schedule
Four Humors Theater
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
Fri., Jul. 31 @ 10:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 1 @ 10:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 2 @ 8:30 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 6 @ 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 8 @ 8:30 p.m.
Venue U of M Rarig Center Thrust
For ages 2+
Created by (See E-mail Note)
Web site fourhumorstheater.com
genres Comedy
subjects Kids
Overall rating
User reviews
Wonderful!
by Edwin Strout Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I didn't know anything about this theater company or the script going in and what a pleasant surprise. Apparently I've been missing out, as everyone else then told me what a wonderful company this was and the always pitch perfect shows that they do. Excellent, excellent. Well acted, directed and written a wonderful entertainment all around.
my inner child's favourite show
by Sarah Bauer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved these books as a kid and recognized all of the stories brought to life onstage. The show was very clever in finding ways to bring the magical realism of the books to life. There was never a moment where I did not believe any of the adult actors were kids.
Fun and entertaining!
by Susan Roberts Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I've seen several of the actors in this group from previous Fringe years. A stand out - Courtney McLean. She was hilarious in her role. I am not familiar with the books this show was based on - but I still had a great time. The rest of the cast were excellent and I thought the actor playing Myron was a hoot! Good show!
No worm in this apple!
by Cody Stewart Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
8-8-09 @ 8:30 pm
Rarig: Thrust Theater
Four Humors has done it again! Courtney McLean was the perfect Ms. Jewls. The double casting was brilliant. The utilization of stage magic and characterization of the classmates was worth every mouthwatering apple bite! Great for kids and adults alike and mad kudos to Four Humors for expanding their audience. 5 out of 5.
Exhilarating Show
by Ben San Del Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Hour went by in a flash. I knew from the first scene this would be one of my favorites in the Fringe, if not my favorite.
Great show, one of my faves
by Laurie Swenson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved this show. The timing was impeccable, the energy was fun, the horror on the faces was priceless. Everyone was wonderful, but I noticed that as Myron, Tim Hellendrung had the audience laughing no matter what he said. He could have said "I like toast" and people would have found it hysterical.
Just...plain...fun
by Alex Walker Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Maybe it was all so good that nothing stood out to me as being remarkably good, but this show was just so incredibly complete and wonderful that I couldn't help but be delighted by everything--particularly the direction--during the entire show. Just an incredibly solid, fun piece of theater. Thank you Four Humors.
Best Show of the Fringe!
by Matt Sciple Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
It's very rare that a sense of giddy, anarchic invention can last for an entire show, depositing me on the street afterwards grinning like an idiot and feeling like a 4-year-old at Christmas. That’s what happened when I saw Sideways Stories from Wayside School, which edges out lots of other fantastic performances for my Top Pick of the Fringe. The show is about surprise, wonder and discovery without ever seeming precious or coy—no mean feat in a play featuring adult performers playing children—and somehow playing to kids and adults on the same level. From a slow motion magical slinky duel to a soul possession by dry erase board to a ghost teacher represented by various sizes of flying dress, to talking, temptress pigtails, the invention never flags. In all of these cases you can sense the hours of rehearsal and discovery that went into choosing these particular solutions, but never feel the effort behind sustaining them. Silly, irreverent and sweet, but sharp as a tack, this show has made me a fan for life.
A fine confection from the Four Humours
by re gurgitate Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I've never been disappointed in one of their productions. I wasn't familiar with The Wayside School novels, but no matter. I put my trust in the troupe and they have served me well. My favorite of this years Fringe!
"Do your homework"
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Hilarious, silly, scary, touching and whimsical all in one package. The acting and stagecraft are flawless. The story of the 30th floor of the Wayside School touch adults and kids on different levels. Whether a synchronized *gasp* or being turned into an apple, the kids' comedic timing will have you in stitches. The adults are in charge of this strange world, and not always on the side of the kids. A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
Longer reviews with pictures at Baron Dave's LiveJournal and snarky comments on Facebook.
Fun for Everyone!
by Elizabeth Behnke Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
If you did not see this show, you seriously missed out. This is one Fringe show that is 'Family Friendly'. However, there is something in this show for everyone. I heard adults and children laughing of all ages.
