schedule
Allegra J. Lingo
Crescendo
Fri., Jul. 31 @ 7:00 p.m.
[A] Sat., Aug. 1 @ 4:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 2 @ 10:00 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 5 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 8 @ 7:00 p.m.
KEY:
[S]=ASL interpreted
[A]=Audio described
Venue U of M Rarig Center Arena
For ages 14+
Created by Allegra J Lingo
Web site www.allegralingo.com
genres Solo, Spoken word
subjects Queer/GLBT
features World premiere, Regional (MSP) premiere, Original script/choreography
Overall rating
User reviews
Connecting the dots between art & life
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was an incredibly moving work. Lingo manages to walk that tightrope between the intellect and the heart without sacrificing either or missing a beat. A beautiful reflection on reconciling the thrill of a good chase with the pleasure of staying put. It's obvious that this work was painstakingly conceived and written. (On a technical note: I suspect that the microphone was deemed necessary because of the musical soundtrack, but I found it distracting and thought it sapped some of the intimacy from the piece.)
creative
by brenda atkins Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
crescendo was a really interesting piece. i loved the idea behind the style. it's such a novel thought!
i was pretty tired so i had a hard time keeping up with the story that she had written but was able to follow the parts about her life really well and with ease.
i found the microphone distracting as i've been more used to shows without the echo-y sound.
great show! definitely worth your time!
Not my favorite
by Swizzy Wizzlecheeks Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Allegra is always a very engaging and heartfelt performer. But in this show, I felt the music here hindered rather than helped that. While the pieces of this performance we each good on their own: her domestic and creative life, and a retelling of the myth of Icarus (with a few distracting swipes at conservatism), I don't know that the two united into something greater. Maybe I missed something.
Bottom line: If you've never seen Allegra before, don't miss your chance. But if you have, perhaps you should give another show a try.
Now This Is Story Telling
by Dean Hatton Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Allegra goes the extra mile with not only telling and writing a dynamic presentation but also timing it to pre-recorded music.
If you see any story telling shows this year, see this one.
It works
by Mike Lewis Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I was skeptical of the "reading along to music" premise, but I have to say - it works! Allegra is an amazing storyteller, and this was an amazing story. Go early, Allegra's shows almost always sell out! (PS: I like the microphone; I'm hard of hearing, and I appreciated the extra amplification of her voice.)
maybe it's just not my thing
by Sarah Bauer Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
I've never been a fan of creative nonfiction, but sometimes it works so well that even I am enamored with it. Sadly, this wasn't the case for me here. The interweaving of Lingo's perfectly content life and the conflict within the Icarus story felt terribly forced. I failed to see the parallels in the two stories. The Icarus story was engaging, but I was not engaged watching Lingo read it from a music stand while turning around in the arena to look at the audience. I think I was expecting more visual stimulation. The concept of setting her words to music was intriguing, but also felt forced.
And a technical complaint: the microphone was a hindrance. In a small space like the arena, turn the music down a little and everyone would be able to hear without the echo of an amplified voice after a live voice.
Wonderfully written and performed
by Mattia Maurée Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Not every one-person show can keep my attention for 40 minutes, but Allegra Lingo outdid herself and I rarely looked away. The music was perfectly timed, her retelling brought new life to traditional myths, and she wove in her own life experience seamlessly. I especially liked the intersection of talking about how the queer community just wants to be able to live their lives with the appalachian folk tune "Simple Gifts." Beautiful!
Simply Tremendous
by Patrick Pfundstein Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Intrigued by the concept ('Fantasia with words') in combination with the performer, my expectations were high for this show, and ultimately those expectations were blown away. Intimacy, philosophy, love, beauty, humor, and anger all moved easily back and forth across the boundaries of fact and fiction; all rising from and riding along with the music of Aaron Copland. Allegra Lingo's performance was stellar, making minimal and appropriate use of her script stand, and riveting her audience with an amazing personal connection. Crescendo now joins She So Beloved, Gilgamesh, and Boban as one of the best shows I've ever seen at the Fringe.
Classic
by David Trudeau Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Classic story told to classic music in an exciting delivery interwoven with here and nowness that makes you glad to be who you are. What more could one ask of a storyteller?
