schedule
Tedious Brief Productions
Bard Fiction
Thu., Jul. 30 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 1 @ 7:00 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 3 @ 10:00 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 7 @ 10:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 8 @ 7:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 @ 8:30 p.m.
Warning! Violence, Adult language
Venue U of M Rarig Center Thrust
For ages 14+
Written by Various and Sundry Gentlemen
Web site www.bardfiction.com
genres Satire
subjects Historical
features World premiere, Regional premiere (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Original script/choreography, Original music, First-time Minnesota Fringe Festival producer
Overall rating
User reviews
Well Crafted
by Edwin Strout Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Kudos to everyone involved. Not only the translation into Shakespearean verse which seemed flawless, but to condense an over 2 hour movie into 60 minutes while retaining most of the aspects of the entire film. And everyone delivered it straight as if they were doing a Shakespearean classic. Well done all.
I liked it, but I didn't enjoy it.
by Erica Mauter Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I love the concept. The show was really well done. The costumes, the staging, the dialog, everything. I especially liked Lingua Luna.
That said, I didn't find it nearly as funny as everyone else around me. I guess I'm just not into Pulp Fiction enough to fully appreciate it.
Long SNL Skit
by Micah Bruce Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
This reminded me of the classic "douchebag" skit, the very last skit on SNL that featured the original cast.
For me, that means that I knew I was watching something of value, something well-done, but didn't really find it all that funny. Kudos to the excellent cast. Kudos for the effort. But for me, in the end, it was more of a Garrett Morris/Laraine Newman than a Bill Murray/Gilda Radner.
Brilliant and Delightful!
by Heather Meyer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Huge kudos to the impressive fight choreography! And excellent, excellent script!
An absolute delight.
I wish I'd rewatched the movie first
by Sharon Kahn Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I've only seen Pulp Fiction one time several years ago, so a lot of the spoof went over my head. However, I caught enough of the references to see how brilliantly the source material was adapted to the Elizabethan style. If there's a remount of this play I think I'd rewatch the movie and then see the play again. The dialogue flew so thick and fast that it would take several viewings to pick it all up.
AWESOME!!!
by M. L. Hedgmon Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
You have to see this show! The place was packed and the energy was high. What I loved was that the actors played this piece seriously, though there were so many funny lines.
Kill Playbill
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Too many years have passed for me to catch all of the Pulp Fiction references, but I retained enough to follow along. Even if you haven't seen the movie, much works. A clever idea well handled. A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
Longer reviews with pictures at Baron Dave's LiveJournal and snarky comments on Facebook.
Clowns to the left of me
by Sam Landman Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
My first intention was to go into this with a little bit of disdain. Don't fuck with a classic. Moreover, I'm not a big fan of Fringe shows that draw butts into seats by title alone. But the writing of this show was pretty awesome. How these guys were able to keep the storyline intact, I have no idea. But they did. I do wonder if there was at least one person in the audience who'd never seen PULP FICTION. I had a roommate once who'd never seen STAR WARS 4,5 or 6, so I guess it's possible. I'm biased, of course, because I have seen PULP FICTION more than a few times. MY guess would be that they'd still grasp the storyline, regardless of the fact that it was in iambic pentameter. That being said, I encourage Ben and Noe to definitely produce another show together. I give all involved a lot of kudos for attempting this. A few standout actors of note were, Bjork, Emma and the guy who played "Marcelles." See this before it closes if possible. And don't give up on rush tickets, as it's a REALLY big venue. I'm pretty sure these guys will win the encore, but don't wait until then.
Do it one more time
by Shelly Regan Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Bard Fiction. One word: encore.
One of my top five
by Chris Friedlieb Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Just one of my favorites this year... Everything covered for my personal fringeometer... creative, fun, professionally performed, creative and intelligent, and for extra points: a Collaboration!
hurly burly's done
by michael freiert Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A delightful presentation with artful staging, producing a witty retelling of pulp fiction, without a knowledge of which, you will miss the pentametric paraphrasing of popular pieces of text from the film, several of which are negligently not reworked marring an otherwise outstanding script.
Pop culture was his forté any way
by Jesse Corder Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
With great flow and wonderful costumes, this piece of neo-contemporary-classical work jumps from scene to scene with the precision of the original. The only tick is you have to know the original to get most of the humor. It's not a stand alone. It's not meant to be.