Truly a treat to watch!
I giggled and laughed all the way through.
Thanks for a great show!
Yeehaa
by Waylon Werner Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Fantastic! This is just the company I was looking for when I moved to minneapolis. I am looking forward to seeing more of their work.
AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!
by Ben Thietje Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
It's insane to give this anything less than 5 kitties. You won't see anything better at this year's festival.
Four Humours Strikes Again
by Don Shuler Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This cast shows how successful a small ensemble can be when you have lots of good actors building strong characters. You can feel the love that many of these actors have for the books. And the show has Four Humours' typically relentless pacing which tickles your funny bone until you start laughing and doesn't let you stop until well after you're already home. Standout performances include Matt Spring, Katie Jorgenson, and Tim Hellendrung. The show can maintain its pacing because of the mountains of skill behind the performances.
See this show - it's wonderful.
Five kitties for Four Humors
by Jesse Corder Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show is a live action children's book in every way. Endearing characters, quippy dialogue, and slapstick humor. In the hands of the Four Humors pack, it is as enjoyable for adults as for kids, and as always, look for the wonderful ad-libs that are a staple of this company.
I didn't stop smiling either
by Emma Gochberg Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This is a laugh out loud show with some really talented performers. I grew up reading these books and the show brought it all back. I loved the creative use of performers-as-prop-assistants and the chalkboard concept was top notch.
Children and adults alike will love this show. Go see it!
Go see this!
by Lucy Nelson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A nice change from all the other Fringe shows I've seen. All the actors did a fabulous job and very creative directing. This is a must see this year, and I am excited to see more from Four Humors!!
It's Elementary!
by Nicholas Leeman Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Staying true to the spirit and tone of the source material, this staging of Sideways Stories is an absolute delight. Major credit goes to director for absolutely fantastic staging ideas: The blackboard, The special effects men, and the cleanliness of the scene changes were all inspired.
Every actor was adorable and absolutely genuine in their roles, standout performances go to Tim Hellendrung- who may actually be a 9 year old inside; Courtney McLean- perfectly the frumpy-yet-coveted teacher; and Katie Jorgenson as lispy Leslie, who was priceless from moment one.
One performance left, and if you love good theatre, you won't miss this one. Or else!
Delightful and adorable!
by David Beukema Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
As a kid who grew up on the Wayside School books, I certainly had a built-in love for this source material, but even those high expectations were shattered by Four Humors' knockout production. They took stories and characters that were already much beloved in my book and made them even more endearing. I was enraptured and just tickled pink from start to finish. Never once did I feel that these were twentysomethings playing elementary school kids - Myron, Leslie, and the gang had simply come to life, that's all.
The humor on display in this show is crisp, subtle, and intelligent - watching the actors in this show is like taking a master class in comedic timing. A paragraph could be written praising each one of them, and it would still not do them justice. Every character is boldly and hilariously defined, and I found myself wishing I could spend more time with them. I sincerely hope this adaptation finds future life in the Cities, with the entire cast intact. It's a venture that should be seen and enjoyed by a wider audience.
A truly special show, and their closing performance deserves to be SRO. Go if you haven't yet already! Or, hell, go again!
Fantastic Fun!
by Aaron Greer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Fun story, well acted, great design, interesting and inventive staging, smiles and laughs abound. I took my kids to see it with me and all enjoyed it. Just a shame there's only one slot at good "kid time", but certainly it's fun enough for adults.
Money!
by Matthew Hodge Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The best thing since sliced bread. seriously.
AHH! RATTLESNAKES!
by phillip andrew bennett low Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Bright, colorful, and fast-moving nostalgia trip with a ridiculously talented cast. Kind of a mess, but a fun appealing mess. Full review available at the Twin Cities Daily Planet.
Too good for Fringe
by Nathan Rowan Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I admire a tight ensemble. Each character was unique and well-played. The direction was great, very creative. The only down(way)side was the thrust space. It can be difficult to work in. I was lucky to be sitting in the center but those on the sides viewed a lot of backs. Voices carried but faces may have been missed. Still giving 5 kitties.
