schedule
Walking Shadow Theatre Company
Squawk
Sat., Aug. 1 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 2 @ 10:00 p.m.
[A] Tue., Aug. 4 @ 7:00 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 6 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 8 @ 1:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 @ 8:30 p.m.
KEY:
[S]=ASL interpreted
[A]=Audio described
Warning! Adult language
Venue Gremlin Theatre
For ages 13+
Written by John Heimbuch
Web site walkingshadowcompany.org
features World premiere, Regional (MSP) premiere, Original script/choreography
Overall rating
User reviews
Great final for my Fringe
by Igor Blokhintsev Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Well done, guys!!
Have to watch your other shows coming this Fall. It is incredibly difficult to put everything together for that great show: script, puppetry and cast performace!
Penquin toes steal the show...
by John Scott Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
As an actor knows, it\'s dangerous sharing he stage with a kid or an animal. You will be upstaged.
The penguin is a hit for sure, but the clever setting, the plot and acting provide the audience with another hit from the Walking Shadow Theater Company.
I was especially impressed with the ability of Melissa Anne Murphy to provide distinct and strong presentation for the multiple roles she played. BRAVO to the director and the cast.
This is must see theater.
Two *Penquin thumb-like appendages* way up!
Surprisingly thoughtful
by Sharon Kahn Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Surprisingly thoughtful examination of the nature of friendship wrapped in an absurdist comedy about a penguin in the military. The acting was excellent and the penguin puppet was wonderful. It must have been a difficult decision deciding how to handle the penguin's dialogue. The decision to have him speak only in squeaks and squawks but be instantly understood by everyone on stage was the perfect solution. This technique not only preserves the "otherness" of the penguin, it engages the audience by forcing them to fill in for themselves what Falkland must have just said.
yes.
by m. freiert Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
this was delightful, from the character development, to the wonderfully manipulated puppet, and everything in between. The ensemble nailed it, with great directing, acting, a charming script, minimal but effective properties, and tight pacing.
You had me at squawk
by re gurgitate Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Two fringe classics in a row from Walking shadow! Having them make it into fringe next year has been added to my list of wishes. A simple tale, but told with heart and skill earns a place on my top 5 list.
not too sweet!
by Dan Pinkerton Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A puppet, acordion music, and a terrific script by Jon Heimbuch that's sweet but never twee make for a wonderful show. And surely John's voicing of Lt. Falkland is among the most sublime performances at this year's Fringe. Go, and go early!
Arctic circle, Biatch!
by Mr. Josh Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The story was fast paced and amusing, but I derived even more enjoyment from watching the actors work.
A couple of the fringe shows I've seen so far have seemed poorly (if at all) rehearsed, but the cast of Squawk! made things seem like they were always meant to be that way.
It was one of those situations where they must have worked hard to be that good, but it's as if the work now is effortless. It was obvious that they paid an immense amount of attention to detail. The movement of the penguin feet are one example.
I don't think I'm communicating this well, but this was the most efficient show I've ever seen. Everybody knew what they were doing, everybody was in their proper place. It's like the director has gone through lean manufacturing training.
Highly Recommended!
A sophisticated comedic experience
by Nick n Rosie Heille Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Squawk: Fun indeed. A play were puppeteers of a penguin bring to life the euphemistic "now that you see the elephant is in the room what will you do now". With a high degree of professionalism by both puppeteers and actors a penguin puppet is made a real part of an Army Training Base; and, it is in the absurdity of the reality that makes for a true sophisticated comedic experience. Thanks
Go See? Yes.
by Nick Decker Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I have a soft spot for penguins thanks to Berke Breathed's creation, Opus from Bloom County and its spinoffs. Walking Shadow's creation, Lt. Andrew Falkland, won me over with amazing puppetry that gave him (yes, I know it's an inanimate object) a unique, lovable personality. I never questioned his interaction with his human counterparts, his determination, his motivation, and his integration into the much-touted "Post-Racial America."
The only qualm I have with the story is that it crams in too many social issues, when it would benefit a tighter plot by focusing on one. Squawk does juggle the ethical points it raises well, though, and I applaud it for adding intelligent discussion to the issue of race in America.
Interesting storyline
by Karen Pedersen Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Relevant story line about preconceived notions on those 'other' kinds of people (species) but also in the emotions that Lt Riley goes through to address them.
Fringe fun
by Val Rigsbee Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
John is such a great writer and has created a fantastic show highlighting an amazingly-executed puppet. The people in the show are good, but the penguin steals the show.
"SEALS ate his mother."
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Pleasantly absurd story of a penguin who wants to rise in the military and doesn't let anything get in his way. A fine cast and some great puppeteering. Needs tweaking: You really mean ANTarctic circle. A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
Longer reviews with pictures at Baron Dave's LiveJournal and snarky comments on Facebook.
