schedule
Noah Bremer
Untitled Duet with Houseplant
Sun., Aug. 2 @ 10:00 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 3 @ 10:00 p.m.
[A] Thu., Aug. 6 @ 8:30 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 7 @ 10:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 @ 7:00 p.m.
KEY:
[S]=ASL interpreted
[A]=Audio described
Venue U of M Rarig Center Proscenium
For ages 8+
Created by Noah Bremer
genres Solo, Comedy
subjects Relationships
features Regional premiere (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Original script/choreography
Overall rating
User reviews
liked it so much i saw it twice!
by Rachel Petrie Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
enough said...no, seriously - i was engaged for the entire duration of the show and cared about all 4(?) characters that were presented during that time. amazing job, noah. congratulations!
Goofy, Heartfelt Fun
by Justin Alexander Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was the last pre-encore show I saw at this year's Fringe, and I'm glad it was: It left me with a smile on my face and a lightness in my heart.
Bremer's performance is marked by its sincerity. In fact, the sheer intensity of this sincerity can guile you into believing that you are seeing nothing more than a charming, goofy man prancing antically for your entertainment... even as Bremer seamlessly assumes one character after another.
The illusion drops away abruptly as Bremer's characters begin interacting with each other and their stark contrasts are suddenly given definition. This, in itself, then calls attention to the subtler threads of narrative and theme being woven throughout.
In the final moments of the piece, this revelatory triumph reaches its climax as order is plucked from chaos and Bremer reveals that every moment of seemingly zany, irreverent fun has, in fact, been in service to a single, symphonic narrative.
Perfect Way To End The Fringe
by Sid Solomon Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Noah Bremer's performance of Untitled Duet with Houseplant was remarkable. His playfulness and honesty, his humor and his charm, his specificity among the chaos all came together to create a mystical experience in which performer and audience never once felt disconnected. Using only his body, voice, and some boxes filled with simple things, Bremer spent an hour playing with us, never once seeming to lack a childlike sense of wonder and discovery. I'll never know how much of the piece was scripted, and I honestly don't want to. It was an experience that will stay with me for some time, and an opportunity to witness something incredibly special. Well done!
Cute clowning
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Props and audience interaction were the high points. The bicycle and lights were very good shtick. The show relied rather too heavily on the recorded music and some very old physical humor. It was beautiful to watch Noah Bremer connect with some very young kids in the audience!
Greatly Strange, Strangely Great
by Ben San Del Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
While there never seemed to be any real storyline or goal, which makes parts of it drag a little, I couldn't keep myself from smiling during the whole show. Works like a moving abstract painting that's funny. First 10 minutes and last 10 minutes are the best.
A unique physical presence
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Bremer's physicality and charm make up for what at times felt like overly long sequences. Great audience interaction and originality.
Would go again if I could
by Chris Bremer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was probably my favorite show this year. The combination of athletic physical humor, mime, and the tantalizing audience discomfort generated by the main character (not the houseplant) made for a lot of laughs. Both people who attended with me also found it highly entertaining.
Awesome ridiculousness
by Laurie Swenson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show is ridiculous. It's insane. It's also amazing. It looks like a crazy mess, but it's a crazy mess with great choreography. It was a delight to see this, and I'd go back to it again just to bring other people.
WTF?
by Alex Walker Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
Let me start by saying that I think Noah is a fantastic actor and an incredible comedian.
However, this show failed for me for three reasons.
First, the timidity of every character got tiring very quickly. Especially when it took them forever to get past it.
Second, there's a saying in comedy that your costume should never be funnier than your jokes. That was the unfortunate case here.
Lastly, while I am an absolute supporter of silliness, silliness for silliness's sake without context is both awkward and painful to sit through.
That's the best way I can describe this show--awkward and painful to sit through.
Ignoring the fourth wall
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Some performers break down the fourth wall. Noah Bremer just ignores it. Or goes under it. Or lets Tom Jones take a thwack. Or something. Untitled Duet is a masterwork by a Fringe favorite. Four and a half kitties rounded up for sheer inventiveness. A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
Longer reviews with pictures at Baron Dave's LiveJournal and snarky comments on Facebook.
sublime
by Karen Cooper Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The apple. The boxes. The music. The pants. The absurdity. The rabbit. The expressions.
And suddenly, we are all just a little braver at confronting the limitations we give ourselves.
This is what we come here for.
lazy
by Sandy McDonald Follow this reviewer
Rating 0 kitties
I should have known we were in trouble when Bremer started out telling the audience that he was too busy to put a show together but didn't want to give up his Fringe spot. The audience thought he was joking but nope, he was being honest. There was no show here. There was no thought, effort or concept for this "show". It was very insulting, especially coming from such a talented guy.
a whimsical journey
by Sarah Bauer Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Before I even realized the show had started I was pulled in by Noah's subtle stories and outrageous but amazing mime. The entire show was utterly charming. Some of the bits went on a little too long, but I was completely into everything he was doing.
not for me
by Spencer Bondhus Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
After I left the performance I was fairly certain I had gone insane; everyone else in audience was engaged, smiling, and laughing - uproariously at times - while I sat back, stunned by the apparent lack of theatrical value of this show.
The audience genuinely seemed to be friends with the performer, adoring him, thrilled with his every mumble, stumble, and shake. Frankly, I can understand why some people would feel that way, but I do not share that opinion. I wanted something more from a show than free carrots, a silly wig, and shameless use of 80s pop music.
He's So Tall!
by Ben Thietje Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
As odd as I found it at times, the amazing amount of heart, personality, and inventiveness of Noah Bremer eventually won me over.
The houseplant, however, needs coaching.