Very fun show
by Rachel Petrie Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This show is great for kids and adults alike. I laughed almost the entire way through! The theatrical devices used in the show (which I will not mention for those who have not seen it yet) were what made the show for me. Well done!
Funny, innovative, great source material
by Tom Simonson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was a huge delight! What a great cast, and a terrific adaptation of some classic kid's books - when we have kids, they will definitely be read the Wayside books before bed ... well, maybe not the Mrs. Gorf chapters when they're really young (don't want any nightmares!). I was thoroughly enchanted and dying of laughter at points. Bravo to all involved. I hope a lot of kids get to come see it at the earlier shows - they would eat it up.
Hey, Fringe, what's with the timeslot??
by Sharon Kahn Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is, as all the other reviewers commented, an absolutely fantastic children's show. It's meant to be enjoyed by all ages, and the ENTIRELY ADULT AUDIENCE in attendance when I saw it did indeed roar with laughter. But why weren't there any kids there? Because it was 10:00 o'clock at night, that's why! It's sad to see such a great family show mis-scheduled so badly. Parents, this is a great show! Please bring the kids even if it does keep them up past their bedtime just this once.
Standing ovation.
by Andy Brown-Thomas Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I went to see this last night on a whim and was so glad I did. One of the funniest shows I've seen with brilliant directing and an excellent cast. This wasn't a children's show, it was an everyone's show.
See Sideways Stories!
by Barb Hagg Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is one of the Fringe's must-see shows! The hilarious cast delivers every line like a fresh joke, turning the simplest sentence into a laugh-out-loud moment. The creativity of the show is outstanding, using a variety of physical comedy techniques, like cartoon mime, keep you guessing from beginning to end. Their use of props are also completely creative and wonderfully original that I expect most people have never seen before, don't miss it. The actors are really some of the Twin Cities finest comedic performs and the bright, shining voice for the future of local theatre.
GO SEE THIS SHOW!
Delightfully Funny
by Andy Flamm Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Even though this show could be called a children's show, it is so fully and well-performed that I believe anyone would enjoy it. I certainly did.
Go See? Emphatic Yes.
by Nick Decker Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I probably owe Louis Sachar for the development of my sense of humor; I adored his Wayside series in middle school. Four Humours has done him justice with their stage version of his stories, reminding me about what I loved about the series: the wonderful absurdity of Sachar's universe.
The Humours' adaptation to the stage uses some inventive techniques to portray such oddities as Ms. Jewls' blackboard, talking pigtails, dead rats, the ethereal Miss Zarves, and students transmogrified into apples, and the adult cast made me quickly forget that they were adults; they portray the comically traumatized children of the 30th-floor classroom with juvenile frenzy.
This is one of the best kid shows of the year, if not the Fringe, serving justice to my fond memories of the series.
Best show yet!
by Marne Gerdes Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I wish I could of given this 10 kitties! What an awesome show! You know you're in a great show when the man behind you laughing practically falls off his chair from laughing so hard. This was my first Four Humors show, and I plan to see more. Great cast, great acting, loved the physical comedy too. If you want a show that the whole family can truly enjoy, check it out, there's something for everyone! Kudos to the actors that played Miss Jewls, Myron and Lewis!
I wish I could rate SIX KITTIES!
by Jennifer Abbey Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was absolutely the best theater performance I have seen in a long time. Unbelievable. The entire was was phenomenal-especially Tim, Ryan and Courtney. Don't miss Sideways Stories - you will regret it!!
OMG This was great!
by Mark Ryan Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Another astounding hit from the insanity that is Four Humors Theater. The cast is absolutely spot-on in its portrayal of the wonderment and goofiness of 4th graders and the adults with whom they have to interact. The pacing is very tight, and the staging amazing. I'm giving it 10 kitties but we'll see if the Fringe website will allow it. Everyone, including grade-schoolers should see this wonderful Fringe show.
Off to see the next Four Humors show
by Melissa Beukema Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
You can't go wrong with a Four Humors show - average for them is better than most. This show is no exception.
Because of their past performances I thought I would enjoy it, but never did I predict that a show based on kids books would become my favorite of Fringe so far.