Good interpretation of Shakespeare
by Eric Meininger Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A nice interpretation of Pulp fiction in the Shskespearian style - I recognized a few of the scenes from the movie, but if you're like me, and the last time you saw the movie was when it premiered in the theater, you'll muss most of the plot. It doesn't hold together without that background. The acting, however was excellent - even the violent scenes (well, it is pulp fiction -- especially the violent scenes). I especially enjoyed the scenes from the pub, and the musical interludes.
Awesome
by Michael Wolter Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A must see!
best comedy of this year's Fringe
by Dan Pinkerton Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Smart, hilarious iambic pentameter version of PULP FICTION is good enough to be in a class with David Mann's CORLEONE, and that's saying a lot. First rate performances from a terrific cast led by Clarence Wethern and Grant Henderson, as well as Carin Bratlie's tight direction, make this a must see.
Much to Appreciate Here!
by Mimosa Olsen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I was a bit reluctant to see this show, even though many had said it was very funny and well done, because I am *not* a Tarantino fan. This was well done though. The language was easily understood and the plot was easy enough to follow even without seeing the movie (though some knowledge of the subject matter did help me out a bit).
I have to admit my favorite bit was Sprint's performance particularly after I learned that her speach replaced a phone call. It was cleverly staged and her performance was hysterical.
You have one (maybe two) more chances to see it! Don't miss out!
good, but not as good as the sources
by Dave Stagner Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
It's a marvelously Fringy idea... take Tarantino's beloved and hopelessly cool drama and recast it as Shakespeare. The performance is about as good as can be expected. The dialog transitions witty and the translation of technology and storytelling tricks to Shakespearean tropes funnier (broadswords rather than shotguns, messengers rather than cell phones, etc), the cuts for sake of time well chosen. But... it ain't Shakespeare. And it ain't Tarantino. And the actors ain't Travolta and Jackson and Willis. In the translation to a gag, it loses much of the weight and power of the original story. But despite this snobbish grumbling, it IS a heck of a lot of fun.
Bored Fiction
by tim schuck Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Overrated and overexposed. Clever idea, but poorly executed. The leads were weak. (But the women were good). The one guy strutted and preened so much, I thought he should have had someone with a mirror onstage so he could admire himself. See something else.
Ever so clever
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Quite a polished show! The writers did a fine job of paring it down to a Fringey hour and hitting most of the highlights of the film. Good stage fights, even from the front row where fakes and failures are most obvious. The language rang true and the Shakespearean insults were well done. Set arrangements were also well done, notably the shifting tavern tables and the tinkers' wagon. Lost one kitty because the show only works if the viewer has at least passing knowledge of the movie.
Best show in fringe!
by Devin Nordson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Sure, the concept is cute, but the execution was amazing! Great acting by everyone, excellent staging, creative language (there's no "fuck" in Elizabethan English, but there are many ways to imply it), and great staging.
My only quibble was that the excellent instrumentalists needed to be miked.
5 for the concept, 4 for the execution
by Heather Baldwin Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A Shakespearian adaptation of "Pulp Fiction" is a clever idea for a Fringe show, and it certainly delivered. However, I think if you have not seen "Pulp Fiction" (or don't have much familiarity with Shakespearian dialogue), a lot of the jokes will fly over your head. I had seen "Pulp Fiction" back in the mid 90s, but I had forgotten many of the scenes. I remembered the major ones, though, and I thought the parodies were spot on. The "wandering minstrels" playing songs from the soundtrack was a nice touch, too. My only complaint was that some of the dialogue was hard to hear when the actors were facing away from me. Otherwise, it's a fun show, and fans of "Pulp Fiction" and Shakespeare will definitely enjoy it.
Elizabethan Swagger
by Robert Gooch Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
While I may have to concede that having a familiarity with the original movie set me up to enjoy this production, I believe it true that you can enjoy this show without having seen the movie.
The staging was excellent, the acting perfectly subtle, and the rhyme and prose was a joy to listen to. The context doesn't allow for the famous "F-bomb" so prevalent in the movie, and the writers came up with some really unique and creative ways to wrap in dirty Shakespeare. This definitely isn't your typical enjambment. I think that anyone familiar with Shakespeare in the least could enjoy the language.
The show is significantly less violent than the movie, and though it definitely contains adult themes (and for those familiar with the movie, very familiar situations), it will not shake your stomach - with the exception of a couple moments.
I would highly, highly recommend this show.