The puppet is magnificent
by Steve Moulds Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The penguin puppet is a thing of beauty. The moment it comes on stage, you can literally feel the audience pouring love and sympathy onto the character of Falkland.
Just the look of the puppet is an achievement in itself, but it moves beatifully as well. It takes two people to operate the puppet (think bunraku in camouflage). But writing this review, I was thinking about some of my favorite moments in the play, and John and David are not part of the stage picture in my mind's eye. They actually disappear in my imagination. That's a good puppet.
To agree with another reviewer, this is no allegory. It is, quite simply, a story about a penguin in the military. And a fun one. See this.
The Power of Absurdity
by dixie treichel Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Walking Shadow always has something creative to offer. Squwak is a funny and clever show. Using a penguin puppet as a main character allows us to look at bigotry in a "safe" and absurd manner. Good writing, directing, acting and puppetry. Must See.
Penguin Love
by Emma Gochberg Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Walking Shadow consistently produces work that is unique, creative, thought provoking, and full of wit. This show doesn't disappoint.
The story works on many levels and the puppetry is so brilliant it makes you sad every time he leaves the stage. I think my only wish was to see more of the relationship between the penguin and the people and less about the romantic relationship.
Congratulations on another wonderful sold out show!
Move over Happy Feet
by jennifer phillips Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Walking shadow strikes again! I really liked the story of both protagonists, and the acting as always top notch. Get to gremlin before you miss out!
Re-up
by Mike Croswell Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is a great Fringe show (In Saint Paul) that you should see while you have the chance!
I would describe Squawk as being smart, funny, fast, and well done by a group that really knows their way around a theater.
The script by John Heimbuch drives this show. The Penguin Puppet (Falkland) steals the show!
This is the type of show I want to see at Fringe.
Great fun
by Jim Belich Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What do you get when you cross the most awesome penguin puppet with the army? "Squawk," the latest of a string of Fringe hits from Walking Shadow. The penguin of course steals the show almost from the get go, expertly puppeteered by John Heimbuch and David Pisa, but it didn't take me long to forget to think of it as a puppet at all. The human side of the cast was also excellent and before long I was engrossed in the story and relationships of these army officers, penguin included (Lt. Falkland). I loved the show, and while it's worth seeing for the puppet if nothing else, its charms by no means end there.
All Aboard for the Arctic Circle...
by Justin Alexander Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
First, the script. It begins with the gimmick: There is a penguin in the military. And if this were any other Fringe show, the gimmick would be milked for 45 minutes and we'd all go home with a smile on our face and vague satisfaction in our hearts.
But SQUAWK isn't content with the gimmick: Instead, it raises the stakes and chooses to become a legitimate dramedy. At first it feels like the Hollywood version of the story... but, even there, Heimbuch isn't satisfied. He inverts the drama again... and again... and again.
Second, the penguin. Yes, it steals the show. The puppet itself is a work of art, and the puppeteering is excellent. To properly describe the accomplishment, allow me to describe the inverse: There was one brief moment during the production where the puppeteer needed to assist in a scene change. As his hand shifted from the puppet, all life seemed to fall away from the penguin... and I was literally shocked, because I had become completely immersed in the illusion.
Third, the cast. Exemplary. They're acting off a puppet and they're making it work. They're making it work without you even thinking about the fact that they're MAKING it work. And then there's the rest of their performances, which are equally impressive.
Fourth, the staging. Elegant. Simple set pieces are rearranged with seamless choreography into an endless panoply of scenes that flow in and out of each other. With a less skilled hand at the helm, the pace of the play could have easily become fatally disrupted -- but instead every scene pulses with a unique life while the play builds ever higher.
Fifth, the allegory. It isn't. Oh, the nature of the material will certainly allow you to read many allegories ONTO the piece, but the play was not written AS allegory. The play is simply the story of a penguin in the military. And whatever lessons you choose to take away from the experience are, in my opinion, the stronger and richer for it.
In short, SQUAWK is goofy and surreal and fun and memorable. It's not to be missed.
The Perfect Amount of Penguin
by Joshua Humphrey Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I have not seen a bad Walking Shadow production. I've probably just jinxed them, but SQUAWK! continues their streak in fine form.
I think it would have been easy for this production to have the penguin puppet onstage the entire time. And, granted, this is assuredly "the penguin show" of this years fringe. However, the penguin wisely comes and goes and there are periods with just humans onstage. You get "penguin breaks" and when he comes back on, your immediate reaction is akin to "Yay! The penguin's back!"
Loved the show.
Squawk
by Liz Floyd Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
All the way to my next show I was squaking and laughing. This is a delightful show!!