Enthralling
by Courtney McLean Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I knew Noah's name, but not his (or LAS's) work till a month ago. Well, kinda. "Houseplant" was such an enchanting introduction to the wonder that is Noah Bremer! He takes the simplest ideas and breaks them down into the nano-seconds by which we universally experience them; I don't mean he's moving in slow motion. He applies a lot of thought and a narrative to the actions that domino us through our day. And then he gives the plant a vibrant personality. Awesome.
Untitled Duet With Houseplant
by Danielle Siver Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I adored this show. So charming and simple and absolutely hilarious - my face hurt from smiling by the end of it. As another reviewer said, I could have watched and watched long after the show ended.
Just delightful
by Jim Belich Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This piece was nothing short of joyful. From the moment Noah first zoomed by on a bicycle I was hooked. He led us on what was essentially an exploration of play, from opening packages to seeking advice from Tom Jones to a dance with a houseplant. Every moment was creative and had the feeling of utter spontaneity. My only regret was that it ended far too soon - even an hour was not enough time to watch this talented artist.
I want more!
by lindsey peterson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is a must see! Noah Bremer makes you feel a joy that will bring you to tears! The chemistry between the characters is lovely. Experience the journey with snacks, rockets, wild animals and a special guest appearance by a very special singer.
Go now, before the adventure ends!!!!!
Wait, it's over already?
by Jill Foster Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Witness an established artist let loose in art-making for the fun of it. What happens when he trusts his evident skills? A masterpiece? This is this the Fringe after all, and anyway, he’s already proven himself. Yes, I could have sat back and laughed to experience much, much more merriness.
Wonderfully Zany Crescendo
by Beverly Bajus Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Noah Bremer's physical comedy started simply and somewhat slowly and built to a wonderfully zany crescendo. The appreciative audience was engaged from its first glimpse of the gangly comedian bicyling across the stage in one of his many disguises.
Oh dear
by je jo Follow this reviewer
Rating 0 kitties
Should have known I was in trouble when the actor started giving shoutouts to his friends in the audience. Many many friends in the audience. Which is nice, for him. I'm sure people who know him found it very charming. I was not so charmed. I found it very self-indulgent, boring, and frankly, stupid. Sorry man, i'm sure noah is a really nice guy, but this show was a D-U-D!
play along with Noah
by Emily Gunyou Halaas Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
With subtle skill and roaring charm, Noah crafts a show that will sweep you up in it's romance and drop you on your bum. Don't miss this gorgeously vulnerable show!
Believe Me
by Elise Langer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
It makes you believe in love again, it makes you crave more virtuosity in the world.
Subtly Captivating
by Mickey Foley Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Noah gradually draws you in with simple, yet masterfully performed sight gags, jokes and pantomime. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he's been blessed with effortless charm and boundless grace. By the end, he has somehow conjured a story of real poignance without losing the light, often hysterical comic touch with which he began. This is the work of a brilliant physical comedian.
Performance Art that is actually FUN!
by Jacquie Dutton Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Noah is a master of physical comedy--making an art form that takes years of practice look easy and effortless. This is not a traditional 3-acter, so set your expectations for the art form you'll see and you'll love this! I DID! Plus free Baby Carrots! Woo-Hoo!
Brilliant
by Tim Voss Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Yep. Mr. Bremer is funny, talented, and most of all, brilliant. Wonderful show, and one of the top two I've seen. Don't miss.
It Just Didn't Pull me In
by Judy Cooper Lyle Follow this reviewer
Rating 0 kitties
Maybe I'm boring. Maybe I expected something else. But I was bored, and frankly, I left halfway through.
A Must-See!
by Elizabeth Behnke Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was an amazing show!
Filled with suprises, and laughs around every corner!
Where else can you have a fun filled adventure with a houseplant? A must-see Fringe show!
Wonderfully wierd
by Kirsten Stephens Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
If I had to categorize this show, I'd tag it as surrealist. Whimsical and abstract, but in a way which sows together recognizable moments of human (and plant) experience. Noah is increadibly talented and creative. It is for a specific taste, though. If you love Alice-in-Wonderland-type wierd, you'll love this. Otherwise, you might not understand where the rabbit went.
first standing ovation I've seen
by Dave Stagner Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
And a richly deserved standing ovation it was! Noah's performance has the sort of childlike delight with the world that makes everyone feel better. I laughed so hard the tears came. If everyone in the world saw this show, there would be no more war. I'm totally serious. If you're not happy walking out of this, you're probably dead.
Beautiful and Innocent
by Michael Wade Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
There's something really magical about a clown show that's pulled off just right. For a Sunday night at 10:00 opening night, Noah not only had a large audience..he had a large audience eating out of the palms of his hands.
Houseplant wonders
by Lina Wiksten Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is an incredibly well performed, warm, beautiful, playful and just really funny show. If you want to see a performer who is actually, for real, present in the moment, go see this show. And you'll never look at a houseplant the same way again...
noah-colored glasses.
by Amber Bjork Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
really, the world isn't as bad as people say. and if you could look at it through the eyes of noah bremer for just one hour...well then. that's an hour of whimsy. an hour of bizarre optimism. an hour of complete abandon and childlike glee that you didn't have before.
you know how when you go into a shop that has a lot of perfumed items and they keep a bag of coffee beans around to cleanse your nose palate? no? well...sometimes they do. anyway. noah's like that bag of beans. a wacky bag of beans in the multi-scented mix of the fringe. but...for your mind.
*sigh* i have trouble putting mr. bremer into words. look. you'll really have to go smell his beans for yourself.
Ode to Joy. With a Houseplant.
by Matt Dawson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Noah Bremer will make you so happy.
For real, it's such a sweet, clever, and joyous show that afterward, you'll need hug him. You won't be able to help yourself.
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