Minnesota Fringe Festival

The company working presently on the following production would proudly like to invite you to join them for fun, and learning called:

APPLESAUCE FICTION


Written by Maggie Williams

Presented as a part of the 2009 Minnesota Fringe Festival


This is the what: It is a play concerning quantum decoherence, and an apple with a mandolin.
This is the where: Augsburg Mainstage Theater
This is the who: I. Garelik, N. Marcouiller, W. Mullaney, J. Potter, M. Riley, J. Shockley, M.D. Williams
This is The Who: R. Daltrey, J. Entwhistle, K. Moon, P. Townshend
This is the why: To revel in the revolution. To get high on the hijinx. To delight in the debacle.
This is the when: 8/1/09 @ 7:00 PM CST; 8/2/09 @ 1:00 PM CST; 8/3/09 @ 8:30 PM CST; 8/5/09 @ 5:30 PM CST; 8/8/09 @ 10:00 PM CST

Here we are on YouTube:




Vote for this trailer in the 2009 Fringey Awards.


A couple, Henri and Francoise, live on a planet which is undergoing a food shortage. Science (or whatever) has discovered a way to travel between different potential universes, and those in power invite Henri and Francoise to conceive of a universe in which they have everything they want. Upon being conceived, the universe exists, and Henri and Francoise receive everything they could ever want from their "newniverse" selves. However, when they realize their dream world necessitates oppression and slavery, Henri and Francoise must confront themselves and overthrow the newniverse government in a coup d'etat.



Playwright's Notes

This fable is an absurdist comedy on the themes of power, consumption, and false resolution (in politics). Naturally, it draws on the current international economic crisis as a tap of situations from which audiences might relate to the story. Francoise and Henri, in particular, must balance their fear of downward social mobility with their sense of responsibility toward those upon whom their high status may be an unwelcome burden. It's the crisis of conscience afflicting fallen CEOs and washed-up celebrities, as well as the ever-growing newly-unemployed middle class.

The resulting inner turmoil for our heroes isn't written for laughs, as is most of the rest of the turmoil. The characters at the heart of this fairy tale for an age of recession are treated humanely; the laughably absurd day-to-day red tape, the dogma, and the dubious decisions handed down by those in charge are heightened and skewered.

If you are a citizen of this universe (you are), you are highly encouraged to attend this show. If you are a citizen of an alternate version of this universe, you should come see this show, too, and let us know if you're being portrayed correctly. We can only imagine.

The cast

Ilya Garelik
Role: Apple

Nicholas Marcoullier
Role: Haberdasher

John Potter
Role: Henri

Madelyne Riley
Role: Leboeuf

Jeffrey Shockley
Role: Mailman

Margaret Williams
Role: Francoise

Kalen Keir
Role: Comte de la Rochefocauld

William Mullaney
Role: Comte de la Rochefocauld

Jeffrey Shockley

Applesauce Fiction

Sat., Aug. 1 @ 7:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 2 @ 1:00 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 3 @ 8:30 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 5 @ 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 8 @ 10:00 p.m.

Warning! Adult language

Venue Augsburg Mainstage
For ages 16+
Written by Maggie Williams
genres Clowning/mime, Comedy
features Multimedia, World premiere, Regional (MSP) premiere, Original script/choreography, Original music, First-time Minnesota Fringe Festival producer

Overall rating

User reviews

Meaningful but not too "heavy"
by Abby Rosen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Whether that was politic, romantic, or existential, this play had something to say and went to great, though sometimes unconventional, lengths to get you thinking.

Though the movement was sometimes quirkily confusing, the overall feel was lighthearted without being meaningless. It was obvious that the cast was full of people who enjoyed working and creating together. Great show, everyone. :)

Scratching my head
by Anon Review Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I walked away from the show thinking it was an ok show. The actors were great, but the show was just ok. After a day of contemplation, I have to say this is one of the shows that have really stuck to me.

The choreography is clumsily clever, and the message of the play was very well delivered.

Awesome
by Jennifer Peister Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is a very creative show full of imagination. The movement is very clever, fluid and well choreographed. Very engaging actors who kept my attention for the entire show. The set could have been a little better constructed, but for a first time effort, absolutely awesome. Well done. Bravo!

Potential
by Jazzy Faye Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
This group of actors are definitely talented. I was just taken back by all the movement that went on, I lost some of the text...okay, most of it. Good for a first time producer.

Could be worse.
by Michael Wade Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
The performers were engaging, though they were partaking in physical bits that neither they nor the director seemed to understand. Watching them jump from overly-choreographed moments to latzis that never had time to develop, I found myself incredibly frustrated. There was lots of superfluous movement that served as distraction from the action at hand. The ideas in the play are interesting even if the production never quite figures out how to explore them.

delciously marinated in charm
by Matthew Klas Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
what starts off as a bizarre physical comedy suddenly becomes quite clever and thought provoking while remaining charming and bashfully likable all the way through.

Talented, high energy cast
by S J Bristol Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Physical comedy, high energy, puppetry, music & mime, plus one fantastic idea: sending ourselves thru the mail. Don't miss this show and don't miss the very talented William Mullaney - in a tux, no less.

Perfect balance!
by Paige Robson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
For someone who doesn't experience a lot of theater, this show made me glad I did! It was energetic, funny, well thought out, and it was clear that each actor was sincerely dedicated to perfecting their role. It was far-out enough to make viewers think, but not so far that it leaves them behind. LOVED IT! Congrats to the whole cast for their hard work.

This is what the Fringe is All About
by M Sweeney Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A riches of playful experiments zooming through 50 minutes of fun story. Balls to you, Applesauce Fiction. Keep energized and keep physical.

brilliant.
by Kay Marie Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
HUZZAH! so much fun.

MIND BENDER!!
by Kelly Berry Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Hilarious! Thoroughly enjoyed seeing how talented/strange/beautiful my friends are. Go see it!!

pretty bad
by Carol Witte Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
Talented and impressive actors, but sadly a terrible play. A confusing and grating story-line, jarring choreography, and a set that was an eyesore.

Fantastic!
by Donovan Walker Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved this show. A MUST SEE.
Vision, mirth, whimsy and a little bit of in-sanity.

Excellent work people!

(now if I can only fold myself into that amazon box that arrived yesterday...)

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