Tipping the Bucket

Rebelling against politics, proselytizing and puking, rockstar Allegra Lingo surfs the waves of her Baptist past and gay Catholic present to find an island of her own.

Watch a video preview!



See what Matthew Everett has to say about me in his preview of this year's show!
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From the writer and performer of last year's sold-out, top-attended (Playwright's Center) show "I Hate Kenny G", 2006's "A Heap of Broken Images", and 2005's "Hubcap Frisbee", comes a new hour of essays and travel marked by Allegra's unique brand of wit and intellect.

This year, Allegra Lingo teams up with director Anthony Paul, playwright, director, and co-founder of Chopping Block Theatre ("Serendipity", "Gumball Geezus") to create an in-the-round experience, in both staging and thought.

"The John Steinbeck of Minneapolis"--John Townsend, "Fresh Fruit" (KFAI Radio, 2006)

"She is a tonic. Even if you don't know her, you will leave the performance feeling like you spent time talking with a good friend. And in the midst of the wonderful madness that is Fringe, this is the kind of pause that really recharges your batteries, and makes you appreciate your own life and blessings just a little bit more than before."--Matthew Everett (blogger, theatre critic, and playwright, 2007)
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The cast

Allegra Lingo
Role: Writer / Performer
After first being published at the age of 13, Allegra Lingo promptly forgot she could write until taking a writing class in college, and hasn’t stopped since.

After finishing her BA in English at Kalamazoo College and a year at the Samuel Beckett Centre for Drama and Theatrical Studies (Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland), she made her way back to Minneapolis and found the Minnesota Fringe Festival. She has performed in six of the last eight Minnesota Fringes (Spoken Word Fringe 2001, 2003, and 2004) and branched out on her own in solo shows with Hubcap Frisbee (2005), A Heap of Broken Images (2006), and I Hate Kenny G (2007), the latter a critic and audience favorite which won the Fringe Encore Slot at the Playwright’s Center, was chosen as part of the Fringe Invitation by the Actor’s Theatre of Minnesota, picked as part of the Fringe Encore Series at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, and was featured as a double-bill with phillip low's "Descendant of Dragons" at the Bryant Lake Bowl. She is also the co-founder of the Rockstar Storytellers.

When she’s not performing her own words, she tours as the sax player for the group Buckets and Tap Shoes, who recently returned from their first Broadway gigs in New York where they were heralded as “little known, but utterly brilliant” by the New York Times. In her spare time, she is the principal alto sax player for the Minnetonka Concert Band, works as the Audience and Volunteer Services Director for the Minnesota Fringe, and is currently trying to talk her way onto the Amazing Race. She and her partner Amy live in downtown Minneapolis with their two cats Louisa and Carly and dog James.

Anthony Paul
Role: Director

Showtimes

Thu., Jul. 31 @ 8:30 p.m.
[S] Sat., Aug. 2 @ 7:00 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 8 @ 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 9 @ 4:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 10 @ 2:30 p.m.

KEY:
[S]=ASL interpreted
[A]=Audio described

Show details

Venue: U of M Rarig Center Arena

Duration: 60 minutes

For ages 14+

Written by Allegra J Lingo

Website: http://thetravelingmonkey.wordpress....

Genres: Solo, Queer Content, ASL interpreted, Religious

Overall rating

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User reviews

Intensely personal
by Brian Watson-Jones Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I don't like discussing previous shows by performers in reviews; I feel that each work should be gauged on its own, regardless of what was done last year. But that's impossible with Allegra's shows- they're each about the same life, after all. And each time, it's a new perspective. It feels like a POV mystery story where each character has a different take on what was witnessed; her spiritual side noticed different parts of Ireland than her artistic side, the Catholic has a different focus on a cruise than the Amazing Race Fan. And it's a privilege to get to see each, with all the honesty and depth that come with them. Plus, hey, damn well told.

Brava Allegra!!!
by Joyce Spirala Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Your show was dynamite! What a pleasure to see you perform your latest work. Your delivery was so smooth, just like glass. And watching you perform "in the round" was a new experience that brought you closer to the audience and kept everyone fully engaged.
The stories were beautiful, so well written, infused with honesty and inspiration.
You brought the stories to life with your incredible style, sensitivity and wit.
Brava, Allegra!!

