The Cody Rivers Show Presents: Stick to Glue
presented by The Cody Rivers Show
Showtimes
Sat., Aug. 2 @ 5:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 3 @ 8:30 p.m.
[A] Tue., Aug. 5 @ 5:30 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 7 @ 10:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 10 @ 2:30 p.m.
KEY:
[S]=ASL interpreted
[A]=Audio described
Show details
Venue: U of M Rarig Center Thrust
Duration: 60 minutes
Created by M. Mathieu & A. Connor
From: Bellingham, WA
Website: http://www.codyrivers.com
Genres: Comedy, Audio described
Overall rating
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User reviews
F***ing Hilarious!
by Mikael Rudolph Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A must see at any level. There was made-for-radio humor that would fit on "A Prairie Home Companion", sketch comedy that really would be a smash on Conan, Letterman or Leno. Top knotch, laugh your ass off funny and lightning quick humor I could barely keep up with broken up smartly with little slo-motion effects.
I am thinking "Smothers Brothers of the 21st Century". We will be hearing about these Dudes on a national scale very soon, they are just around the corner from a big break!
Marvelous!
by kelly C. Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Stunningly intelligent absurdity. These guys don't go for the "easy" joke. The show is brilliantly written and flawlessly executed. Their physical energy is amazing. I sat through the whole show with a silly grin on my face, enchanted by their playfulness and dazzled by their creativity. I can't say enough.
This is Theatre
by Bryan Logan Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Solid.
exceptionally entertaining
by Tanja Birke Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved this show! You will not be disappointed--it is witty, hilarious, well written, exceptionally performed and unpredictable. My favorite was the code-breaker skit. Don't miss this one.
Yes, the show is brilliant...
by Matt Sciple Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Blah blah blah. Sure, the physical and verbal pyrotechnics are honed to perfection and the non-stop, almost metaphysical hilarity will stop your heart if you don't remember to breathe. Granted. But if you actually still need a reason to see this show, these gentlemen are also, well, gentlemen. I've seen both of their Fringe shows and Boom, and they ALWAYS make a lengthy and heartfelt pitch for both the Fringe and for their favorite shows. In short, not only are they amazing at what they do, but they are a classy couple of guys who really just seem to be having a damn good time. Why are you still reading this? GO, damn you. GO!
Explosive Goodness!
by Cody Stewart Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This sketch comedy takes the fluid definition of theater expands it even more than can physically be expanded and explodes onto the stage. These two men are geniuses of the craft. Aristotle, would be proud for the song, Brecht, would be proud of the action, Shakespeare, would be proud of their word play. These men dance, paint their faces, make the audience think and add to the living theater. The sketches aren't too long and if they started to get old, there was always some surprise waiting for the audience. The chemistry of Andrew Connor and Mike Mathieu was so tight that the tube top melds to this fat lady! And when she sang I was thoroughly satisfied. Of all the fringe shows, this was by far the best. Also if I was a big time producer, I wouldn't hesitate to put out for these guys. They even utilize the audience, but these gentlemen are so tactful and witty, it's not one of those "oh shit, here comes these actors to play with us". They are natural in acting, and amazing at character portrayal. The show is fast paced and even has a few sad moments. I felt a lump in my throat when the TV had to be returned. If you are a fan of drawing room plays you might get turned off by this. I give it a 5.5 out of 5.
Have you seen this show?
by David Lee Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Why haven't you seen this show? What's keeping you? What else are you doing with your time? What could possibly be more entertaining? When are you ever going to see anything better?
Why haven't you seen this show?
WTF did I just see?
by Allyson Daniels Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Seriously... wtf did I just see? It was wonderful! Funny! Silly! Weird!... I can't even really think of anything else to say except that I feel enlightened, confused, and tired at the same time. I smiled for an hour straight! This is on my TOP 3 BEST Fringe shows list so far. I really can't even specifically describe it. I loved it... and I'm still trying to figure out what to say about it. Go see for yourself!
innovative and inspiring
by Lesley Rice Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
beyond words.........
completely wrapped up in each moment and experience. this pair brought an energy to the stage that not only enveloped the audience, it kept us intrigued. I loved the experience.
a must see!!!!!!