Bring out thy gimp
by Mike Croswell Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Bard Fiction is just the sort of fun I want to have at the Fringe Festival. It is obvious this company has worked diligently in preparing Pulp Bard. The reviews are correct, see the movie before you see this in order to get the most out of the experience.
The thrust staging was a key piece of this show. I enjoyed seeing the various angles of the restaurant and apartment stab-out scenes.
Once and a while actors end up with their backs to the audience as they deliver key lines however. The acoustics of the thrust stage are difficult and greater compensation is needed by the actors. Words are lost in soft dialogue passages.
Overall this did not detract from the show, it is a really good take on The Bard. The man from Stratford is rolling from laughter in his grave!
Extremely clever and often brilliant!
by David Beukema Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I'm incredibly happy that this show was the first Fringe show I've ever actually seen. It sums up, to me, what the Fringe can be in its best incarnation - creative, unique, and crowd pleasing.
The way the script integrated the movie with Shakespearean language was ingenious, and there were frequent flashes of brilliance. I was super into the way that some things from the film were transformed into great Shakespeare hallmarks (asides, soliloquies, messengers, ghosts). Huge accolades are due for the adaptation and the uniformly excellent performances (who doesn't love a good Walken impression?).
One kitty is held back for two reasons, one of which I'll admit is my fault. I really wish I'd rewatched the movie right before going. I'm still familiar with some of the incredibly iconic scenes and lines, but I wish it was fresher in my mind. Stupid David! Second, as many others have mentioned, is volume. I lost quite a bit of the dialogue (partly to blame are the acoustics in the Thrust, which really make you listen hard - sound seems to die around the second row), but some of the actors were quite quiet.. But still a highly enjoyable, wonderful, incredibly clever evening of theatre!
Comic, yep.
by Christian Carter Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Sure the entire show is predicated on the idea that things sound funny when you talk Shakespearean dialect. But that's true.
Awesome Idea
by Ben San Del Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I took one kitty away because the show is sort of one joke stretched over an hour (and the cast was too quiet), but it's such a clever joke. Pulp Fiction is my favorite movie, which made this a joy overall.
Fusion Theater
by dixie treichel Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Fusion Theater-Fiction or Fact? Paper or Pulp?
Murder, death, torture-oh boy!
Well directed-good design team
kept surprising me
by Jim Oliver Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I went to this show expecting to see some clever writing and scenery chewing in a parody of a movie I love. I knew I'd like it, so I went.
The real delight for me was in how frequently I found myself surprised by how the script and staging were able to comically handle compressing such a big, rich film into a different medium and language. From big things like the story of the watch, to Marvin's unfortunate demise I was laughing myself sick as much at the genius of the conversion as the comedy in the performance.
Really enjoyed myself. Do more stuff.
Wish we could do half kitties
by Melissa Beukema Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Then I would give this a 4.5 kitty rating.
In any event, the staging was excellent. Jules and Vincent were perfectly cast and the musical maidens were terrific.
I will echo what others have said about parts of it being a bit too quiet (particularly Butch's father's ghost).
Also, the program notes that it's for all people having seen Pulp Fiction or not and I must disagree with that. Had I not watched the movie the evening before the performance I would have been extremely lost.
Pancakes with no fruit
by Amy Williams-Scott Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The 10 pm show on Monday nearly filled the thrust stage at Rarig. Wow.
I was surprised at how well the story and characters translated to Shakespearean time and communication. Timing was flawless. So important with comedy and Shakespeare. The writers took an idea and did an inspired job of rewriting this story.
This show had so may variations of jokes that I can't imagine getting them all without a copy of the script while watching the movie. I would dearly love to be able to do this.
Let us lurk
by Eric Netterlund Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this show. I also have to say that if you haven't seen Pulp Fiction, you won't enjoy this show anywhere near as much as the rest of us who have seen it.
That being said, I was really impressed with how well choreographed the fights were. They worked quite well. I was also really impressed at how many people showed up for a 10pm show on a Monday night.
bard fiction
by michelle greer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
this play was amazing! it was hyterically funny and well acted. and the best part was the fact that the writers managed to take tarantino's masterpiece, cut it down to the required time amount for fringe and still keep all pertinent plot information and a cohesive story line!!
A job mostly well done
by Nate Hessburg Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I have to say I was surprised at how much I really liked this. I'm not a fan of Shakespear at all. However, the writters did an amazing job with this show. They picked great moments to cram a two hour movie into an hour long show. Great performances and witty staging choices really made this an enjoyable experience for me.