Brilliant!!
by William Ronchak Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
An absolutely amazing experience, this has been my greatest experience at the Fringe. The music and stories worked very well together and created a wonderful world that allowed the imagination of the audience to run free like James in the park. Seriously, Wow!
I'll be honest
by Christian Carter Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I'll be honest, if Allegra did this same show but with Avril Lavine's Sk8r Boi on repeat the entire time, I would have given it the same 4 kitties.
The script is fantastic and touching and the retelling of myth is so well done. The timing with Copland is fantastic, and you can tell Allegra and Montana put a lot of work into that. The music really shines through, and I really hope that this won't be her last solo show. I'd happily pay twice as much to see her retell Egyptian myth set to Rimsky-Korsakov, or anything with this fantastic writing and attention to detail.
The only reason I have to take away a kitty is that the amplification she uses is really distracting. Since I can hear both her actual voice and the amplified voice in that small space, a weird aharmonic quality is prevalent until you get used to it. But it's worth it.
She's Brilliant!
by Christine Brandt Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Allegra is brilliant. Her writing is strong yet poignant. She is watchable and listenable - a beautiful woman with dynamic stage presence. The performance art piece weaves in and out of her personal story and re-worked myth with stunning musical choices that underscore the pieces. It is a performance that seemlessly moves from the mythic to the everyday from the simple to the climatic always in perfect timing to Copeland's music.
Great mixture
by Nanette Stearns Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Of myth, magic, personal reflections, humor, poignancy. Loved the reflections on writing, dogs, knitting labyrinths and everything else.
Struggled to reach the story
by phillip andrew bennett low Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I have to confess that the musical experiment didn't really work for me, and the underlying story didn't really seem to resonate for me the way it did for many others. The writing itself is up to her usual strong standard, so that's always a pleasure. Full review available at the Twin Cities Daily Planet.
Crescendo soars
by Dawn Duncan Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I saw Allegro Lingo's Crescendo this past Saturday, and I rate it a "must see" for anyone who treasures the power of words crafted well and performed with passion. Lingo's experiment with placing her words against a musical backdrop works thematically and, for the most part, as performance. I did wish the technician had seen her subtle gesture to bring down the volume so that the music could have been a powerful accompaniment rather than, at times, a competing duet partner. That was the only slight problem with an otherwise beautiful work, and not enough to take away a full star. So, what makes this spoken word so powerful? Fearlessness and intelligence. While fans may be accustomed to Lingo's whip-like humor, they may not be quite as acquainted with the depth of the intelligence that weaves the every day struggles into mythical proportions in this seamless, well integrated piece. Allegra's tribute to the rebel in all of us, to the need to take risks, to the power of the artist to make a difference, and to the little and great loves that make us want to try...it all works to raise our humanity to a level worthy of art. Thanks for taking us on the journey. May we all take such risks.
5th Time's The Charm
by Courtney McLean Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I'm sure we're all wondering... why is this Allegra's last show? EVAR? I smell Celine Dion-esque comeback!
Allegra's foray into storytelling aligned with well-known classical music is executed almost perfectly, her words bouncing on Copeland's punctuated violins and drums. We're missing a kitty in this review if only because I wasn't as moved as last year's "Bucket" (ah, the problems with comparisons to previous works - can the current work ever stand alone as long as there are expectations?). However, she deftly keeps us enthralled for the hour, intertwining myth & her personal quest as a writer. I also like how she nips the "um, you're just a writer" thing in the bud by making the quasi-outrageous claim that as creators, writers are God. Hm. Guess you can't argue with that coming from a Catholic!
Of course this show is already on your schedule, but if not, go see the incredible talent that is Allegra Lingo so that you can say "I was there when..." before she does her "coming out of retirement" tour. *wink*
Soaring
by Ann Reay Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Allegra does so many things with this remarkable production - she lets us into the ordinary of her life and her artist's mind, she allows us glimpses of her creative process, she breathes new life into an old cautionary tale - and she dares to do this matching cadence and notes of her story to Copeland's music. At the Fringe, we come to see people dare and we want them to succeed. Our hopes are amply rewarded with "Crescendo" - this is a stunning moment of collaborative triumph.
Not to be missed!
by Dennis Duncan Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Having seen all but one of Allegra's past Fringe performances, it is great to see that she continues to grow as a writer and performer. This is her best show yet. Don't miss it!