I felt smarter for having seen it.
by Erica Mauter Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I stumbled upon the Cody Rivers Show at last year's Fringe and was totally blown away, so I had high expectations and every one of them was met. They're like a live action They Might Be Giants song. So clever and funny and WTF?! and never a dull moment. Seriously, not one part of this show was bad.
Though, I agree, last year's show was a little better. Maybe it's because it was new to me then. And I could swear I had seen them do one of those sketches before.
Great
by Mark Knutson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Just Great.
worth standing in endless queue!
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Good thing this show is in a larger space! These chaps are QUICK with the body language and the word play, and they load their comic vignettes with both. Listen carefully to get maximum amusement. The crypotographers skit is awesome! Pay attention to the gags early on, you'll be hearing them later.
See it!
by Katie Sopoci Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Don't miss this show! I am a dancer by profession and the way these guys move on stage blows me away! Plus you get hilarious sketches and great characters on top of it. I wish I could get into their heads to see how they come up with this stuff. Bonus: you get to play games with your friends afterwards like "how many scenes was Neville in", "spot the code-breakers", and my favorite "name the 10 types of people". Just go see it already!
Manic & Creative
by Alex Poltorak Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
These two are unbelievably energetic for the entire hour. They are obviously very funny guys and their coordination is great throughout the fast-paced and creative show.
Well maybe I needed more coffee
by roseroberta pauling Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
OK so it was 10pm and after a long day that I saw this,,,,,but though what they did was unique and there were some interesting inventiveness to there skits, I found that a bit more coffee shot into my blood might have helped me to catch all their tidbits. If you are a bit hyper with a mind going 500 miles an hour this show is for you and you will laugh your head off. But, though I have been known to be able to talk about three things at once and keep the thread of all topics for myself and my listener, I could not follow them for at least half of the time. I think these guys need to be just a tad more user friendly.
On the other hand, that they could keep the whole thing going for one hour at the pace that they create and the high energy needed and level of memorization while pouring things out at 100 miles an hour, while doing movement, they certainly do need credit for....as this sentence is, so was the show. It ran on from one thing to the next...perhaps, streaming it down to 70mph would do the performers well.
Oh wow...
by ess bea Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
...I think I'm in love. I can't stop running around Fringe and daily life in slow motion, expressing myself in a very very soft, high pitched voice, exuberantly declaring how
incredible this show is.
It has everything I love about good theatre--smart, dazzling wordplay, glimmering bits of substantial narrative, thrillingly precise physical execution, and so much absurdity that both made me laugh throughout the performance and beyond, but also inspired me on so many levels. I love it when I stumble into a work that reminds me why I love everything I ever loved about theatre in the first place.
"Once you know what's out there, it's sometimes hard to go back!"
So cool
by Kim Lee Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This show is so dang interesting. I echo the person who says its worth standing in line for.
Guffawing out loud
by Pat Lindgren Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This show had my 10-year-old doubled over with laughter for at least half the time. The 9-year-old was afraid he was missing something, but realized they were just as silly as he usually is. Consistently good shows every year, but liked last year's show better.
Laughed so hard I split in two
by Kris Man About Fringe Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I would be embarrassed about all the noise I made at this if everyone else around me wasn't laughing as hard. Hope to see them back for next years Fringe.
honestly, it was just alright...
by Eric Herr Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I like this show. I want to be raving as I did last year, but honestly, it was just alright. After last year's amazing show, I think I expected more. There were many scenes this year where they simply spoke to fast and you really couldn't understand them. I love this duo and do hope to see them again next year!
Super Fabulous Great!
by Heather Stone Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What more is there to say? They're talented! They're amazing! My face hurt from laughing and smiling throughout the entire set. So glad I listened to all the peeps who told me to see this show. So, go see this show!
Best show of the Fringe
by The Grump Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Best show of what I have seen. These men are like elastic comedians on speed. With, charm and class. You don't need me to tell you to see this! But good luck getting a ticket!
Good wit but a little too silly
by August Berkshire Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A little too much slapstick and silliness for my taste, though most of the audience seemed to like it. Some very excellent bits, though. Well worth it overall.
