"The Bronze Bitch Flies At Noon" and "Dog Tag"
presented by Magicword Theater
Showtimes
Fri., Aug. 1 @ 7:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 2 @ 10:00 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 6 @ 10:00 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 7 @ 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 9 @ 8:30 p.m.
Show details
Venue: U of M Rarig Center Arena
Duration: 60 minutes
For ages 18+
Written by Matthew A. Everett & Anne Bertram
Website: www.matthewaeverett.com
Genres: Queer Content, Equity, Comedy
Warnings: Adult language, Sexual Content
Overall rating
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User reviews
Nice exploration
by Brian Watson-Jones Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Bronze Bitch: A really, really sweet and nice scene. Supurbly well acted, especially Sasha Andreev's gradually revealed personal interest in the deal. Perhaps a hair too long... or rather, one too many "they go to kiss and then someone has a thought that makes him stop" moments. Nonetheless, very nice. That Bronze Bitch ain't flying this year.
Dog Tag: I honestly can't remember much of what the two guys said. One wanted the other back, the other was hesitant. I can't say- I was busy watching the dog. That was one mesmerizing dog. The plot description is off- this isn't a scene about the dog acting to get them back together. Nothing that dramatic happens. One guy asks a question, one guy says maybe, a dog frolics around. It's a good enough scene, but doesn't have much of an arc. Perhaps as something larger it works, but by itself it showcases a well-acted dog and not much else.
Smart and Sexy
by Allan Valgemae Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Superb writing and acting make both halves, but especially the first, truly memorable. I went after seeing the preview of the second half, but the first was mesmerizing as nothing else I saw at the Fringe this year. Would the playwright(s) consider combining the two into one play lasting a whole evening at the theater?
excellent acting and concept
by Rick Holcomb Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Most fun shows I saw at Fringe this year - humorous, yet poignant and honest - heart warming and true. Truly believable concepts - well acted.
Stage imagery?
by Cody Stewart Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
These two short plays (while they have interesting premises) by Matthew Everett and Anne Bertram both were incredibly predictable. The actors did what they could with the script and Leaf's staging, but neither of these works produced very interesting stage pictures.
Bronze Bitch- (Everett) The stakes of this piece felt like watching a highly sexualized high school debate which had not much subtext. I felt that the arc of this piece went no where. At times the show peaked during the intense sexual chemistry of the two actors, but the script left them no room to breathe. The metaphors were blatant -the chem lab easily translates into a metaphor about the experimentation of the two young men, yet one of the characters has to tell us this. Don't underestimate the intelligence of your audience.
Dog Tag- (Bertram & Everett) The piece was a scene that also goes no where. The dog bit was interesting to watch, but all we saw was a brief glimpse into the lives of these young men. The conflict was barely there. I would call this piece more of a tableau except for the movement of the dog. Together I give the pieces a 2 out of 5.
Uncomfortably well done!
by Greg Hammond Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
So yes, I must admit I was a little uncomfortable watching the first scene, "The Bronze Bitch Flies At Noon". Not because of the content, but because the performances of Buddy Haardt and Sasha Andreev were so real that you could feel their characters' discomfort, awkwardness, and need throughout the room. VERY well acted and the script was great. Joe Bombard was my favorite part of "Dog Tag" as the dog, Percy. This scene is just so... cute - in a good way. Stellar performances and writing. I can't get over how well crafted the scripts are. Matthew Everett and Anne Bertram
do not disappoint. I'm looking out for these scenes to go to colleges and other festivals in the future. Go see this show!
SQUIRREL!!
by Taylor Marshall-Miernicki Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
For the first half of the show i would say i enjoyed it but there was a lot of diolouge and not a whole lot of action. the most physical part is when the boys are almost caught and jump behind a desk. i just wished for something more than pacing around.
the second half was too much like the first half, story wise that is. the dog, played by Bombard, was the most interesting characater because it went through different emotions. everyone kept the same.
i would say i liked the show, but not loved it.