F...K'ing Penguins
by evelyn blum Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The last thing you need is another great review on this one, but I just couldn't help myself. I got to chat with an actor tonight who felt that he wanted more from this play, to go deeper. I thought it was brilliant, clever and funny as hell. The last line said it all, and I will be repeating it at very inappropriate moments for months to come. Thank you for this one. It will make me a season ticket holder this year for Walking shadows.
Better Than Cats
by Avirom Peter Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Because cats would never have the focus and determination of young Lt. Falkland. All the acting was superb but I felt the penguin stole the show. Truly convincing!
A triumphant tale of love, loss, and redemption. Men of Honor meets Madagascar ( the penguins of). I laughed, I cried, I felt my mind was broadened. "Arctic Circle...Be-Yatch!"
A blast indeed!
by Keith Prusak Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Oh, John's Brain, how I love ya. Very fine show, folks, from everyone in the cast - feathered or not. It was good fun tonight being in the audience for a sold-out show! Get there early or reserve online if you want to catch Squawk.
Penguin makes Perfect!
by Dylan Frederick Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
"Squawk" is by far the funniest show I've seen in the festival and certainly the most imaginative. The dialogue, the entire ensemble, the puppet work, and even the audio set a wonderful tone for a really impressive production that exceeds the high expectations I had after last years "Land of the Dead".
If you're havin' a bad day, or if you see a few bad fringe shows, run over to the Gremlin to catch one of the funniest offerings at the festival!
Just what I needed
by Roger Davis Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show put me in a great mood for the rest of the night. The puppet and the puppetry looked outstanding and I have to say that Walking Shadow never ceases to entertain and amaize me. The script was fantastic and the performances were more that great. The over-all show was just feel-good and silly. I loved it. I think this show is great for anyone up for a laugh.
penguins should be in every show
by Carin Bratlie Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
John and David's puppetry work left me stunned. I believed that penguin 100% of the time, and sat with a foolish grin on my face every time it came on stage.
The writing is wonderfully comedic, especially in the beginning. I would have liked the story to have gone to a bigger/crazier/higher stakes place, but that's ok.
Shake your tail feathers!
by Deanna Larsen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show is solid. I expected to laugh, it's about a penguin in the military for God's sake, but I didn't expect to care about the characters. But I did, even the penguin puppet. After a few minutes, I didn't even notice the puppeteers. That's A+ acting, writing, directing, and penguin wrangling. This show is fun, clever, silly, but also sensitive and meaningful. If you miss this show, you are missing out.
All Around Great Show
by Rob Callahan Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A buddy story about two Army officers, one of whom happens to be a penguin. The small cast's playing it straight and the superb puppetry combine to bring the audience in to a world where the story and setting are almost believable. Liberally paced with subtle and not-so-subtle humor, and with understated parable-like commentary, the show sparks some thought as well as entertains.
I'd hire that penguin any day
by Sarah Bauer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I'll admit I came for the penguin, but the story was surprisingly solid with very little gimmick in sight. About five minutes after the penguin entered I stopped seeing him as a puppet and started relating to him as a character. With themes of prejudice, jealousy, and friendship interwoven with interesting and believable characters the show rises above merely using an absurd situation to engage the audience for an hour. And plus the puppetry is F-ing awesome.
Highly recommended
by August Berkshire Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Very funny - not a dull moment. A bit of a message besides. One of the best of the 17 plays I have seen so far.
One of my top five shows this year
by Pat Lindgren Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Great concept, great script, great actors with impeccable timing (except for a few minor Carol Burnett-like smirks in the wrong places). This was hilarious - even more so because the director and cast were playing it so straight as a drama.
Another Strong Showing By Walking Shadow
by Sid Solomon Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I am an unabashed fan of Walking Shadow, and they have once again given the Fringe a solid production. As compared to last year's mega-hit "...Land of the Dead", Squawk is a relatively small production, with an ensemble of 5 covering a number of roles. The premise is deliciously silly, the puppetry work by David Pisa and John Heimbuch is fantastic, and overall it's a good story well told.
Penguins Are Hot
by Ben Thietje Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
There's a little too much bunraku in this year's festival, but please...don't let that stop you from seeing this awesome show. It's about as solid as shows get at the Fringe Festival.
Winged Victory
by Reid Gagle Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" meets "The March of the Penguins" in this piece. The US Army faces yet another integration issue when Lt. Falkland, a penguin, gets accepted into an elite "Officer and a Gentleman" training course. A ton of fun ensues. I hereby nominate the penguin puppet for 'The Most Expressive Actor in the 2009 Fringe'. Don't miss this show.