Awesome
by Meaghan DiSciorio Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I really liked this show. Allegra does a great job weaving a seamless narrative between musings on her own life and a well known greek myth. It's touching a and engaging and she works well with her choice of music. I think she could've done without the mic, but that's my only criticism. Nice job Allegra!
Flawless Fusion
by Gus Connelly Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Allegra has created a simply stunning interplay between Copland's music and her stories. She lets the music guide the words without one getting in the way of the other. Simply put, she is an incredibly talented storyteller and performer.
One of the best I've seen
by Rob Callahan Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Reboots classic Greek Mythology, interweaving the storyteller's take on Daedalus and Icarus with modern commentary and humorous, often touching autobiography. Beginning dramatically in complete darkness and ramping immediately up, Lingo's polished showmanship dances gracefully alongside the complex use of sound and lighting to transport the audience to her settings. A well-written and moving performance.
Excellent!
by Meredith Cain-Nielsen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Themes drawn from mythology + great storytelling + classical music? Yes, please.
Every year I anticipate....
by Ariel Pinkerton Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Well, the first truth that must be said is: I could listen to Allegra read the phonebook for 14 hours straight. She is masterful but unpretentious, giving me space to laugh, cry and relate. I loved the mix of myth and urban reality. Icarus has long been a favorite of mine, but she gave me the story I always wanted to hear.
A Lyrical Yarn
by Reid Gagle Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
As if writing a good theater piece isn't hard enough in the first place, Allegra Lingo here ups the ante by writing this piece to conform to the mood and rhythms of Aaron Copland music. Her story knits together a riff on the Icarus story from Greek mythology with an average morning in Allegra's own life. A unique and worthy show.
More Than Words
by Spencer Bondhus Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The show draws you in, plucking you from a hectic Fringe Universe and dropping you into Allegra's Beautiful Creation. I was instantly both at ease and deeply thrilled. Allegra's storytelling is triumphant, thriving, beautiful, and inspiring.
Some shows at the Fringe make me walk on air, but only Allegra's make me fly.
Subtle and sophisticated
by Scott Artley Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A symphony of words set against the grandeur of a Copland soundtrack, Allegra crafts a subtle, music-driven meditation on the impulse to create, the ease to destroy, and the resonance of myth on a morning walk with her dog. There are a lot of storytellers at the Fringe, but Allegra stands out for her ability to draw us into her simple stories, and, with a sly grin, trick us into feeling something timeless.
Allegra does it again
by Dave Larson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Another great show from Allegra Lingo. It's worth seeing just for the dog and birds and Copeland moment, but there's so much more. Allegra continues to grow as an artist. Not to be missed.
Fringe Exemplar
by Jesse Field Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Allegra clear sets the bar for what Fringe is all about. She tells her life story. She adapts a classic tale. She envisions herself as a hero, and she gives the audience a chance to do the same. Her narration style is technically masterful -- it's just dazzling how she times prose emphasis with Copland beats. At times, I could not believe that the rest of the audience and I were still following along after so many grand soliloquoys. The fact that we did shows that Allegra can challenge and stretch her audience with great skill
Talented story teller!
by Peggy Bandit Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was a beautiful performance in which one feels like they may be old friends with Allegra in just a few short minutes. She weaves between two stories beautifully and had me wanting to hear more.
Beautiful!
by Jim Belich Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I was captured from the very beginning, as we sat in darkness listening to Allegra call the show into existence in a moment of creation, Aaron Copeland's music in the background. She weaves together two main threads: a retelling of the Greek myth of Icarus and her own process as an artist struggling with the act of creation. As a writer/actor myself I can definitely relate to the internal struggle and moments of self-doubt that accompany the process of putting words down on the page, let alone before an audience. The retelling of Icarus too was beautiful. It stayed true to the essence of the myth while not being bound by it, giving a glimpse of what may have happened next. The parallel between Icarus' flight too close to the sun and the artist's act of creation was nicely drawn. And like any good soundtrack, the music of Copeland added to the mood without distracting from the performance. Lastly, the stories about James the dog were delightful. All in all an amazing piece and one well worth catching. I am only sorry that it took me so many Fringes to finally see this talented performer in action.
wishing i could give it one more kitty
by Rachel Flynn Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I became a fan of Allegra a couple Fringes ago and while i always enjoy the stories she's telling and her writing and presentation style, it's been wonderful to see her doing something a little different with each of her shows each year. This year's show is beautifully written and perfectly orchestrated. Her musical talent combines with her narrative style in such a seemingly effortless, natural way that makes me think that there's probably a rich and varied soundtrack always underscoring Allegra's daily business and through this performance we the audience get to plug our headphones in and hear it too. (And when the sound levels get worked out, i will be as close to perfect as you can want from a show - Fringe or otherwise.) Honestly, I loved everything about this show and I hope to get to see it again before the end of the week. This is one that nobody should miss!
