schedule
Balance Theatre Project
The William Williams Effect
Fri., Jul. 31 @ 10:00 p.m.
[A] Sat., Aug. 1 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 2 @ 2:30 p.m.
Tue., Aug. 4 @ 10:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 @ 2:30 p.m.
KEY:
[S]=ASL interpreted
[A]=Audio described
Warning! Violence, Loud noises/gunshots
Venue Southern Theater
For ages 13+
Written by Brian Columbus & Nancy Ruyle
Web site http://www.balancetheatreproject.org
genres Drama
subjects Relationships, Historical
features World premiere, Original script/choreography
Overall rating
User reviews
Very impressive
by Laurie Swenson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Great, thought-provoking play in a beautiful theater. The acting was superb. I loved the authenticity. The play didn't try to be more than the reality. I appreciated that.
little effect
by Sarah Bauer Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
I didn't enjoy having most of the information about the characters and action given to me through exposition-filled courtroom scenes. I enjoyed the scenes between the characters in the "past" of the play much more and wished it could have had more of that. I think this would work much better as a full length play where the character development could be stretched out and explored more and give the audience a much bigger emotional investment and impact.
Minnesotan!
by Joshua Humphrey Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was the kind of show I'd like to see more of in next year's festival: distinctly Minnesotan, based in historical fact and an original work. Like some other reviewers have stated, it could be longer to further explore the characters and flesh out some relationships, but not much longer: 20-30 minutes would be ideal.
Kudos to all the performers, particularly Kevin Singer. There wasn't a weak link in this entire production, and the perfect casts carries it off without missing a beat.
Really Strong Piece
by Jimmy LeDuc Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I found this piece well written, acted, and directed. I think its only flaw is fitting into the Fringe timeline. There is an even longer play exploring the characters more fully that could be done here. I am so glad I saw this production and hope that it has a longer life and the show is expanded to tell more of this interesting story.
Definitely worth seeing
by Mary Luczak Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I had never heard of this true story. Someone else who had seen it recommended it to me and boy, am I glad I saw it. The cast was wonderfully matched, especially Wade who has such a stage presence and, very believable. I'd be curious to know if this play is going to be expanded into a full-length play. There's definitely lots of opportunities for the script to be expanded. Well done, well done.
Mary E
Pleasantly Surprised
by Sid Solomon Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
The William Williams Effect delivers what so many Fringe shows can't: a production worthy of a long run at a professional theater. A uniformly strong cast, solid direction, impeccable technical execution, and a good script combine for an impressive product. 30 more minutes, a little script polishing (with perhaps less emphasis on narration), and St. Paul's History Theatre has a surefire production for its 2010-2011 season.
Local history becomes excellent theater!
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was riveting from start to end. I was surprised at the exceptionally good storytelling and sound fact that went into this tale. Historical accuracy is not usually a hallmark of Fringe productions, and this company has set the mark very high!
Well done
by Ruth Virkus Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The performances were wonderful, and the script was on the whole really solid, although I felt it was oddly repetitive in parts, and I couldn't help thinking there was a little more to mine from the historical record.
Great, and solidly directed.
underwhelmed
by Jeff Miller Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
All well done and solid but didn't do much for me. A little to near normal for my taste.
History with a bang (and a hang)
by Jesse Corder Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was a wonderful telling of this piece of local history. I had never heard of this case before, and was delighted that that wasn't held against me. This wonderful cast was able to educate me while telling me the story as a good historical work should. Just go see it.
Must See!
by Kay Jackson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Built on a strong script, compelling and tangled questions, and a cast that finds the truth in complicated characters, this show has an emotional wallop that sneaks up on you in the end. Wade Vaughn delivers what may be the best performance you will see on any Twin Cities stage this year.
Engaging story, well told
by Ari Hoptman Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A quite interesting play about the last person executed in Minnesota. A very good cast, with Edwin Strout delivering exposition. The last ten minutes, which show two aspects of the story simultaneously, are exciting indeed. Well done, Brian Columbus.
You have to see William Williams
by Tony Hanson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is NOT a dry as dust documentary. This is a well crafted play presented by superb actors. This could be the best show you will see in this Fringe.
Great story, adequate production
by Dorothy Goldie Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
This show made me want to see this story spun out into a full length production. The story is intriguing but this production just scratched the surface.