I had a really hard time hearing most of the cast. It can't be blamed on the staging. Since other reviewers have mentioned this and I saw it on the third night I was hoping this would be corrected. If this had been addressed and corrected, I would have given this show five kitties.
Terrific performances all around, outside of the volume issue. It really is something to see if you love Pulp Fiction.
Witty and Entertaining
by Julie Stone Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Shakespeare would have been right on the beat of this -- he wrote about things other peopel did not; Tarantino had the same knack for hitting a modern vibe... These players follow that wonderful tradition. Very entertaining.
I shot Marvin in the face.
by Derek Sandbeck Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was a spectacularly executed show. The dialogue was top-notch, and the actors' rapid-fire delivery made for a very Tarantino-esque feel. Clarence Wethern's Julius was fantastic, as was his Christopher Walken impression. And Lingua Luna's take on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack was the icing on the cake.
And for everyone who had problems hearing the dialogue, maybe it's time to turn up the ol' hearing aid. I was in the back and heard every bit, barring the plentiful audience laughter, of course.
See it!
Oedipus-ing Good.
by Anders Nerheim Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Retelling one of the most famous films of all time in verse, not an easy task. The dialogue was fantastic. The variations of classic lines was a joy. I have not seen Pulp Fiction for about 2 months (where, strangely enough, I got a postcard for this show. It all comes full circle doesn't it?) I would have liked to have watched the film then the show. Some jokes were lost on me, because I could not directly quote the movie, but that's the way it is with every show. You catch some jokes and you miss some. The cuts made were near perfect, though I would've liked to see Tarantino's cameo role surface somewhere. However, an hour just is not enough time to fit everyones favorite bits in, and I think we all understand that. Talented actors, wonderful use of the thrust, and a solid book give us a fringe show to be seen by all...just maybe rent the movie first. It's worth the extra 2.50.
Unbelievable Skillful Parody
by William Beeman Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Who would ever think to do this--an Elizabethan version of the film Pulp Fiction. It is hilarious--all the more so because of the dead-on Elizabethan English dialog, and the amusing substitutions of daggers for pistols, snuff for cocaine, meat pies for Big Macs, etc.. For those who really know the film, it is funny times four, or eight. The die hard PF fans, the kind who have memorized large hunks of the dialog of the original film were apoplectic. The large ensemble cast plays beautifully off each other. Toward the end I got a very creepy feeling. Pulp Fiction was released in 1994--fifteen years ago. Most, if not all of the cast, could not have seen the movie legally when it was first released. Aagh! They know the film from DVD's or Videotape. For those of us of a certain age, this inspires a certain terror. The audience was the largest I had seen in the Rarig Thrust Stage space. The popularity is well deserved.
An Elizabethan Masterpiece
by Justin Alexander Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The program notes that the goal of the production is not to satirize Pulp Fiction with archaic language, but rather to retell its story in an Elizabethan style.
It succeeds brilliantly, dramatically, and comically. High quality verse trips off the tongues of a massively talented ensemble, and Bratlie's direction finds clever ways of bringing Tarantino's clever cinematography to the stage without aping the film.
I saw the show with someone who had never seen the Tarantino original. I, myself, have not seen Pulp Fiction in years. Not only did we both love the show, but it inspired us to both track down copies of the film so that we can rewatch it and then come back to the theater and enjoy Bard Fiction all over again.
Pulp Pentameter
by Ryan Grimes Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
It's very likely that this show was not for me. I haven't seen Pulp Fiction in years, and iambic pentameter is hard for me to follow when actors aren't projecting or holding for laughs. There's a lot that happens in the hour that Bard Fiction occupies, the most enjoyable of which are Carin Bratlie's clever staging of Tarantino's out-of-order sequencing and stellar performances by Clarence Wethern (Walken would be pleased), Grant Henderson, and Emma Gochberg.
Even if you're dense like me and find most Shakespearean stylings tiring, you'll still enjoy the excellent staging, committed actors, delightful music, and superior production values. And it's a kick to be in the audience of *the* show of the Fringe. The audience had a blast - the sign of truly great theatre.
En garde!
by Cody Stewart Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
8-3-09 @ 10:00pm
Rarig Center: Thrust Theater
One word of caution. If you have never seen the film 'Pulp Fiction', you will be lost. If you have seen it or remember it, this play will really tickle your fancy. The script was very excellent in it's Shakespearean verbage; however, I didn't feel that the characters were quirky in a Tarantino style. The acting is very realistic and I was impressed by the blocking in the Rarig Thrust. I rate this piece a 3 out of 5.