Go for the penguin, stay for the story
by Jean Salo Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Seriously. The puppetry is so well done that you get past the fact that the penguin is a puppet almost immediately, and see him as just another character on the stage. Then the story just takes over and carries you away. Thoroughly enjoyable. The cast is wonderful. In particular, I enjoyed Ryan Lindberg's performance, whom I have never seen before. His performance is simple and honest. You just believe him. The show is great technically, as well, and the directing is wonderful. Put this on on your list. You really shouldn't miss it.
F***ing Penguin
by Anders Nerheim Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Such a clever premise for a show. The puppeteering is impeccable. The penguin seems at points at if it is on lease from the Minnesota Zoo. Great comedic moments between bird and man. Brilliant social commentary. Very well written. Strong cast (especially that penguin, look for him around town) Walking Shadow wows once again with an absurd show with a great message. Put this show on your schedule.
Squawk
by Nancy Mullen Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
The acting was great. The premise of a penguin in the army for almost an hour show got a little long.
Aukwardly Awesome
by Erik Hoover Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Clever writing, fine puppetry, and a solid cast makes this one definitely worth seeing! I was pleasantly surprised to find a tale of thwarted ambitions amidst the hilarity.
Clever, funny, and well done!
by Emily Burton-Weinman Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I have to admit, I was skeptical of a showing starring a penguin, even coming from Walking Shadow, who have a reputation for pulling off the unusual with flair and class. But as a previous reviewer has said: the penguin works! The show has a plot we've seen many times before, but with the strange new twist that the one showing up the protagonist is a freakin' penguin! The writing is clever and quick witted. It is a great mix of internal dialog and natural, un-affected personal conversations, colored well with the setting of a military base. The small cast pulled of the many roles very well, showing versatility. The dialog was funny, but with the well-performed delivery it became hilarious! And let's not forget the penguin. A penguin that was puppeteered well enough that folks often missed the puppeteer "squawking" the penguin's lines. The penguin easily took on a life of its own and was as expressive as any character on the stage! This one is a must-see!
I didn't get it.
by Brian Kitzerow Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
I give the actors a lot of credit - they did a good job. As far as plot goes, and I don't mean to be too critical, but I didn't get the point of it all. The guy next to me fell asleep.
The Penguin Gimmick Works
by Juliette Michaels Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
How do you get a large audience to come see your fringe show? Promise them a penguin in the military. It works. Squawk has a decent script and good performers, but the penguin is what really seals the deal. And it doesn't break boundaries, but I suppose that's not really necessary. A simple laugh suffices.
Bird, Man, Military=Greatness
by Larry Ripp Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
One of the best written things I've seen in a long time. Everything here works and not always as you'd expect. Laughs? Sure! That's right there in the premise. But in fact there's more and that's the surprise. Moving, honest, Funny and big hearted this show might not be as goofy as you thought it would be but it's certainly everything you could WANT in a Fringe Show. I loved every minute.
Animal Acts
by Richard Shields Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
There is a common saying that professional actors hate to work with children and animals because they will be upstaged. Here the penguin does indeed command your attention, but the human cast holds their own as well - Ryan and Melissa especially are a joy. The puppeteers show skill and grace when giving life to the penguin.
A special shoutout to Gremlin for offering a site in St.Paul for fringe performances. Love this venue!
Walking Shadow does it again
by Roberta Pisa Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Very well written, very well acted. Very, very funny. And the Penguin is totally believable!
Fantastic!
by Christopher Bauleke Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I know, I know, I know, it's in St. Paul, but you NEED to see this show! The script was awesome, the actors were great, and the puppet was the coup de grâce to make me completely smitten.
Lovely puppetry.
by Cole Sarar Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show did not rock my world quite as much as Shakespeare's Land of the Dead, but I'm a bardolator and a zomb-i-lator, so that's to be expected.
With a clever script, a strong cast, and the weird sort of humor I'm coming to expect from this crew, this show is a sure fire win. The penguin work was particularly strong- the puppet was well constructed, moved well, and the cast reacted to the puppet PERFECTLY. I found myself feeling sympathetic toward Lt. Falkland's plight and struggle, in spite of what was obviously a comic tragedy at Lt. Riley's expense. Another great show from Walking Shadow.
Silly Premise bunks with Solid Drama
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The story is solid. The main characters are believable, even the puppet. This tale of competition, ego, failures, and fear of The Other is tightly written and acted.
Penguins-R-Us
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A really fresh and novel script, with a storyline as layered or as straightforward as you care to make it. Well-acted and staged; just a great show all-around.
EHN!!! EHN!!!
by Amber Bjork Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
i loved all the actors, but that penguin steals it. clever staging, great pacing, excellent puppeteering--they bunraku-ed my socks off. walking shadow takes a running start!!!
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