Top Notch
by Robert Kovarik Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Extremely well crafted and well acted plays! Blond Bitch displays excellent and thoughtful dialog exploring the natures of sex and friendship. Dog Tag follows as a nice comedic foil showcasing Joe Bombard's wonderful skills in creating the character of Percy the dog. All three actors gave stellar performances. A "must see"!
Not sure....
by re gurgitate Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I liked the second scene better than the first, but I'm not sure if I'd recommend catching this. Both stories seemed rather open ended and I found myself not really caring about the characters, except the dog.
Beautiful
by Roni Goldstein Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I left this show wanting much more which is something I almost never experience after a show. Both parts were beautifully put together and the acting by all involved was fantastic.
It was nice seeing the beginning of a relationship in the first scene and then an ending (or possible re-beginning) in the second. The dichotomy was refreshing to see instead of watching relationship building; the relationships were already present and very solid.
The actors brought you into their worlds and every character was very relatable. There was no sense of liking one more then the other, what each was going through was universal in both scenes.
Until Dog Tag I have never enjoyed watching an actor play an animal that spoke. He was very good at showing what a dog must be thinking at any given time. The dog brought so much to that scene adding comedy where it needed to be but also meaning to things that happen in every day life. I especially liked his exit at the end, it was very realistic.
It was interesting to see the dog being in charge at some points in the piece. The writing for the dog was very funny especially with the dog giving his ownerâs orders and telling them to âcome here boyâ, âscratch my stomach boyâ, etc.
All around I loved this show. The writing and acting is incredible and the only bad thing I can say about the show is that there was simply not enough. I wish both pieces were a full play.
A must see!
Practically Flawless
by Timothy Meyer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Solid, believable acting, intricate scripts, memorable staging. Andreev shines as a frat boy, Haardt holds up his end and Bombard excells, even as the security guard. Hard to find something to critize. The only thing I've given 5 kitties the whole festival.
Well Played!
by Krista J. van Eps Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Matthew A. Everett + Anne Bertram + the clever direction by William T. Leaf + an outrageously talented cast = an amazing show!
I saw this show twice.
Exceeds Excellence!
by Rubenstein, Madison E Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I already had high expectations walking into this show knowing that Matthew Everett was the writer, along with Anne Bertram. I walked out of the show more than impressed. Not only is the story well written, and intelligently constructed but the actors themselves are outstanding. All three actors show immense skill and talent, but who is undoubtedly unforgettable is Buddy Haardt. In both shows Haardt is a master of subtlety. I could not find a dishonest moment through out the show portrayed by any of the actors, but Haardtâs essence within itself draws me to him. While I loved Joe Bombardâs performance, it seemed that at times he outshined the other actors. Bombard has an energy that he brought to both characters that made it impossible to look away. Sasha Andreev completely owns both of his roles, and I believe him the whole way through. Not once during either show was I at all confused by any of the characterâs intentions. I give this show Five Kitties and insist on everyone seeing it!
Beautifully written!
by Tom Emmott Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Both plays were beautifully written. They were sensitive, intimate, funny and poignant. Matthew Everett and Anne Bertram are both wonderful playwrights. The acting was skillfully executed by Sasha Andreev,Joe Bombard and Buddy Haardt with very good direction by William Leaf. Great venue. Don't miss these!
Gay Minatures
by dixie treichel Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
It's always a humanitarian pleasure to see gay characters portrayed in a non-stereotypical manner. Both shorts succeeded completely in bringing humor, emotion & creativity to the foreground. Well acted. Kudos to Everett & Bertram.
Bittersweet and heart tugging
by Amelia Miller Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Bronze Bitch Flies at Noon tugged at parts of my heart I had forgot about. It is such an excellent interpretation of those first real feelings and real connections to sexuality.
Dog Tag was absolutely, without a doubt stolen by Joe Bombard's canine character "Percy". I do wish that it had developed further. I wanted to know more about Ed and Paul. I wanted to know the back story and the future story. Like all truly great story telling, it left me wanting more of everything.
Pretty darn awesome
by Christine Nelson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I really liked these shows! The writing was clever, touching and funny. The 3 guys did a great job- but I have to give Joe crazy mad props for acting just like my chocolate lab- SO cute! My only complaint was that I would have loved both plays to be longer, especially the second.