Insane Skills!!
by Rex Winsome Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
The most manic, energetic hour of storytelling games and fun on stage you'll ever see. Completely off the hook conceptual sketch theatre. Tons of fun, but left feeling a little flat, cuz the themes were small and buried so deep you can barely find them.
Best Yet.
by madee weisner Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show tops my list of "Best Fringe Shows in 2008." The acting was incomparable, and the show was engaging from the first second to the last. If I could reccommend one show to anyone, it would be this. Outstanding work!
A Great Laugh
by Emily Antin Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
If you're up for laughing and a good old time variety show. This is it. Entertaining and up beat. You just don't know what will happen next.
Stick to reviews
by paulino brener Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
ok...ak... everything said in all the other reviews... AMAZING!... but i just wanted to put my 5 kitties here.
Solidly Traditional
by phillip low Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Incredibly well-done physical and vocal comedy. Not nearly as innovative as many of their fans would have you believe -- their great talent is that they take such solidly traditional stuff and make it *seem* like it's new, and that's one hell of an achievement. Full review available at the Twin Cities Daily Planet.
Best CREATION ever.
by Brooke Murphy Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I'm awed. Andrew Connor and Mike Mathieu get the gold medal for their exquisitely executed, brilliantly written piece of progressive theatre. This is the kind of theatre I've been waiting for -- my entire life.
I'm no snob -- I enjoy a wide variety of performance along the commercial-to-experimental spectrum. I've only got my subjective opinion to offer, and seeing The Cody Rivers Show has inspired me to share it. I want the artists to know how absolutely stellar their performance and writing was, and I want others to know that they NEED to see it.
I've seen performance art at museums, where people in the audience sip their wine and nod as a red ball takes 10 minutes to roll across the stage while a single note on the cello is hit over and over again, and I've been so discouraged that such minimalist silliness is duping people into paying money and thinking they are seeing something poignant and good. Andrew and Mike, your show was the polar opposite of such lack-luster, content-free, pretentious blah-ness.
I will now GUSH from my every pore how phenomenally inspiring The Cody Rivers Show was.
What always moves me about a performance is if it possesses a genuine, down-to-earth quality, where you feel a real connection to the artists. They aren't up there shoe-gazing in aloof apathy, and they aren't self-monitoring their every line, hamming it up for cheap laughs. They are just really trying to communicate something to their audience. These guys are absolutely real and they aren't hams. Any smirking was done deliberately, as part of their ridiculously intelligent design.
Polished execution of a show also impresses me. I only wish there was a documentary of the creation and rehearsal process for this show, because it was the tightest, most well-rehearsed show I've ever seen. My friend said seeing their show was like seeing juggling for the first time ever. It was CRAZY. While my body was busy cracking up in delighted hysterics, my brain was staring in gape-jawed disbelief at their speed, and precision.
Dynamics -- while these guys shock their audience with speedy, intricate movements coupled with tongue-twisting dialogue, the show is by no means frantic. They regularly change up their vocal volume and pitch, and integrate slow movement, and stillness as well. They give us a chance to take in the entire patchwork of their witty dialogue/storyline, although I'm sure when I see it again, I'll catch many more of their subtle references. The show is an impressive web of self-reference and nuance.
Which brings me to story. Story and dialogue are so important to me. I really dislike cliches, and this show doesn't fall into the trap of using a cliche line for a cheap laugh at all. The only time I noticed the use of a common phrase was in a completely absurd context, which gave it a fresh meaning. It's as if these guys are sociologist & psychologist, lucidly observing human behavior (and animal behavior ~ ), and injecting that awareness into their hyper-vivid universe, one which they've spun around, squeezed, pulled-inside-out, and bent with their high-endurance bodies and their smart, smart brains.
Yes, these guys are superstars. I'm so thankful I got off of my ass and came to see their show last night. I will now be their biggest fan. I think. I'm sure I'll have lots of competition.
In addition to performing at all these festivals, I hope they hit the comedy club circuit with snippets of this show, because it seems like the quickest way to get the exposure they deserve.
A definate "must see"
by Janet Gartner Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Another amazing performance by the talented duo. Saw their show last year, and couldn't wait to see it this year as well. They are unbelievable. It is amazing how they can remember all those lines and do all the crazy stuff with such panache. I love these guys.
