schedule
Rock Dude Productions
Two Bowls of Cereal and Some Bacon
Mon., Aug. 3 @ 10:00 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 6 @ 5:30 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 7 @ 4:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 8 @ 5:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 @ 2:30 p.m.
Warning! Adult language
Venue U of M Rarig Center Arena
For ages 12+
Written by Mahmoud Hakima
genres Solo, Drama
subjects Family, Historical
features First-time Minnesota Fringe Festival producer
Overall rating
User reviews
Go See? Yes.
by Nick Decker Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Alternating between two biographical anecdotes, Mahmoud Hakima weaves a heartbreaking tale of domestic abuse and racism, and the way a child justifies them into what he perceives as normality. Hakima's tales evoke vivid detail and authenticity that easily transport the listener into the world of a seven-year-old-boy. MaryLynn Mennicke's sound design provides the perfect companions to Hakima's vignettes.
Incredible
by Melissa Beukema Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show moved me more than any other Fringe show I have seen this year or in the past.
I felt completely honored to be privy to scenes from his personal history.
I also appreciated that his program listed the 1800CHILDREN line for those who are either in need of help or wish to contribute because it took us from being passive audience members into the ability to take action if we so choose.
Compelling.
by Heather Meyer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
So moving and refreshing in his storytelling, Mahmoud will invite you into his world and tuck you in with his stories.
Sad
by Kassie Church Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The two stories were very sad. But they kept me engaged and personally interested. His story telling was very well done.
Great Show!
by Bryan Tradup Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Mahmoud's story and the manner in which he told it is amazing! I sincerely hope he will make it to the Fringe next year...I know I will again be in the audience!!
Great creativity
by Laurie Swenson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Simple delivery of a complex story. It was great. It felt to me like we were all pulling for Mahmoud.
An Energy Unto Its Own
by Alex Walker Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Disclaimer: I know Mahmoud personally and consider him a friend.
From the opening lines of monologue in this piece, Mahmoud sets you up for a terrifying, humorous, emotional experience. It was delivered with such grace, action, and incredible honesty that it made you cringe while wanting to reach out and comfort the storyteller.
To be fair, I felt that at times it was a little rushed, and I couldn't always hear everything that was said, which is what drops it to a four.
But from a storyteller's standpoint, it is beautiful and disarming, and the venue is ideal for it. If you are reading this before his final show, please take the time to go out and take it in.
Don't miss it.
by Lindsey McDonald Dorsey Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Powerful and free of pretense; a brave and beautiful handling of painful subject matter.
Amazing
by M. L. Hedgmon Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I saw the youtube preview and immediately knew this was a not-to-be-missed show. Each short vignette was woven into the next, seamlessly knitting together different places and times but all connected. Mahmoud's use of the whole space made the transition from one story to the next so clear. He had the ability to make you believe that a metal chair was so much more, that it could be a bull or an NES.
This show topped my list of best-of-fringe and I would go see it again if he ever chose to revive it in the future.
powerful tale
by brenda atkins Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
mahmoud did a great job of telling his story. it was captivating and inspirational. fantastic job!
he had me in the palm of his hand
by Chris Friedlieb Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
echoing the other reviews... took a story (his story) and made it into Theater... perfectly executed with heart... and in the Round! Impressive
Storytelling at it's best!
by Richard Rousseau Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Well written, well directed and nicely executed. This one is certanily worth the money. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a Fringe show this much.
Well told!
by Katie Knutson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I didn't know what to expect going into this show. Mahmoud and I worked together years ago at a children's theater company, but I had never seen anything he had written or performed alone.
I was pleasantly surprised! This show was well-crafted and told. Mahmoud deals with some really difficult subjects without making it sound like a therapy session.
Well done, friend!
Earnest and Honest, If Lacking Polish
by Sid Solomon Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Mahmoud Hakima tells us about his extraordinary childhood in this earnestly mounted one-man piece. Intertwining short anecdotes about his abusive father and a mysteriously friendly girl at school, he tells his stories simply, honeslty, and from the heart. The show could benefit from some more creative staging and a swifter pace, and perhaps continued development of the script itself. But Hakima's performance is charming and disarming, and is well worth the effort to see.