Eerie
by Eric Meininger Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A dark story - made eerie by the fact that it's true. It left me with more questions at the end than answers.
don't miss this one
by Eric Salo Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is really an excellent show. As has been observed many times already, it is substantially more polished than typical Fringe offerings. The two story lines are presented very effectively and from top to bottom the cast is uniformly solid. Edwin Strout does a superb job of keeping the action flowing and then throws in a very funny stint as a witness at the trial. Wade Vaughn as Williams somehow manages to be creepy and disturbing yet also strangely sympathetic. Kevin Singer is spot-on as the confused and conflicted Johnnie. Jerome Marzullo is good as Johnnie's father who attempts to lay down the law to his son but fails because of his job which keeps him out of town for weeks at a time. Jean Salo (full disclosure time: she's my wife) is full of impotent midwestern rage as she also tries in vain to steer her son along a different path yet can't bring herself to simply slam the door on Williams. Dan Hopman is deliciously sarcastic as the prosecuting attorney, and Shannon Jones is effective as the ineffective defense attorney.
Is the show perfect? Of course not. Personally I would have liked to have seen more on the immediate aftermath of the hanging. I also would have appreciated a sharper distinction between the events as described in Williams' testimony and the events as they "really" happened on-stage. But these are relatively minor quibbles. I wish I could give this show four and a half kitties. Since I can't, I'm rounding up to five because there's just so much good stuff here.
Only one more show left and then it's gone. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
You already know the story...
by Sage Price Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
My advice is that if you see this show, have a few drinks first to dull your short-term memory. The script is woefully repetitious; so much so that the actors really have to push to keep the audience's attention. This is not aided by the smarmy and verbose narration, served up a la William Shatner. Don't be fooled by the hype, there are no surprises or fictionalized twists that would aide such a cut-and-dry story. The only thing I enjoyed about this piece was Wade A. Vaughn's acting. He is well connected to his character and remains very unpredictable.
Glad I saw it
by Michael Wade Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I had heard good things, and I was not let down. The cast is really, really fantastic, and the show is very well paced. The script relied too heavily on narration for my taste, but this show is most definitely worth seeing.
Best Drama of the Fringe?
by Justin Alexander Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This might be the best drama in the Fringe this year. I have a few quibbles with the script (the consequences of the botched hanging seemed inadequately explored; there are a couple of sequences in which the trial-then-reenactment structure felt repetitive), but it's a powerful story powerfully rendered.
The actors also deserve commendation: Every performance weaves itself into a seamless whole. I'm tempted to single out Vaughn's tour de force in the title role or Stout's deft ringleading as the narrator, but then I'd be forced to also call attention to Salo's suppressed torrent of emotion and Kevin Singer's delicate portrayal of youthful corruption and on and on and on...
Nor should the direction be forgotten. Columbus presents a complex narrative with equal measures of clarity and cleverness.
Amazing
by Anna Thor Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The show was well staged, the actors were great and the story was very well told. I hope everyone can make it to the last show if they have not seen it already.
About Time
by Violet Weiner Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is Broadway with two stories going
at once which is A step up in a play. The cast
was marvelous going from the trial to the
enactments up to the tragic finish. The fact
that this really happened and was acted out
so beautifully by the cast made the evening
memorable. Bravo to the director and actors.
Expertly Cut Gem
by Mark Long Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is one of the Fringe shows that you see and forget it's a Fringe show because it feels so professionally done, and you learn something.
A well-written, well-acted piece of forgotten Twin Cities' history.
It could be a fantastic full-length play.
Law and Order THIS!
by Cody Stewart Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
8-1-09 @ 8:00pm
Southern Theater
This tour de force true crime story is a must see. Riveting script and portrayals of the actors carry the story to its climatic, heart racing end. Kudos to Singer, Salo, and Vaughn for these passionate, rooted to the core representations of real life people. I rate this performance a 5 out of 5.
Must See
by bill siegel Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Absolutely the best show I have ever seen at the Fringe, do not miss.
Well done!
by Lacey Piotter Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Captivating from the moment the lights began to rise. Edwin Stout had my attention instantly. Fine acting, staging, and a fascinating story about the human condition. Kudos and Kitties!
Really powerful!
by Meredith Cain-Nielsen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Excellently acted, and what an interesting story. Some really intense and haunting moments. Fantastic show if you're in the mood for a drama.