The best of the best!
by Carolyn Caba Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Have I already written a review for this show? Maybe it only seems that way because I've RAVED to everyone about it again and again. These guys have put so much work into this show, and it played out in seamless, absurd, hilarity. There are 15 kinds of people in the world, and this show was made for every single one of them. You will NOT be disappointed.
Why the hype?
by Roland Brenny Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
A friend and I attended tonight's show because of all the reviews. Honestly, I didn't think it was very funny. People were laughing at stools being moved...I experienced it and I'm moving on...
A bit overhyped
by Whoa Pow Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
This show, although entertaining, falls short of the hype. Honestly at points I was a little bored.
Bill Irwin does 'Kids in the Hall'
by Clarence Wethern Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is one of the most brilliant and purely entertaining things I've seen in a long time. I marveled at these guys' talent and skill.
They create a surreal, energetic, and seamless stream of sketches and vignettes that are smart, ridiculous, and extremely funny. There wasn't a moment in this show when I didn't have a huge grin on my face. I want to be these guys when I grow up.
This is a must see.
But why the unflattering apparel?
by Crummy Reviewer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The tailored shirts looked silly (and I'm not a fan of cargo pants). But it's nice to think of these guys as something beyond just handsome men having a good time. (the ti-luminum story was stirring)
The show also included the most thought provoking material I've seen at the Fringe.
Will Have Cody Rivers' Babies
by Courtney McLean Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
... so I can have the constant barrage of energy and genius and dementia that is a Cody Rivers show in my house, my life, ALL THE TIME. These guys put on what is quite possibly the best performance of any genre I have ever witnessed. This is a prime example of artists without blocks, of artists as vessels and channels for creation and whatever moves through them, of artists that are totally in touch with the spiritual side of creation. That's it: I'm starting the Cody Rivers religion. What, too crazy?
A must see.
by Eric Aufderhar Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
If you see one show this year, make it The Cody Rivers Show. Of course you'll be seeing more, but make SURE this is it. From the beginning of the show their commitment to their characters and physical attributes sucks you in. Their comedic timing is impeccable. Using miming (among other things) they tell an interconnected story that made the audience gasp and cheer right on cue. Sure, there were a couple goofs, but they were just as entertained by them as we were and only made the show better. My face still hurts a day after seeing it. GO!
Don't miss it
by Leah Weaver Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
you'd be sorry! Just as good as last year's show, if not even better!
Wish I could do that
by Jon Skaalen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I will remember the yellow & orange outfits, the carrying power of quiet squeaky voices, the impeccable choreography of skating feet, craning necks, and on-a-dime scene changes, and the joy of hearing every one of the million or so words these two guys crafted. What a feat!
Better and worse
by Allan Valgemae Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Last year's production had even more energetic physical comedy, and I thought it could have used more talk. I was wrong. I enjoyed last night, but last year was better. But these two are an incredibly talented pair and fun to watch.
Must See
by David Pisa Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Such skillful theater artists -- their vocal dexterity, physical precision and inventive writing make the individual sketches add up to a satisfying whole.
I Can't Do That!
by Ben Thietje Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I love when I see a show that makes me say "Wow. There's just no way I'd be able to do that." These are two of the most amazing performers I've seen in a long time. Do not miss this show.
The best
by Nancy Antin Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
There is really not much to say that has not already been said but this show is amazing.
There is so much energy on stage it is exhausting to watch..but that may be because I am laughing so hard!
Go to this show!
Love
by Mo Perry Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I love these guys. Loved them last year, loved them tonight. I love them hard. Don't tell my boyfriend.
Wonderfully depressing
by Bill Stiteler Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Watching Stick to Glue, I was struck by a sudden sense of depressing: I'm wasting my life, while Mike and Andrew create some of the most brilliant, mind-altering, perfectly presented comedy I may have ever seen. Beyond the pure physicality of their performance, which has the rapid-fire perfection of a cheer leading squad, there's the verbal complexity of two cryptographers trying to best each other, the heartbreaking tale of how an industrial conference influences many lives, and the rhythmic poetry of how great elements of the show is tied together. You must see this show.
great expectations, fufilled
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
With Cody Rivers' 2007 Fringe show being such a delightful and out-of-the-blue smash hit, the expectations for this year's entry were really high. This show didn't disappoint. We saw the same jaw-dropping verbal wizardry and the same they-make-it-look-so-easy physical magic. So unique and so much fun. . . they are just great.