You Rock Girl!
by Liz Floyd Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Those morons that do not understand, hmph.... Tackling religion and all the topics you did was fabulous! Some people ask those questions all the time. Some of the others that came apperently did not have thier minds open enough that night. You seem very focused, settled and happy in your world to me.

She's a Legend for a Reason
by Timothy Meyer Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This is my first time finally seeing Allegra, but I'm fairly upset that I didn't see more of her. One of the few five kitty rating I've given all week.

Spirit Travelling
by dixie treichel Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Another masterpiece by Allegra. Great storytelling about her spiritual journey to selfhood. It's a challenge being queer and bashed by dogma but Allegra has found her voice and chooses to speak. Watch for her around the Twin Cities. A Must See.

Another masterpiece
by Jeff Cawhorn Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I would have given this show more kitties, but five is the maximum amount allowed in this clowder. This is another great performance by a talented storyteller. I was literally on the edge of my seat! I did miss the saxamaphone but that's a minor quibble.

Errrr
by Kassie Church Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I think Allegra is a great story teller, I just think her story isn't all that interesting. Her views on Religion are compelling, but I don't think they were drawn out enough. She seems to brag her way through half the show. And bashing one religion to prop up another is just wrong.

Ugh.
by Derek Henderson Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
Every year I see an Allegra show. Every year I hate it. Every year people say, "It's so good, you must see it!" So every year I go back. I'm an idiot.

This year's show is no exception. The stories are not very interesting or insightful. Yes there are always a few laughs, but even the worst shows elicit a few laughs. Allegra's gotten better at storytelling but still her performance is lacking.

I'm not surprised, but am heartily discouraged to find she's won the encore. Boom was the best show in the Rarig Arena--now there's a man who knows how to do a solo performance. Maybe some of our local Fringers can learn something from an out-of-towner.

four creepy kitties
by BN DR Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
She has a way with words. Novel staging, too.

One of the Best
by roseroberta pauling Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I love Allegra's performance. It was much better than I expected, and in actuality had me in tears at one point, for the first time of all the shows that I have seen....and that is a compliment

As good as I'd hoped.
by Erica Mauter Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A known quantity going in to the show, although, honestly, based on the Fringe-For-All preview I wasn't quite sure I was gonna like this one.

Allegra does a great job working the space in the Rarig Center Arena as she talks through her spiritual and religious path in life with both humor and meaning that anyone could relate to. Her description of the Wooddale church in Eden Prairie cracked me up, since I drive by there all the time. Solid.

Photos from a photo album.
by Nick n Rosie Heille Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Many keep photo albums of their life. Allegra has kept an album of word images she enjoys to shares with others. An album of images that are vivid, filled with color, alive, and full of the reality of life. There were occasional flashes of Will Rogers and Mark Twain in her social commentary. Look for more to come. She did a fantastic job to fill the space of a theater in the round. Tip of the hat to those who coached her. Great stage presence. Look forward to next time she shares the photos from the album of her life.

Terrific Show!
by Red Hot Fan Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is a wonderful show! Allegra Lingo has put together some terrific stories that take you on a journey to places near and far as she guides us through her travels with comedic yet sensitive storytelling. This show is beautifully written and Allegra's performance draws you into each story so you feel a part of her journey of discovery. This is a terrific show and a highlight of the Fringe. Go see this show!

Master storyteller
by Kris Man About Fringe Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
AS one who has dealt with both gay and religious issues in their own life this show had me at tears. Well, not quite as I'm too proud to cry in public but I haven't been as moved in a very long time.