Terribly Boring and Poorly Staged!
by Barb Hagg Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
After reading reviews, I had high hopes for William Williams, but I left the Southern horribly disappointed. With a few exceptions, the acting was close to something good, but overall failed to deliver. The attempt at a British accent was insulting and the other lack-luster performances left me uninterested and all-around bored.
Although the dramaturgy of the show was impressive, the script was unappealing. If I wanted to be talked at by on person for an hour, I would have taken a summer class. The blocking and set design failed for me too. I realize that it is a fringe show, and I cannot expect an ellaborate set, but the two wooden boxes and two chairs left the large space oddly empty. I did appreciate the use of the lighting and there were some powerful uses of shadows, but I don't think the production team were aware of shadow effect they created.
Haunting
by Ashley Schweitzer Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A powerful and provocative drama. Excellent performances, especially by Wade Vaughn. Haunting.
True Crime Minnesota Style
by Reid Gagle Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This is an interesting slice of Minnesota history about the last legal execution in Minnesota. It is vigorously enacted by strong, veteran performers led by Wade Vaughn and Edwin Strout. The only real problem is that the story itself is extremely straightforward – no twists, no revelations, etc. The playwright tries in vain to loosen up the narrative by going back and forth in time, but in this case, truth is not stranger than fiction.
Great history, OK show.
by Derek Miller Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
The most effective element of the show is the fact that the story actually happened. William Williams, an English immigrant in the early 1900s, was the very last person to be put to death by the state of Minnesota; and the St. Paul Pioneer Press, which was, apparently a good paper in its day, was the only publication of its time willing to buck the unconstitutional state law of the time that forbid reporters from describing the actual execution. The history is gripping stuff.
However, much of the "William Williams Effect" is wasted on courtroom scenes, which are almost always death on stage. The play follows two tracks simultaneously: one is the story of the trial and subsequent hanging, and the other is the history of the strange relationship between Williams and young Johnnie Keller, whose murder sent Williams to the gallows. The courtroom track is pretty staid and straightforward: Dan Hopman and Shannon Troy Jones square off effectively as the prosecuting and defending attorneys, though, as the show makes clear early on, the outcome is pretty much determined from the beginning. On the other side of the story, we see bits and pieces of William (Wade Vaughn) and Johnnie (Kevin Singer) as their meeting in a hospital recovery ward quickly develops into an uncomfortably close friendship with unspoken homosexual undertones, much to the distress of Johnnie's parents (Jereome Marzullo and Jean Salo). The strangeness is only exacerbated by the things we don't know. We don't know exactly what kind of relationship the two have, only that it seems to perturb everyone around them and that William, a 27-year-old man, writes a series of bizarre and emotionally charged letters to his teenage companion.
Wade Vaughn presents Williams as a frustrating character. We never get a peek inside his head, but his passionate actions and odd choices cry out for an explanation that will never come. Somehow Vaughn trudges through this complexity and gives us a Williams who is stoic and trustworthy on one hand, but possibly dangerously unhinged on the other. Vaughn embraces these contradictions. Edwin Strout is saddled with the unenviable job of being the narrator of the whole thing, playing the reporter who originally penned the execution story for the Pioneer Press all those years ago. Occasionally he steps forward to play other positions of authority--the judge in the case and an oddball of a psychiatrist called to testify--but mostly he is kept to his task of keeping the story moving forward. Fortunately, he goes for the gusto with this, and his clear, authoritative voice virtually commands the piece into being. The rest of the cast is suitable in their roles and do a good enough job, but it is always difficult to handle these short scenes that skip from one time to the next, glossing over complex real-life relationships at the expense of staging a courtroom drama.
The piece is buoyed up, though, by an extremely effective ending that collides the moment of Williams' execution with the moment of Johnnie's murder. It is the one bit of real ecstatic excitement in the place, deftly tied together by Strout's narration. In the end, the play is less concerned with the strange details left unaccounted-for: Williams' bizarre, almost poetic letters; Johnnie's mother, who also dies that fateful night, and her inability to simply tell Williams to leave her house; and Johnnie's months-long travels with Williams to Winnipeg, which are never staged and only mentioned in narration. It appears more important to the playwright that the sad story contributed directly to the end of capital punishment and less important that there was something more going on under the surface. At the heart of it, "The William Williams Effect" is more concerned with the "Effect" than the "William Williams."
