred into horror/shock when a dead body washed up in there somewhere. He teases and surprises you; he makes you sad and then makes you laugh your pants off (for real; I looked down at the end and my pants were totally gone). His stories stay with you because his writing is so moving and so easily come to life. Not to mention, he is a powerhouse on stage. Hannah Cheek is hailrious; she looks at first glance like a soft and gentle romantic lead type...until you see her drunk bridesmaid tell everyone at her sister's wedding about their "experiments" or her trapeeze artist who can't help but bite the tongues off her suitors. She's beautiful and creepy, all at the same time, much like Chapman's stories.
Go see this show...you'll be very glad you did.
wonderful show
by Dale Drexler Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved this hilarious, painful, beautiful show. The hour flew by. I'll go see these two performers every chance I get.
Entertaining across the spectrum
by Tiffanie Kilgast Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
These 2 actors not only have amazing energy and the ability to capture your attention the second they walk on stage, but they have awesome talent which is showcased by their suburb handling of comedy and drama. They also create specific atmospheres for each story and pull you in immediately.
And the stories are great, too. You slowly realize that you have no idea where the story's going, and sometimes you're left shocked or laughing or crying, or all the above. But either way, you're affected. And that's what theatre's all about.
Do not miss this!!
by Tanja Birke Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I was totally mesmerized watching these two wonderful storytellers. Well written, unpredictable stories, often very funny, touching without being cliched or sappy, wonderfully macabre, and never boring. Both actors have a wonderful sense of timing, delightful facial and body expressiveness, and didn't miss a beat. I would see it again.
Captivating Storytelling
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Five stories, picked at semi-random, told beautifully. This sort of thing isn't my cup of tea and I still thought it was great. I'm not fond of the randomness, and in the show I saw the first two stories were requests from the audience. A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
Awesome! and more!
by Greg Geiger Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Great story telling! Laughing to crying and more laughing! A must see; different show each time based on audience - watch out for the turtle - I'm still shaking! EEEK! (and still laughing)
So Close To Being Fantastic
by Callie Sacarelos Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
There are actually two storytellers in this show - both of whom have some major talent. I particularly liked the girl, but the guy was good too. Only problem with him was he seemed to only have one voice that he used for all of his stories.
I would've given this play 5 kitties, except I didn't really like some of the stories that were told. I liked the way in which they were told very much. But the subject matter could've been better (not everything in life is about sex...) The stories that weren't about that were excellent. And even if they were, they were told really well so I enjoyed it anyway. This is a MUST-SEE!
Best Dessert of the Fringe!!!
by Daryl Bren Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Pumpkin Pie is a must see! I was so blown away by the first performance, I had to go back a second time. The second performance has given me a thirst to hear still more stories, so I plan to go back a third time! This edgy and highly entertaining anthology has both serious and humorous content. The energetic Pumpkin Pie show is excellent because it insightfully explores experiences and behaviors of people in the main stream and on the edge of society.
A perfect night of Fringe
by Eric Herr Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I was absolutely entertained during every single minute of this show. They are masters at what they do. Add in the fact that they have a dozen or more stories and include audience suggestions, the show is different every time. This is the first time in my Fringe history where I am adding it back on my schedule as the show could be completely different next time!! GO! DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW! Note to Pumpkin Pie folks: everyone I was with was hoping for an audio CD on itunes soon!
Horror and Whimsy
by Benjamin Hanna Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Sex ed will never be the same in my memory and I will never look at an octopus again if I can help it.
This storytelling duo walks the walk with a menagerie of characters you get to know, love, desire and despise...all in about ten minutes.
I was wary about taking a risk on this show--but I was wrong. See it to believe it. This show is not to be missed.
Tedious.
by Rex Winsome Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
If these stories were printed on paper, they'd be mildly amusing, and you probably wouldn't make it through a collection before wanting to catch some better reading. The stories start out with an utterly uninteresting cliche, something totally ordinary and safe, then expand and deepen it until tension is introduced, and the story starts to say something. Then quickly take it a few steps further, into the ridiculous and unbeleiveable (and thus, again, safe) before wrapping it up with a silly punch line. But, I guess telling these stories with ego-maniacally bad acting somehow turns them into crowd pleasers here at the fringe.
Like Chuck Palahniuk With More Emotion
by Ben San Del Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What more can I say?
Hard-core!
by Random Audience Member Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This pair brings their acting and storytelling chops. I was incredibly impressed with every "story". The show name is silly, but this is a great show with "staying power".
What a treat!!!
by Lynn Brent Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show blew my mind! It is a total roller coaster ride with twists and turns and it is over far to quickly! An emotion packed diverse show that leaves you wanting more. I am so curious about the other stories that I am definitely going back for seconds of Pumpkin Pie!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Depends on the story
by Mark Knutson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
The individual stories are great on their own, and delivered well, but depending on the order of, and the actual stories picked, the experience can become wearing. Some vocal patterns that sound fresh and unique at the top of the show can start to sound used and grating by the end. Force the previous story out of your mind and move on! Not for the easily offended.
Exhausting
by phillip low Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Works incredibly hard to entertain you -- but the same level of intensity is maintained throughout, and the whole experience becomes wearying and difficult to follow in places. Still, one of the most aggressively theatrical shows in the Fringe, and that's not nothing. Full review available at the Twin Cities Daily Planet.
wonderful storytelling
by Whoa Pow Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I want to see it again to hear the stories that were not performed.
Bite Your Tongue!
by Reid Gagle Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
In this show, a man and a woman alternate telling and acting out excellent, edgy short stories. They do 5 stories per show, randomly picked from a pool of 14 stories, so I hope to catch the show a second time.
A Coach Might Help
by Adao Tolstoy Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
STRENGTH: Wonderfully creative stories. WEAKNESS: Mr. Chapman has some repetitive vocal patterns that show up in his different characters' narrations.