Excellent but troubling
by August Berkshire Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I felt a little sad for Allegra, even though this is supposed to be a story with a happy ending. She feels something is missing in her life, perhaps partly because lesbians are still treated as outcasts in society. After much questioning and wandering, she embraces Catholicism - the religion that is primarily responsible for the prejudice against her. A religion that opposes her expressing who she is in her sexuality and though marriage. She justifies this by having met some loving tolerant Catholics (including a priest and an older lesbian couple) and by her belief that someday Catholics themselves will rise up and overthrow the damaging views of the Catholic hierarchy. If Catholicism was confined to America, Canada, and European countries she might have some hope. However, people are leaving the Catholic church in those countries and the ranks of Catholicism are being filled by Third World people very opposed to gay rights. Allegra should not confuse whatever comforts might be found in cultural Catholicism with its institutional oppression. One wonders, if she is putting money in the Sunday collection plate, isn't she funding continued discrimination against her, since the Catholic Church is opposing same-sex marriage wherever the issue come up? Nevertheless, despite my philosophical problems with the conclusion of the story, this atheist recommends that you see this show about a spiritual journey. You will feel empathy for the performer and admiration for the performance.

Spiritual Allegra
by Reid Gagle Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I enjoy Allegra's work so much, I'll even follow her on a spiritual journey. Which is saying a lot for me. The show is funny, touching, and engaging. Do yourself a favor, and go see it.

I want to marry Allegra.
by Courtney McLean Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I am not a standing ovation person and Allegra's Saturday night performance made me leap to my feet and smack my hands together like I was getting a dollar for each clap. I ran from the Arena to catch my next show and also so everyone would not see the tears streaming down my face as a result of this extremely poignant, moving, and yet also freakin' hilarious show. Allegra's parents caught me outside and I could barely get out "That. Was. Amazing." I am a confirmed Allegra Lingo fan-nerd. Just see the show. And can someone get this girl more press? No seriously!

Storytelling at its best
by Eva Nelson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A touching, hilarious story of faith, love, and finding what you need in the least expected of places.

I agree- your heart's in this one
by Kay Kirscht Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Oh, it was in all of the other shows, too - but you stepped out in front of the audience *fully dimensional* this time. More than just trucking 'round with music stand, or addressing *each* section of the audience in an arena theater...As more than mere performer; as a fascinating writer and person.

The time flew by
by Kristi Lawless Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What a fabulous story-teller, and I liked the way she cleverly ended the show. I may have a slight difference of opinion on critizing other artists, but I can see how in some cases you cannot resist.

Allegra you rock!
by Rachel Reiva Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
That was one of the best shows I've seen so far. Allegra has an amazing way of telling stories, and they're so great to hear. Such great energy she brought to the stage and she could really work a crowd. So, good job and I hope to see you again next year in the fringe.

Talented Storyteller
by Renee Ladd Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
As always, she's a great storyteller and her pacing and the movements and music she includes in the show are very well-done. I just had a hard time connecting to the material. Spirituality and religion are just themes that aren't as appealing to me as some others.

Stage presence and timing
by Richard Peach Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Wow! Allegra is an accomplished storyteller.. even so this show is a significant leap in her craft. What a great stage presence and since of timing. The use of recorded vocals/music and lights elevates this from simple storytelling to an experience not to be missed

Excellent Storytelling
by Tim Voss Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Arguably the best show of my evening. Allegra has really matured as a storyteller. Her stories were about her journeys, both physical and religious, and how they connected. They were well written and totally engaging. Allegra's delivery and timing were spot on. The Rarig Arena can be a hard space to work, but she stayed in touch with the entire audience. Don't miss.

Don't Wait for Godot...
by Patrick Pfundstein Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
...go find him (her)! "Tipping" is the story of a woman's search for faith, which runs from Minnetonka through Moorhead, France and Ancient Egypt to an unexpected source of deep wisdom (no it isn't Kenny G; that would be shocking not unexpected). It was interesting seeing this right after Sarah Martin's quietly moving "As If In Relief", because Allegra Lingo takes a totally different approach (high energy movement suffused with large doses of humor), but succeeds equally in covering some pretty personal ground with some pretty fantastic theater!

A polished gem
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is simply a beautifully conceived, written, staged and delivered monologue. Allegra presents her thought-provoking and very touching narrative with real polish and a painstaking attention to detail.

Allegra continues to grow
by Dave Larson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Another great show from Allegra Lingo. This year she's telling her stories more that reading them, and is moving around away from her music stand and opening up her show. Her writing is getting sharper, and she's a very confident performer. Highly recommended.

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