An ambitious project
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This is an ambitious project with elements requiring a lot of attention: elaborate costumes, considerable stage combat, live music, etc. On a practical level, I had trouble hearing quite a bit of the dialogue -- and I was on the front row. I don't know if the problem was vocal projection or audio technology, but a lot of people said the same thing after the performance I saw. I have seen Pulp Fiction and remember the classic scenes (cheeseburgers in France, overpriced milkshakes, Bible verse-spouting, etc.), so I think I was able to follow the parallels pretty well. Still, I think to be really ga-ga over this (and many in the packed 10 p.m. performance on a weeknight clearly were), it helps to be a big Pulp Fiction fan. That said, though, it was still a very admirable and ambitious project and I was glad that I went.
I wrote a long thoughtful review...
by David Dworkin Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
but when I clicked on submit, I got a "user ID failed" message. So here's the short version: If you're a Pulp Fiction fan who has seen the movie several times, you will LOVE this performance. Even if you're not a fan, you may not get all the references, but it's so well acted, scripted, and directed that you'll probably like it anyway.
Fun, clever and satisfying
by Matthew Greseth Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I went to this show hoping for a hour of fun and was not disappointed. The script highlights the memorable and iconic moments of the movie. There was only one part of the movie I wished they would have included, but hey they only have an hour right?
The acting is very well done, with some spot on impressions of the movie. My only gripe is that at times some of the actors were hard to hear.
Carin's direction is top notch. Her blocking and stage pictures are perfect for that space, and she made some real inventive choices.
Congrats to the cast and crew, put it on your schedule, you will not be disappointed.
This one needs six kitties
by Eric Salo Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Brilliant, clever, inspired and very very funny. Bravo!
Hilarious take on Shakespeare/Tarantino
by Hazen Markoe Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Every year at the Fringe, there are one or two productions that come to the event with a boatload of hype. Sometimes, shows live up to it, while others are less fortunate. Tedious Brief Productions had the burden this year with their eagerly anticipated spoof of the popular "Pulp Fiction" set in the world of Shakespearean England. Thankfully, they do not disappoint with this solidly written and acted piece that obviously shows much respect to the original flick. The ensemble cast all do a wonderful job with their myriad characters and laughs come fast and furious. Of course, it does help if you are already familiar with the film, but you can still appreciate the impeccable timing and schtick. Definitely a must see!!!
low energy, but wonderful concept
by Aiden Hodges Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I loved the concept. I loved the costumes and stes. I loved the live music. I loved the clever way the entire text was written into verse. It was also clever to have all of the major action offstage just as they did in Shakespeare's day in order to cut down time. I loved that the cell phone was personified by an actual messenger. I did not love that the cast looked bored onstage for most of the show. I did not love that I had a hard time hearing. And I did not love the numer of line flubs/flat deliveries. I know the piont was not to do impersonations of the movie actors, but I think it would have been more fun to do so.
Bard Fiction
by Stefanie Konobeck Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Do yourself a fav and review the movie before the show.
Cleverly Written, Cleverly Done
by Sid Solomon Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Walking out of Bard Fiction, the word that stuck with me was clever. The highlight of this show was trying to guess what witty Elizabethan wordplay would be used to recreate each given scene. The complex nature of the language was handled adeptly by some more than others (Clarence Wethern deserves praise in particular), but it's a perfectly charming show if you like (and are familiar with) both Shakespeare and Pulp Fiction.
Tarantino would be proud
by Ashley Schweitzer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A great addition to one om favorite Fringe traditions - Shakespeare remixed. It earns its buzz (and my 5 kitties) - you'll regret missing this one!
Unoriginal
by J. Anderson Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
Cast is too big to review individually, so I'll just say that the acting itself is decent, but the whole "Let's set a movie in Shakespeare" thing is so tired and done to death. Love the live music.
Across the Board Great
by Joshua Humphrey Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Writing, direction, acting, music, tech and design in this production were all top-notch. The adaptation, though I felt would lose something going from a 2 hour plus movie to a 1-hour fringe show, was easily followable and spot-on in execution. This was aided greatly be the direction, which allowed Bard Fiction to flow easily and quickly from scene to scene without so much as a bump.