Very good
by Arnold James Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Great performance by Wade Vaughn and Edwin Strout among others. Wonderful technical elements, other than the actual hanging, only reason it's a 4 rather than a 5. It was just a little too removed. I wanted to see Williams in that scene (not actually hung obviously) but I believe there was a dramatic opportunity missed, maybe just having him on stage as Strout reported upon the physical effects of the hanging. Vaughn is such a strong physical presence throughout the show, I would have liked to see his face during the climax of the narrative. I also wasn't sure who the empathetic character was. Am I supposed to connect with Williams, Johnny, Mom, The reporter? There are a lot of opportunities for this story. I think it could be made into a full length show. Good work all the way around.
Don't overlook this fine piece
by August Berkshire Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I'm glad we have a fine drama like this at the Fringe this year - not every play has to be a comedy, does it? I thought the script and cast did an excellent job of portraying the ambiguity of both the relationship between the two key people involved and whether WW was actually guilty of the crime. Add to that the description of the execution, to see why we abolished capital punishment in Minnesota. Highly recommended.
Thoughtful
by Waylon Werner Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I would not be surprised to see this mounted again. Very polished piece of local work that deserves respect. This was a fantastic way to look at local history.
Don't miss this
by J Emily Peabody Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Historical stories often make great dramas. This play is no exception. The show is excellently acted, and the story line is well crafted. I liked the timely pre-show music. An aside for the playwrite: the timeline jumping about had a confusing effect on me.
Tremendous
by Aaron Greer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A simple story wound around itself in a way that could have turned into a mess in lesser hands - this director and cast however managed to weave it into a real work of beauty. Performances ranged from very good up to brilliant. I've come to expect this level of work from Wade Vaugn and he didn't disappoint; I'd never seen Edwin Stout before but will certainly be on the lookout for other shows he does now; would have loved to see more of Jean Salo! Really folks, go see this show! I'm really hoping this show can find some sort of more permanent home to help remind people of easily lost bits of local history.
Intriguing story
by Cyndi Bohun Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This is an intriguing story line. Alot to think about. Great acting.
Nice work from all
by Sarah Tomek Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This is the strongest ensemble I've seen at this year's Fringe. The first show that has really convinced me to suspend disbelief and become engaged in the world of the play.
Elegantly and Simply Executed
by phillip andrew bennett low Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Surprisingly polished piece of docudrama, with seamless transitions between documented and original material. Full review available at the Twin Cities Daily Planet.
lest we forget....
by Ariel Pinkerton Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Suberb acting. Striking story. True history. Go.
Extremely Impressive Drama
by William Beeman Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is a superb piece of theater, all the more impressive because of the extraordinary research and preparation that went into it. The playwrights and producers are careful to stick to the public record in construction the story, leaving the "case" of William Williams ambiguous enough to leave the audience with serious and important questions about the "last man to be executed in Minnesota." The hugely talented cast brought the story to life in an electric fashion, and the playwrights cleverly use flashbacks and disjunct time frames to put the puzzle of Williams' "crime" together. The play could be expanded to full length. I am sure that it has a very important future. Congratulations to Balance Theater for this stunning production.
This is a MUST see!!
by Scott Lipscomb Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Wow, what an impressive show ... a poignant story, incredible cast, and superb directing. If you miss this one during The Fringe, it would be a great loss. This is an historical event about which every Minnesotan (and those beyond state borders) should be aware, as we look to our future and state-sanctioned murder ... told through an intensely dramatic storyteller's eye.
Take a break from the schlock & comedy to see at least this one serious drama. You won't regret it ... guaranteed!!
[NOTE: the "warning" for this show is silly ... the "violence" relates to heated arguments & a single shove and the "noises" are two quick gunshots in succession ... that's it! Certainly not a "kids show," but definitely not a concern for adult audiences ... don't be dissuaded.]
strong performances, compelling story
by Rachel Flynn Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
truth, as they say, is often stranger than fiction. this story from st. paul's past is fascinating, sad, and ultimately kind of horrifying on a lot of levels. the use of historical documents and accounts to narrate, interspersed with the writers' rendition of the events worked well to put most -- but never all -- of the pieces of this story together. i left the theater with more knowledge and more questions spinning around in my brain, a sensation which i like.