Fantastic!
by John-Mark Hostetler Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Fantastic writing! Fantastic actors! I left with all my entertainment needs fulfilled. In "Bronze Bitch", the story flowed, and the expertise of the actors along with the intimacy of the venue made me feel like I was right there!
Rollercoaster of...love?
by Charlie Hansen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The tension, emotion and chemistry in "Bronze Bitch" was genuine and visceral. The characters' anxiety was so palpable that when the lights came up, I found my program torn to pieces and no memory of doing it.
Mercifully, "Dog Tag" gives you a chance to relax with a very funny and very clever performance from Joe Bombard.
Very well done, indeed!
solo date night
by jesse maple Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I went to see the two scenes not know what to expect, as I am no master of these sorts of things. I was pleasantly suprised by the smooth performances of both actors... it was believable in a make believe world. I thought each character played and fit their roles very well, and the subject matter was serious sprinkled with tender and humorous moments. I loved how upfront with (some of ) the realities of homosexuality the first scene was. You could feel that they felt naked standing there which gave the scene that edge of a real moment.
The second was very cute. The dog was great as were the other two guys... you could feel the longing, hesitation. All in all im glad I took time out to see the performance.
Real
by Alex Klute Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Two great, short performances by three outstanding actors. It's one of those shows where you can actually feel the awkwardness the characters are experiencing ...because you forget they're acting! It doesn't hurt that they're all three really easy on the eyes! See. It. Today.
5 Kitties for this 'Bitch'
by Kara Greshwalk Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
It isn't often you see a Fringe show with writing that is equal parts subtle, witty, and sexy. And you never get such a consistently talented cast with such amazing chemistry. I didn't see a single moment that felt forced, and oh my god--I loved Joe Bombard's dog! He physically threw himself into the role and I couldn't take my eyes off him! Congrats to all on an honest and lovely show. I only wish it could have gone on longer.
I felt like an eavesdropper!
by Bill Teska Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
That's how convincing the acting was - I was almost ashemed to be listening in on other people's fears and hopes and deepest feelings. Andreev and Haardt's timing and expression were that realistic. And Bombard's Percy-the-Dog stole that show. He really had the canone moves down.
My only criticism is that I would have cast the two leads in opposite roles in "Bitch". To my taste, Haardt seems nearer the frat-boy and Andreev the nerd.
I wanted more!
by Reier Erickson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This was great! Really well written and really well performed... one kitty less because I we could have made the first one longer and lost the second one... they were both good... but the first was so much better.
Poignant and Hilarious
by Gretchen Page Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Touching story, brilliantly acted, directed well in the arena space.
Story includes all the awkwardness that the situation presents, portrayed very honestly by the cast.
Fantastic!
Totally Delightful
by Emily Gunyou Halaas Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Unexpected love stories. Mouth covering giddy anticipation. Beautiful performances.
Well-Written Catharsis
by phillip low Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Insanely well-written example of a genre that I'm not a huge fan of -- romantic comedy, of the kind that seems to revolve primarily around catharsis and wish fulfillment. Didn't do a lot for me, but certainly wasn't unpleasant to sit through. Full review available at the Twin Cities Daily Planet.
Pleasantly surprised...
by M. Be Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The honesty, integrity and talent of these three young actors and a thoughtful, well-devised script prevents these two short shows from slipping into nothing more than cheap gay fantasies. Instead, we are given stories that are touching, enlightening and will not soon be forgotten. Joe Bombard's portrayal of Percy will definitely become one of this year's most unexpected and delightful performances.
Tight Writing and Keen Acting
by Christopher R. Smith Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What great pieces of theater. Carefully crafted scripts, especially Bronze Bitch, and the acting appeared effortless. Very funny to boot. Thanks for a great show.
Funny and Touching
by Justin Windschitl Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I also feel the first part of this show was best and had the most substance. The acting was great and I found myself wishing it would have been longer. The second piece had a great comedic element, but the story itself lacked a significant plot necessary to make it as good as the first. All in all, I'd definitely recommend it.