The producers of Tedious Brief certainly had a blast putting this together, and watching it all come together is a joy and a rolling time. There may be some who will say that Pulp Fiction is required watching for the enjoyment of Bard Fiction--and they're right, you will get more from seeing the moving going into this play--but from those few souls that haven't seen the movie but saw Bard Fiction, it was still a good time, and the love of the material is evident and infectious.
One of the shows with the strongest buzz of this year's fringe, it's well-earned buzz.
Bard Fiction
by Nancy Mullen Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I was with my husband, a Pulp Fiction fan. He liked it a lot and that must be what it takes. I saw Pulp Fiction once years ago. There were a few parts I found a amusing but otherwise I was not engaged.
Great Show
by Guy Bock Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The show itself is flawless, funny, clever, engaging and an impressive transplant of a modern story to an Elizabethan setting. If you haven't seen the movie, or don't remember it well, you may feel annoyed by the frequent laughter of your fellow audience members. While the production easily stands on its own merits, fans of the movie will enjoy the show on a level that will leave anyone else feeling left out of the fun.
Complaining about not hearing the actors in Bard Fiction is a bit like going to a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show and trying to shush the oddly dressed noisy people in the next row.
Oh. My. God.
by David Norris Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Having never seen the source material this show was drawn from (a mistake I intend to remedy soon enough so I can see this show again), I went into this thinking, "Hmmm, an Elizabethan translation of Pulp Fiction. This could be interesting." And was promptly blown clear out of my seat. From the first opening crowd scene that would have made Shakespeare himself drool to the very last crowd scene that brought the whole thing full circle, this was bloody brilliant. To say that the performances were strong is an understatement, and the script is simply amazing! The film was actually translated into fully functional and high octane period verse, flawlessly and entertainingly executed. Don't go expecting Tarentino or lookalikes—this is so much more than pastiche; a piece the Bard himself would have been proud to have written.
I love this
by Liz Floyd Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
almost as much as I loved Shakespere and the Land of the Dead last year. I went to all sorts of Shakespear after that show. This show could do the same for others not exposed to the spins and yarns of Shakespear yet.
I want to marry this show
by Stan Peal Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
but I'm already married. Brilliant, just effing brilliant. PS - I sat halfway back and never had a problem hearing anyone, except for the curtain call when the thundrous applause drowned out the talented musicians. Get ya some electric mandolins!
For Pulp Fiction fans only
by August Berkshire Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
If you saw, remembered, and liked Pulp Fiction, then you will probably like this show a lot, as most of the audience in attendance with me seemed to. However, I remembered nothing about Pulp Fiction, except for the fact that I didn't like it much. Therefore, for me, this play had to stand on its own merits. Unfortunately, if you don't get the allusions to Pulp Fiction, then you're probably wasting your time with this show, as I felt I was. Great costumes and nice minstrels, though.
Loved It!
by Kay Jackson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I have little to add to the other reviews except and unqualified "Go See It."
Ingenious!
by Jenny Hunt Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Wow, what a fun, innovative show! Mixing Shakespeare and Tarantino works surprisingly well - I'm going to watch the movie and then see this show again. Solid acting, too, and fantastic live music. This show seems to have the most buzz around it...
lovely
by Christi Williams Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Cleverly written and put together.
What the F@%k.
by Tim Johnson Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
When I saw that this show was going to be a part of the Fringe Festival I was really excited. I love Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare. Boy, was I disappointed. First off no African American playing Jules. How do you do a Pulp Fiction satire with out having an African American? The acting was okay over all but lacked the acting chops to pull off the Tarantino flair. The directing was flat and two dimensional. Not as good as I hoped.
Great concept, poorly executed
by Sky Darling Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
Absolutely fantastic writing-anyone who can translate something like Pulp Fiction into Elizabethan text gets my praise. But too many jokes were lost due to fast talking and not taking breaks for audience laughter-the actors just kept going and going. The slowest part of the show was the Vincent/Mia restaurant scene. Way too slow, don't think she got the concept. Other than that, work on it some more and remount another time. This could be a great show, but tweaks definately need to be done.
Almost
by Nanette Stearns Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Almost made me want to see Pulp Fiction again. Very professionally done, highly creative!
Very clever....
by Betsy Nelson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This show was very well written and performed. I was very impressed and really loved the musicians that performed between scenes. Wish I would have re-watched Pulp Fiction before I saw this, though, so all the classic lines would be fresh in my mind. I loved it!
Mumbling
by Anne Spradley Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
It would have been a great show, but the actor's were hard to understand. They mumbled. Too bad.