Amazing Show
by andrew kraft Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was great! Mahmoud instintly captured the audience with a very powerful presence. Easily one of the best shows I have ever seen at the fringe.
so strong
by Karen Cooper Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I'm writing my review standing outside the theater.
The show just ended. I was so moved by .
the weird stories of what happens inside children's minds (because children see the world in their own way). But even more, I was touched by the brutal honest that Mahmoud brought to the stage when he talked about the family he grew up in. I think people who were abused children might want to cautiously consider this show, but for every one else: GO. You'll give a standing ovation.
Made me verklempt.
by Erica Mauter Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
It took me a little bit to get into his style, but once I was in, I really liked it. Storytelling, but not just standing there talking and not relying on props, either. He created a vivid picture of his story with both his words and his actions.
I feel like this show isn't getting the buzz it deserves. It's well worth your time. Bring your friends!
Plus another half!
by Gregory Parks Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I wasn't prepared for the impact and tone of Mahmoud's show. He tells his stories without being maudlin or melodramatic and without playing for audience sympathy. Vivid, heavy and engaging, this show was well worth my time and money.
A very moving script
by Stephanie Long Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
The script is beautifully crafted and moving. I found myself thinking about the script long after the performance.
The show really captures childhood memories and the "mystery girl" is an extremely touching story.
Compelling stories; well told
by Pat Lindgren Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
My friend and I were debating whether his stories were auto-biographical and decided that since they took place on opposite sides of the country at roughly the same time, they must indeed be stories. This is important because he tells them like he lived them. And if they aren't his personal stories, that is truly impressive
wow
by Brian Kitzerow Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I give this guy a ton of credit. He bares his soul and pulls me along in the most captivating story of his childhood.
I really like artists that are willing to try something and see how people will react to them. I have no idea if this is a true story or not. But it doesn't matter. The fact that he can tell the story so well is enough for me. This is why I love the fringe - people like this.
Give this one your consideration. It's why you're here.
Great work
by victor avis Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Mahmoud manages to do what few are able. He puts his troubled child hood outthere without villification. He allows you to see the humanity in all of those that were a part of that time in his life. His story is often funny and intense. A must see for anyone that has had a similar childhood or just want to see a well crafted show.
Amazing Drama
by alex cleberg Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
How will you feel, not what is it about that is the question. This experience puts you right in the history of one of Minneapolis's up and coming actors. Interested in the trials and pain necessary to become an actor with depth of emotion and range of expression? “Bacon” will answer this question.
See This Show!
by AJ Sass Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Mahmoud shares touching, sometimes painful memories that are seamlessly woven into an expertly told story. See this show. It will entertain and move you.
Worth it!!
by Elle Exy Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What a wonderful story teller and performer! This is an interesting and well told tale of a challenging youth.
Wow!
by Jessi Bruehling Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The theatrical mix of play and truth in this piece affected me immensly. I am touched and I continue to feel the stories Mahmoud revealed. He was brilliant and offered a great work of seriousness mixed with humor. You must see this, it will affect you as well!
Real and intense
by Sarah Snider Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Opening night was outstanding! What makes this show work is this: Mahmoud has a story to tell, AND he knows how to tell it well. The structure paced the narrative so it stayed intense, but not overbearingly so. I was shaking as I left the theater. You should go.
A Gem
by Michelle Storm Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Mahmoud Hakima is a gifted story teller and gracefully invites us in while staying in command. It touched me to witness this grown man reveal his vulnerability with humor and insight. There were a number of truly suspenseful moments in these simply told tales. I could see it going further. As it stands, solid and very moving.
Must see!
by Josey Balenger Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Simple, beautifully woven storytelling. Achingly honest, lovely and funny. The Fringe thrives because of shows like this. One of the best shows I have seen in or out of the Fringe. Please please go see it.
Not a comedy, but funny and moving
by Levi Weinhagen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I went to this show because I know Mahmoud and I wanted to support him. I left this show entertained and emotionally touched. The writing was great, but the staging and performance really gave it life and created some of the most intimate and revealing theater I've seen. This show deserves an audience and you'd be lucky to see it.
HIGHLY recommend
by Rachael Davies Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A beautifully written piece. Performed with such honesty and truth. Go take this journey, seriously, GO! One of the most honest, tender, warm and yet heart-breaking pieces of theatre I have seen in a really long time.
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