William Williams Effect
by Christa Beverlin Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
William Williams Effect at the Southern Theater August 1 at 830pm
This was by far my favorite show so far! Mix true crime and a dash of theater and stir well till you get this show! This show was so awesome; telling the tale of the last man to be executed in Minnesota. The story starts with a man and a boy's friendship which turns into something completely different. The acting was outstanding and the story was interesting and twisted. This show is a MUST SEE!
I rated this show a 5
Wow this was great!
by Delano DuGarm Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I wasn't sure about this show, but I'm so happy I went. This is a tightly-written play that benefits from uniformly superb performances. There were a few structural elements I didn't understand (why read a description of a scene and then act it out?), but this show is definitely one not to miss.
History lives!
by kit gordon Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This fine script is really brought to life by the wonderful cast; the story gives us a glimpse of Minnesota history of which many of us are probably completely unaware, yet it does so by presenting the lives of complex, contradictory people. Don't miss this one!
Best show this year?
by David Trudeau Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Wow! A finished product with a superbly written, produced, directed and acted high impact drama - unexpected at the Fringe. A history play that is better than most things I have seen at the History Theater (not to put down the History Theater.) It is GOOD. It could have legs as a mandatory middle school yellow bus play.
Very strong performance
by Damon Runnals Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This show did a very nice job of filling a large playing space (the Southern Theater). It is a well crafted story that takes what could have been a very mundane amount of scenes (courtroom drama) and keeps moving by interspersing with recreation of the events. Nicely done and congrats to all.
Great show
by Dan Pinkerton Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Well written and very clear retelling of the events leading to the last (legal) hanging in the state of Minnesota. Much of the material is taken directly from trial transcripts, letters, and newspaper accounts, and transformed skilfully into an engrossing play.
Kudos to the cast and director as well. Wade Vaughn was particularly strong in the title role, but Edwin Strout, Jean Salo, young Kevin Singer, and the whole cast deserve credit. See it!
So glad I saw this.
by Marie Odle Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What should have been a boring crime drama was actually equal parts entertaining and provocative. The narrator sucked me in to the story, the ambiguity of the case intrigued me, and best of all, I didn't see actors. I saw people. I saw history, and it's history I'm glad I was told of.
They Don't Make Em Like They Used To
by Jim Pounds Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Did Director Brian Columbus go rob a talent store or something? Wade Vaughn is one of the finest actors in town, fair enough. But, then Columbus goes and throws Jerry Marzullo, Jean Salo and Edwin Strout into his shopping cart. And then just before checking out, he picks up a little item called Kevin Singer. So, now we have a cast filled with seasoned and talented veterans topped off with a performance that is really tremendous by Mr. Singer as Johnnie. No wonder Brian Columbus was standing in the lobby grinning after tonight's performance. Historic drama is hard to make involving because you have to deliver so many facts and cover so much territory that scenes are little more than half a page. But if you go to the talent store on Fridays when great talent is apparently half off, you can add that talent to what is a very good script and crisp directing and you can feed an audience of 300 very well thank you. I think I need a snack!
William Williams
by jordana lipscomb Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Excellent cast and riveting final scene
William, Wade and Murder
by Richard Shields Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
If you want to get a sense of the Minnesota of a 100 years ago and how it dealt with a crime that had "sordid" overtones make room on your schedule to go to this show. Wade Vaughn as the main character gives us a powerful performance, at times menacing, at times displaying a touching need to find some other human being to connect to in his search to love and be loved. Edwin Strout efforts pull you into the story and gives you the "public" view of how this real event was seen in the press.
The productions use of flashback scenes worked well for until the end of the show when dueling death scenes challenged my ability to keep-up with the action.
You will learn things about Minnesota history and see some good work if you go to this production.
Better than Expected
by Erik Brendtro Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show is a cut above the expected Fringe gamble. Enthralling story-- suberbly staged and directed. Strong acting performances and a polished show. A great first-show of the Fringe.
a polished and painstaking production
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This show looks gorgeous on the beautiful Southern stage and the cast is first-rate. I found the story emotionally unaffecting, but it is fascinating from both an historical and a psychological perspecive. Most definitely worth a Fringe slot.
Good
by Kassie Church Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
The script was really great and interesting. I learned a lot about an important piece of MN history. The acting was good and even the accent sounded real. Definitely recommended.
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