Great acting - Tim Hellendrung and Courtney McClean are particularly perfect.
I loved this show.
by Valerie Rigsbee Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Easily my favorite of the Fringe so far. A simple concept, executed expertly. Features a fantastic script, an amazing group of actors and the perfect sense of play. I particularly loved how they handled the "magic" elements of the production. Four Humors has done it again. SEE THIS SHOW!!!
Electric and Eclectic
by Sid Solomon Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Kudos to Four Humours, one of the Twin Cities' finiest young companies, for creating a fun, entertaining, and energetic piece. The complexity and beauty of the staging was matched only by ease with which it was executed. And a special shout out to Tim Hellendrung, for a fabulously funny performance.
amazing!
by Adam Briesemeister Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Best fringe show I've seen yet. I loved the books growing up and this show perfectly captures the zany quality that I found so endearing. Don't miss this!
Cute.
by Juliette Michaels Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I wasn't a particular fan of the books but this show gave me a new appreciation for them. I thought it was adorable and my nephew loved it. He may not eat apples for a while, but we had a great time!
Adorable
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What a great idea for a
Fringe show. The performances were just right, and the script packed in a lot of themes and plots. The adults in the audience seemed to enjoy it as much as the kids. who were visibly ecstatic about it.
Yeah Heck Yeah
by Sam Bardwell Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A must-see pageant of good humor, heart, wit, and APPLES! Loved it! Exclamation Point. Spot-on playful adaptation of the classic! I want to hear that the thrust sold-out for the rest of the performances, because they certainly deserve it.
Yeay!
by Lindsey McDonald Dorsey Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
There was an 11-year-old ahead of me in line for this show. It was his second time seeing it, and he could barely rein in his excitment, telling everyone how amazing it was. I completely agree with him.
GAH SO GOOD
by Curt Lund Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I can't add anything that hasn't already been said, except my kitties. All of 'em. Best yet from Four Humors (tough to judge since past shows have been so diverse in style and content, but I'm stickin' to my guns), and best yet at Fringe '09.
My fave so far
by Diane Mountford Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I've seen a lot of really good shows this year, but this is my favorite so far. A flawless ensemble, hilarious story and inventive direction make this one great show. They only have two performances left, and deserve to sell them both out.
Loved it!!
by Laura Mason Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was so much fun, and a real crowd pleaser. Each actor stood out and added so much to the show. It was very creative, and I would definitely recommend it/see it again!!
Creative and fantastically fun!
by Jane Gottfried Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
As a teacher, I could see my students in each character in this show! The actors were spot on. Not only was the acting superb, the staging was imaginative and creative. If you only see one Fringe show, see this one!
Wow!
by Michael Wade Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This play was packed with so many creative and imaginative ideas! Four Humors has done it again! Only a sourpuss wouldn't get a kick out of this show.
Awesome Show
by Andrew Lynch Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Sideways Stories is a great showcase for an amazing cast that brings each unique character to life with both great chops and a playful spirit. A tight, well directed piece that hits all the right notes. Don't miss it!
Four Humors, Five Kitties
by Andrew Lentz Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
If you enjoy laughter, there is no reason not to see this show. Every cast member is stellar in this incredible production. This show will have you laughing from the start of their "pre show music" to the final blackout. No less than I would expect from Four Humors.
Great show!
by Cole Sarar Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Each of the characters was performed perfectly, the script is tight, and the staging is fantastic. I'd love to pull out specific actors who did amazing jobs, but the truth is the cast is perfectly balanced and EVERYONE was amazing.
I haven't seen shows by Four Humors before, but you bet I will again in the future.
Great Fun!
by Kay Jackson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
You can't help having fun when Four Humors is involved, and this show is no exception!
Wayside was way funny!
by Sara Rummel Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I'm not convinced there were actors on stage. Pretty sure they were actually 4th graders.
I'd climb 30 flights of stairs to see this one!
Excellent!!!
by Chris Gennaula Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Laughed from beginning to end. Absurdly, A-plus, Apple-morphing Fun! Count to ten, alphabetically: Eight, Five, Four, Nine, One, Seven, Six, Ten. (Three, Two.)