Enjoyable. Now slow down.
by Marie Odle Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Excellent concept, witty and clever translation, solid acting. WAY too fast in the speaking department. I missed tons of jokes because everyone spoke so fast. It's hard to catch a joke when it's told at 30mph in Elizabethan english.
This is the one
by Bill Stiteler Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is the first "must see" show of the Fringe season: a clever mashup of Shakespeare and Tarantino--combining the strengths of each. This is the one you'll be telling people about later, saying "You won't believe what you missed."
Holy Codpieces
by Chelley McLear Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I wish I'd rewatched Pulp Fiction before I went to see this. Even so, this was hilarious (and I'm an out of towner who knows no-one in the cast - no simony or nepotism!) Well written, slick, sharp, and some lovely faces to look at too (bonus!). If you've time, raid your DVD collection to refresh your memory just to ensure that you get the best out of this...
QT Redux
by Reid Gagle Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
What is it with Tarantino movies and live theater? A while back, we had the all-female "Reservoir Bitches". Now a Shakespearean "Pulp Fiction". What's next -- a Roman "Killius Billius"? This play is a ton of fun for fans of the movie; it sounded like someone behind me had busted a gut. But if you do not know "Pulp Fiction" pretty well, the story's convoluted timeline will be rather confusing in the play's abbreviate format. (The older couple next to us looked like they wished that they were anywhere else in the world.) Final note: I thought that doing the Butch (boxer) subplot as Hamlet was quite inspired.
should probably be a 5 kitty's but...
by Jeff Miller Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I will be reserving 5 for the truly brilliant. That said, go see this show! This show is really well written and performed. I WILL be seeing it again as there were (I'm sure) nuances that I did not catch. It was so extremely fun it's worth watching twice. Well cast, well acted, great direction and interesting staging. Well worth the time and a bargain at $12.
Incredibly Smart and Incredibly Fun!
by Eric Herr Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved this show. You don't need to have a recent understanding of Pulp Fiction...but I do wish I had re-watched it before attending. That being said, the show is absolutely amazing. These folks really took some time to translate the tarantino script into Iambic Pantameter, taking some modern day liberties when necessary. The "royale with cheese" joke had me doubled over with laughter! GO. SEE. ENJOY!
Loved loved loved it!
by Roger Davis Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
FUNNY and VERY well written. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. Also great performances! Perfect casting.
I was pleasantly surprised
by Katherine Hammond Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I feared I wouldn't like the show. I tend to not like the "popular" shows with a lot of hype and I'd heard a lot about this one. But what I heard was right and the show was great. Funny and very clever.
Blown away!
by Harv Nelson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Saw it on a lark, but glad I did! I was afraid they were just going for the gimmick, but wow did they do it right! Great acting all around, fantastic dialogue, well done adaptation full of energy. LOVED the watch scene. A bit dissappointed they didn't include The Wolf, and missed what sounded like some good stuff because they kept going during all the laughter, but in keeping it to an hour I guess they did what they could. Not a Fringe goer before, but this brought me in and I'm looking forward to seeing more.
Go See? At Least Twice
by Nick Decker Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I've wondered how enjoyable some of the more reference-heavy shows are to those unfamiliar. It's been four or five years since I last saw Pulp Fiction, and I wasn't sure if I needed a brush-up on the film to enjoy performance. But it seems that the writers hit the major touchstones of the film, many of which are culturally ubiquitous and recognizable to even those who have not seen Tarantino's original.
I was amazed at the seamless transition of handgun to dagger, cocaine to snuff, "Bad Mother****er" to "Blasted Oedipus." The use of iambic pentameter and an Elizabethan-influenced dialect retained the spirit of the dialogue while remaining easy to follow. Standout performer Clarence Wethern, taking the classic roles of Samuel L. Jackson's "Julius" and Christopher Walken's "Koons," avoids the trap of turning two well-known roles from two oft-parodied actors into caricatures, retaining the essence of the characters.
This is a play for lovers of Shakespeare who want a good laugh at the Bard. This is a play for anyone who has ever seen Pulp Fiction, regardless of how they feel about the movie or Quentin Tarantino in general. And for those who have never seen the film, what a great way to test how ingrained into our culture the movie has become. This is a Fringe stand-out.
Well Written, Fair Acting
by Aaron Christopher Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I was skeptical going into this show, wary of the “flawless” formula, anything + Shakespeare= Fringe Festival Gold. The shows’ writing was very clever and delivers some good laughs. However I couldn't help but feel that some of the acting (certainly not all) lacked the energy, intensity, and edginess that makes Tarantino what they are, which in my opinion would have propelled this show from amusing to hilarious.