Epic Storytelling
by Justin Alexander Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
The content of this show is exceptional: Allegra Lingo's mixing of anecdote, auto-biography, personal politics, Greek epic, and classical music is expertly done.
Unfortunately, I feel somewhat frustrated by the microphone she uses during the performance. Either the mic or the sound system flattens her voice and robs the piece of some of the nuance it might otherwise possess. This caused some sections to fall flat for me which might otherwise have soared.
Weaving a story
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Allega Lingo takes the dog for a walk, reflecting on life, Daedalus and her writing career, with Aaron Copeland providing the music. She is an expert at weaving the threads of her narrative into one story, and the emotion and humor emerge unforced. A terrific, brave, performance. Four and a half stars rounded up for hitting all her music cues on the money. A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
Longer reviews with pictures at Baron Dave's LiveJournal and snarky comments on Facebook.
Deservedly Proud of the Metaphor
by Johanna Lewis Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Wonderful writing coupled with marvelous music and a perfectly paced delivery make this a show you need to see. I appreciated her thoughts on the writing process and the daily joys and challenges of life; her retelling of Icarus inspired me to review my Greek mythology. Lovely images remain vividly with me eight hours and two other shows after her performance. A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
Brilliant
by Damon Runnals Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A wonderful emotional tale woven with true honesty and sincerety.
A beautiful meditation
by Michael Wade Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Allegra's prose is evocative and beautiful. Her take on Icarus was phenomenal and was by far the best part of the show. Writing about the difficulties and glories of writing bogged things down a little too much for my taste. It didn't feel "epic" enough to parallel the fall of Icarus. That said, she took a huge risk with this experiment, and, though the result is not perfect, it shoots, like her piece's hero, for the sun. How many other offerings at this year's Fringe can say the same?
Crescendo ala mode
by dixie treichel Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Great writing (Allegra)and great music (Copland.
Allegra is always trying to expand her boundaries. I'm not sure the combination worked for me. Although her timing with the music was right on I'm just not a fan of continuous underscoring. Words are different than just visuals. Silence is golden. The speaking voice and music compete rather than complement each other and the wireless mic was muddy sounding (needs more treble). That said- it is worth attending. Go See/hear.
Impressed!
by Cole Sarar Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Having never seen Allegra perform before, reading the premise of this year's fringe piece left me dubious. A word/music mashup? That doesn't sound like something new. Isn't that just song?
Allegra proved me wrong, and this was a lovely exploration. Using pastoral musics as a connection to the domestic- waking up, taking the dog for a walk- and the more dramatic movements as the internal writer's myth and tumult- an almost complete rewrite of the Daedelus/Icarus myths, Lingo presented a well-polished, well-orchestrated piece.
Greek mythology and a dog
by Tim Wick Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I've heard very good things about Allegra for a number of years and this is the first time I've seen one of her shows. I'll definitely be coming back for more. The retooling of a well known Greek myth was nicely woven with personal experience to create a very engaging show.
Half and half
by August Berkshire Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Plays about writers writing about the act of writing usually don't work for me, and this was no exception. I'd give that part of the play 2 kitties. I was also not that interested in Allegra's adventures walking her dog. Again, 2 kitties. But the story about the Minotaur, with hilarious asides, was worth 4 kitties, as were her comments about same-sex marriage. So, I'm going to average this to 3 kitties. In fairness, I suspect most of the audience liked this play more than I did and would give it 4-5 kitties. Also, although the use of a microphone may have helped some people hear her, for me it was unnecessary and I wish she had discarded it after the opening few minutes. She has a nice, clear voice that works well in the Arena stage and does not need amplification.
Crescendo is the best
by Beverly Hlavac Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Crescendo is creative, superbly performed, and full of energy.
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