Knock 'em dead!
by Derek Henderson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Very energetic. Great storytellers. Huge stage presence. Stories that hold attention.
I'm Now Scared Of Vaginas
by Ben Thietje Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Easily one of the best shows I've seen so far. Nice work, gang!
More Pie Please!
by Heather Stone Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I admit that I stray away from the out of town shows to support my MN buddies. This show was mentioned as a "must see" by one of my MN buddies, and I am sooooo glad that I added it to my schedule! THIS IS FABULOUS! If I didn't have such a long list of shows to see, I would come back every show to hear all of their stories in their set. They snag you right from the get go. The acting and writing are brilliant and I should have bought the book. These two are very talented. This is most dedinitely a must see.
Now I get what everyone is talking about
by Kristi Lawless Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I went to this show on a whim. I had heard the buzz and had an open spot. What a treat. Yeah, it can be a bit macabre at times, but hilarious too. And different every time? Oh great, now I will want to see them all.
Never do this at home!
by Nick n Rosie Heille Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Pumpkin Pie is a professional performance where the actors draw and hold the audience to the characters they do. It is professional work that should never be tried by an armature at home.
glad to see this outside NYC
by Mike Rasmussen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I saw this guy/this show in New York waaaay back. Was surprised to see it in the Fringe so of course I had to check it out. Awesome. We're lucky to have this one. Check it.
Fantastic Suprise!
by Sarah Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I had not been planning on seeing this show but made a spur of the moment decision to check this one out and it was a great suprise! The acting was emotional, creepy and funny all at once. I recommend this show to everyone and even hope to see it again!
Smitten with the Overbitten
by Michael Shaeffer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I hope I can be a gifted storyteller like these two when I grow up. This was a Saturday afternoon well spent, from a seductive circus performer to a tormented marine to a digitally-stimulated cheerleader and a waterpark pre-teen, these characters fascinated me. Bring an extra ten for the book, which features many of these captivating stories.
Put this on your list!
by Bryan Banks Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
You will laugh, you may cry but,you will definately enjoy this storytelling performance. I hope to see it again before the Fringe wraps up. Truely talented performers!
Exhausting
by Richard Peach Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Great storytelling supported by exceptional body language, facial expressions and energy. It was easy to get drawn into and caught up with each story
What a ride
by Leah Cooper Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Virtuoso storytelling, fantastic writing. Definitely worth seeing multiple times.
Not for the squeamish - which rocks!
by Claire Avitabile Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
These two performer/storytellers are fabulous, funny, and full-on frank. I loved it!
A great first-night-of-the-Fringe treat
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I was just blown away by these powerful and very appealing performers' delivery of this touching, often macabre, but very memorable material. Really, really special.
Funny, heartbreaking, and grotesque
by Bill Stiteler Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show--I'm not kidding you--is a testament to the power of the human voice. Using nothing more than their voices (no costumes, music, sets, or props beyond two red stools), they presented five randomly-chosen stories out of a possible 14, pulling the audience into the worlds of their characters.
Funny, heartbreaking, and occasionally grotesque, you might fool yourself into thinking that you know where these stories are going, but you're wrong, because they aren't structured to leave you smiling, but to brand images--an Oldsmobile, a tongue, a "bird feeder"--onto your brain. You'll come back to see what you missed the night before.
Have Another Slice!
by Kale Ganann Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
âThe Pumpkin Pie Showâ is a two person operation, churning out small slices of some of the best storytelling at the Fringe!
This particular pie has been sliced into fourteen pieces, which makes it all the sadder that the pieces themselves are randomly selected and youâll only see four or five in a given night. We managed to get in five, and each of the pieces was wonderful, ranging from sentimental to just plain mental.
Our first helping, âOldsmobileâ, is a charming story of an elderly couple out for a drive in their classic Olds. Itâs beautiful, poignant, and the life brought to these characters by the performers is a marvel to behold.
The second round, âOverbiteâ will have you guffawing through the winces. Itâs a macabre delight.
Third helping â âBird Feederâ. This haunting tale of a small town and its secrets will resonate and reverberate through your psyche for weeks to come.
What the hey, weâre not on a diet â fourth slice, âBridesmaidâ. What begins as a comic romp takes a decidedly dark and disturbing turn while still leaving you chuckling despite yourself.
And a little lagniappe, our fifth and final piece of that of so-sweet pie was âLate Bloomerâ. A student comes to class to discover a lesson in the monstrosities that hide inside us allâ¦
Bring a few bucks extra to this show, because theyâre selling a book of a number of their pieces afterwards for $10. Itâs more than worth that, even if not all the pieces lay collected within â I so wanted it to have âLate Bloomerâ, but if thatâs the worst thing I can say, then pull up a seat, pull out your fork, âThe Pumpkin Pie Showâ is darn good eatinâ!
Awesome Show
by Heidi Conti Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Having seen a sample of what was to come at the out of towners showcase I was looking forward to this show but it exceeded my expectations. I was really impressed by the well written stories. They are really in tune with real emotion and filled with unexpected turns. I am definitely seeing it again. This is a must see.
Crrepy, Funny, Good
by Andrew Northrop Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was fantastic, I may have to see it again.
Tongue in Cheek, Just Don't Bite Down
by Tim Voss Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
The Pumpkin Pie Show is over the top. And it isn't for the easily offended. Different stories each night. We got one creepy, two a bit icky (tongue in cheek, so to speak), one very touching, and a Grade Seven sex education class set to H.P. Lovecraft. That one, alone, was worth the price of admission. To be honest, I really don't want to know what goes on in the minds of the people who came up with this stuff, but it they pull it off very well, indeed. Their delivery is terrific. Go see it.