Where's the chaos?
by Michael Wade Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
When I think Pulp Fiction, I think chaos and insanity. This production felt very controlled. From the fights to the "stab-outs" nothing felt dangerous or surprising.
Don't get me wrong, the script is funny. Really funny. The difficulty of doing it on stage, though, is that it's 3/4 banter. There is a lot of standing around and just saying lines. On film that works thanks to multiple angles and close ups. On stage, however, you have to do a little more than just sit at a table chatting to keep me interested.
Not a bad show, just not as good as it could be.
Bard Fiction
by Ronni Tallen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This play was a great combination of Shakespeare and pop culture. It helps to have seen Pulp Fiction. The writing and acting were first rate!
Exactly what you're looking for!
by Katie Willer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is absolutely the best possible way to start the Fringe. The staging was beyond clever. The actors were engaged as if this were actually Shakespeare. Grant and Clarence were perfect choices for the lead roles--I hope to see them acting together again in the future. I'm sure I'll be joining the ranks giving this 5 kitties without question.
Broadway Bound!
by David Tallen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
In fairness, I may be a little prejudiced, but this is a very clever and funny show. It is a must see for every Tarantino fan. The opening night audience was very "Pulp Fiction aware," and loved how the movie speeches were translated into iambic pentameter, and how the 20th century was adapted to the 17th. Don't miss it.
Bard's the Word
by Jessica Bertucci Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is was so excitingly entertaining. Great cast, great laughs. Haven't seen the movie in years, but still enjoyed this show. However, if you get a chance to refresh yourself on the movie, you may enjoy it even more.
Smart and fun
by Eva Nelson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Tired of shows that cater to the lowest common denominator and still want to have a stitch in your side from laughter? Bard Fiction is the show for you. Catch this one early because it's bound to sell out.
Don't know Pulp Fiction? Don't worry about it (this reviewer hasn't). There's still plenty there for you to enjoy.
Great storytelling, acting, and adaptation.
Great concept, acting - check audio
by Pat Lindgren Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
You won't be disappointed if you add this show to your schedule. The concept is great and the cast is very good. If you didn't like Pulp Fiction (or if you wouldn't let your kids watch) this isn't the show for you. Some actors could use more diaphragm - hard to hear sometimes and when doing Elizabethan language, that can be a handicap.
When Quentin Met Bill
by evelyn blum Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
One word review would be REMOUNT as in remount this please.
Its scary big for me to have this as my high bar for the rest of the 9 days. Its suppose to be a marathon not a sprint but this was incredibly entertaining, professional, funny, and right on for a Bard meets Pulp Fiction. Only tiny little criticism, hit harder on the crema! :)
What they call a cottege pie in France?
by Christopher Bauleke Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I absolutely loved this show. It's a must see of this year's Fringe. I just wished I had watched Pulp Fiction recently to refresh my memory. The show started out great and never stopped, the audience was laughing the whole time.
I know that the Fringe is short, and finding out what you should see is hard, but go see this show!
Rocked my world
by Valerie Rigsbee Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Excellent script performed by a fantastic group of actors. See this show. Now.
Frickin' Awesome
by Sheila Smith Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Smart, sassy, consistent and clever. Light years better than the show we saw before it. Shakespearean dialogue straight from Tarantino, well staged, well done. Helps if you've seen Pulp Fiction, but not required. In our group, those of us who had seen the movie laughed more, and those who hadn't were convinced Shakespeare had written this.
brilliant adaptation!
by Dawn Higgins Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I want to dig up my Pulp Fiction DVD to refresh my memory and then see this again! What a rollicking good time, and the cast blew me away. :)
they couldn't stop laughing
by David Trudeau Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Clever send up sometimes hard to follow due to audience persistently laughing raucously over lines- a testimony to how clever. 1st performance so actors forgiven for not riding all the laughs. Suggest reviewing "Pulp Fiction" on Wikepedia or other movie source to get up to snuff on the in jokes before going. A hit.
A Crazy Good Time
by Brian Alexander Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What fun. It's like having Tarantino at the Ren Fest. Pull out that old tape of Pulp Fiction and refresh yourself on the story, then sit back and enjoy this retelling of the story in Elizabethan manner. So creative. Lots and lots of laughs. Loved it.
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