Really liked it
by Meli Kalikimaka Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Everyone played every character to the hilt. Loved the staging jokes, like the writing on the blackboard and the appearance of the mysterious teacher.
Great fun!
by Leah Reddy Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I didn't read these books as a child, but after seeing this show, I'm going to read them as an adult! Pre-show elementary school band music was a hilarious bonus. Colorful costumes, charming characters...I especially loved Myron!
Exceeded Expectations
by Jessica Bertucci Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This show takes all the best parts of the Sideways Stories and wraps them into one cohesive plot. The adorable nature of the children, the high energy of the gym teacher, and the creative use of props (and prop people) make this show a Fringe Must See. Bring your inner child to the show, and you're bound to giggle your way through the hour.
Time Travel
by Ben Henry-Moreland Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Definitely recommend this show to anyone who read the books as a kid. The actors did a fine job of adapting Sachar's characters, which in turn are dead ringers for the kids we all grew up with and the grownups as viewed through their eyes. My only issue is that the episodic nature of the stories doesn't lend itself greatly to the stage - it gets a little lost in the middle before coming around in the end. Very enjoyable, physical performance though.
Loved it!
by Bam Spastic Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was so much fun! These guys get a permanent slot on my schedule from now on.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
by Avirom Peter Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Excellent! Hilarious! I became a fan of the The Four Humors last year at the Fringe and they did not not disappoint ! I thought Katie Jorgenson's character Leslie was adorable with her "cookie dance" and effusive cowbell/egg shaker playing. Tim Hellendrung and Noah Bremer were particularly charismatic as was Courtney McLean as Ms. Jewls. The whoel cast was great! And the "special effects" via the men in black was a nice touch!
Exactly what you want from Fringe
by Lacy Ess Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Lighthearted, pleasant, makes you smile the whole way through. Four Humors manages to turn a ragtag crew of 20-somethings into a ragtag crew of 10 year-olds burdened with having class on the 30th (29th?) floor. The surprising use of choreography and blackboard tricks make you feel like a wide-eyed elementary school student--like when you read Sachar's novel for the first time. I personally hadn't read Sachar in a while, but I found myself recalling some of my favorite parts and wishing I had re-read them before coming to the show.
The physical comedy brought by Four Humors cannot be beat. It is hard to call it anything but choreography for how well-timed and well thought-out it is. Go see this show and bring anyone--the kids, the grandparents, the awkward undetermined relationship--this is absolutely a show for everyone and the best of the Fringe Fest so far.
Unfortunate scheduling
by Tim Wick Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Very engaging and funny with a nicely dark overtone that made the show a bit unsettling at times. I was especially impressed with the performers who played the children as I felt they did a good job BEING children rather than simply PLAYING children. My largest problem with the show is the schedule. So many late night time slots for a show that would obviously appeal to children. I want to bring my kids to a performance but there is only one performance that begins prior to their bedtime.
Loved it!
by Danielle Siver Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was so playful and hilarious! I had high hopes as I read the book on which it is based about a million times as a kid and I always enjoy this group's work. This show far surpassed my expectations. My favorite show of the Fringe so far and my favorite Four Humors show to date.
adorable & awesome
by Robyn Hendrix Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
the physical comedy and choreography combined with great expressive acting really make this performance. the use of black clothed ninja actors to move objects like children turned into apples, paper airplanes, and a teacher's ghost was charming and fun to watch, especially the parts where they would all go into slow motion mode for a few seconds, and then pop back into real time. it was absolutely worth staying up till he 10:00 show for and kids would love love love it. I had read the books as a child but didn't remember much about them, and you don't have to be familiar with them to enjoy this show.
SO CUTE AND FUNNY
by Mark Long Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Being called "cute" is probably not what many Fringers strive for, but it fits Sideways Stories. I was not familiar with the book series, but I LOVE the Four Humors. The clever and inventive way they tell this story is matched by a great cast. Definitely fun for adults and kids.
missing some magic
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I love the tales from Wayside School so I had very high hopes for this show. Adults looking like grade schoolers did a very nice job. All-purpose Stage Ninjas were really fun. This show just didn't quite have the gleeful absurdity I anticipated from a Louis Sachar story.
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