Feels so real
by Sasha Vypilovskaia Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
this site just ate my long and nice review so i l be short.
Listen closely to what they say and you may find progressive ideas of modern age. Clever, funny and perhaps tragic this play left me wondering like a good book leaves the reader material for contemplation.
Acting was brilliant ... come see !!!
Clever, Whitty and Brilliant
by Kyle Wilman Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
These two short plays are brilliantly written, eloquently performed and leave the audience wanting more! I would highly recommend checking this one out if you're up for a good laugh and a thought provoking performance. Plus that cute guy from Curb Appeal is in it!
Intense
by Richard Heise Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Excellent performance portraying the anguish an trials of a relationship tempered by a moderate dose of humor. The dog led us into the mind of a dog with hilarious results. A serous but funny exploration.
great acting- too short.
by madee weisner Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
the acting was the best thing about these shows. the first piece was the better of the two, with a good balance of tenderness and vulnerability with some laughs to balance things out. i thought the second piece, "Dog Tag," didn't give enough of a background and was far too short. the performers were great in both pieces, but the script of "Dog Tag" was just a bit lacking. i also didn't like how similar the two shows were to each other. the second was a bit like like a much simplified version of the first.
despite my complaints, though, i liked the show overall: "Bronze Bitch," was interesting in that it's a story you don't hear very often.
I Wanted it to Keep Going
by Erica Mauter Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved this show and it left me terribly wanting. It's short. 35 minutes total for both (most Fringe shows run 50-60 minutes). There is shirtlessness and boy-kissing in a totally appropriate and not gratuitous way.
The thing is both plays were so well written and so well acted I wanted them to keep going. "The Bronze Bitch Flies at Noon" especially. It's so dialogue-driven, the acting was strong and subtle, and it played really well in the Rarig Center's Arena which is smaller and more intimate.
The dog stole the show in "Dog Tag." I won't give away any more on that. The two main characters portrayed the far side of what used to be a relationship, and I totally wanted to know how they got to that point!
So great, and it could be so much more.
2 Shorts that were too short
by Bradley Johnson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The first was by far the best with the actors having great chemistry (no pun intended - see the show and you'll know what I mean). The second was cute and Joe has my dog down to a T. Both were over in 34 minutes, which is a shame. I would have loved to experience more.
Any way you want it honey, just kiss me.
by Derek Henderson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Tender, well scripted show. "Percy" is an unforgettable character and Joe gives an unforgettable performance!
Beautiful.
by Theo Langason Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This show was so beautiful and so touching. The actors were nothing short of brilliant. Everyone should see this show.
Woof!
by Dan Pinkerton Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The first of the two shows is tender, wise, and funny. The second stays with funny and wise, but that's fine, too, because when this one is funny, it's hysterical.
Kudos to the director for great timing and use of the arena space; to the three actors for unforgettable performances, and to the playwrights for really strong scripts. A little short, but these pros have written extremely tight scripts --- a welcome change from many, many Fringe shows.
I predict that "SQUIRREL!" will become the catchword of the 2008 Fringe.
i loved it!
by sharon baker Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
both pieces were wonderful--great stories, great characters...when i saw the promo, i was kinda bummed to see the doggy makeup, because at the preview, the actor wore none. i am very pleased he did it without makeup. somehow, it seemed more real, and worked for me.
the actors were impossible for me to doubt, and it was all over too soon!
Unexpectedly awesome...
by Jeffrey McCants Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Walked into this show blind and I'm glad I did.
The first part of this double feature was definitely the strongest. A 20-something-year-old soon-to-be college graduate doesn't want to graduate without losing his virginity, so he pays a frat boy to make it happen. Sure, it plays out as some a fantasy of the dork getting the frat guy, but the acting and the script were too good to knock the situation. Both actors did a fine job of showing true vulnerability. The director also did well with staging in the arena stage.
The second piece was somewhat lacking. There wasn't enough story and not enough at stake for me to care much about the characters. Still, performances were great and there were a lot of laughs as well.