Crazy fun!
by Kristi Lawless Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I saw these two last year and I could not wait to see them again. They were amazing. They do zip through very fast and that is part of their magic. But the subtle scenes are great too. Crazy slow-motion stuff, trying to figure out what they are doing and then the "ah ha!" moment. What a kick.
Exhausting
by Richard Peach Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Packed non-stop action and laughter. A few times the laughter overpower the performers voices, what great fun.
Serious Funny
by Tim Voss Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Where do these guys find their material? Once again, Andrew and Mike deliver a terrific show. It's better than last year's fine effort. Rapid-fire delivery, physicality, choreography, perfect timing, audience interaction (including a catapult), and a bunch of sketches that turn into a continuing story. And under all the laughs, there's a lot of satire and commentary. You can laugh at the gags and you can go a lot deeper. It's worth seeing more than once. There's a bright future for these lads. I hope they keep coming back.
Worth suffering for to see
by Sid Korpi Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
True story: As a testament to how great I think these guys are, I had a vicious wipe-out on my bike halfway to the show and had my choice of hobbling home or hobbling the rest of the way to Rarig, and I chose the latter, lots of sympathy-getting gore and blood running down my leg and all! And, you know what? They were absolutely worth it! Laughing for a solid hour helped me forget the pain all along my right side. The endorphins they stimulated helped me bike all the way home nearly pain free! They are singular comic geniuses and risk-takers. If I could only see one show in the Fringe Fest, it would be these fellas!
Enjoyed last years show better....
by re gurgitate Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
But thats like picking nits from a comedy behemoth! Best show so far. See it!!!!!
Good
by Dana Florence Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
It's very good.
Good Show
by Laurel Hansen Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
An enjoyable show. Creative comedy. I particularly liked the finger characters, the strangely familiar slide show presentation, and the discussion of the different types of people.
There were a couple parts that were slow or difficult to understand.
Overall, I would recommend this show. It was funny and enjoyable to watch.
Mind-blowing
by Jeff Jones Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
It's like these two guys sat down one day and said "let's make a list of 15 things that are REALLY HARD to do in a sketch show. Now let's perfect all of them, take them to the extreme and still not seem self centered." This is an amazing comedy show that stuns you as much as it entertains you. And it's completely family-friendly. See it.
I Can't Breathe...!
by David Rust Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I haven't laughed this hard in a long, long time! It's hard to describe this show, other than to say its frantic and frenetic pace of comedy and performance just blows the mind and leaves it wasted in the gutter.
And -boy- is that a gutter I want to be in!
These two guys who put together the Cody Rivers Show showed me something new, something hilarious, and something wild.
I definitely, without a doubt, want to see more by this brilliant duo!
go go go
by B. Davis Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Wow, with over 100 people in the audience I am a bit surprised to see only one other review thus far. I was completely engaged throughout this show. It was go, go, go from the moment they stepped on stage until the very end. I was tired just watching them. Although it may seem a bit absurd at times and all over the place, Andrew and Mike nicely bring together each bit by the end of the hour. This show involved intricate pantomime and complicated overlapping dialogue. I could never imagine rehearsal process these two went through. I found myself laughing the entire show and would recommend it to anyone who wants to be fully engaged for an hour!
Must See
by Leah Cooper Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Loved their last MN Fringe show, and this one's even better. Outstanding!
Every Finger Choreographed
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The Cody Rivers Show is brilliant as usual. On a bare stage with two stools. two people create an office, an alien landscape, and a ton of laughs. They never stop, and one sketch abruptly becomes the next, perhaps to be referenced later. More dance than comedy and more cerebral comedy than you think can fit in the time slot. How DO they remember all that? A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
Incomparable
by Steve Smith Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Virtuosic fun. I made the mistake of seeing another show after this one. That second show was probably pretty good on its own, but after this it just felt like a waste of time.
