schedule
SunsetGun productions
AfterLife
Thu., Jul. 30 @ 5:30 p.m.
Fri., Jul. 31 @ 8:30 p.m.
Tue., Aug. 4 @ 7:00 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 6 @ 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 8 @ 2:30 p.m.
Warning! Adult language
Venue Intermedia Arts
For ages 15+
Written by C Van Strander & C Simmons
From Brooklyn, NY
Web site www.sunsetgunproductions.com
genres Solo, Drama
subjects Historical
features Regional premiere (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Original script/choreography, First-time Minnesota Fringe Festival producer
Overall rating
User reviews
Everything and more!
by Dana Garbo Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Candy blew us away with her talent - from the writing to the execution to the way the show sticks to you long after it's over. Although the show was advertised for 15+, I took my two daughters who are younger than the recommended age. They not only "got" it - they loved it. We talked and talked and talked about all of the challenges each incarnation experienced.
Accurately Heavenly!
by Cody Stewart Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
8-8-09 @ 2:30pm
Intermedia Arts
Akin to Cunningham's 'The Hours', AfterLife is one stellar hour of theatre. Simmons' acting is impeccable, her timing brilliant, and the three stories well-crafted. I rate it a 5 out of 5.
Three connected stories
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Candy Simmons effortlessly puts on three characters to tell their interesting stories from the first person. Each story stands on its own, and together they form a strong narrative. A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
Longer reviews with pictures at Baron Dave's LiveJournal and snarky comments on Facebook.
well wrought and played tales
by David Trudeau Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The believability of each of the three women presented is challenging because they are caricatures. The 'sconsin and the hills of Kentucky accents and mannerisms are so right on. And the tales are engaging. And Candy pulls it off superbly.
Seamless
by Joshua Humphrey Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This stellar show is funny, heart-breaking, frenetic and worth the price of admission. Candy Simmons fully embodies each of the three women from different American eras: as we progress from early 1900s Appalachia to modern day New York, the karmic residue of each era snowballs into the next, until the final character is a high-strung mess, and we have certain clues to help us determine the why of the matter.
An aspect of the production I found provoking afterwards was that this karmic dissonance--if we are considering that these characters are connected through karma and reincarnation--is that it began with Ruth's--the Appalachian midwife--inability to have children. Her distress at not being a mother is poignant and a little sad, but also becomes unreasonable when we see and the lengths to which it takes her. That baggage seems to carry forward into Marion's life; while Marion has children, she confesses that she needs more to occupy her time. Yet when she tries to branch out she's rebuffed, which I was led to believe triggered further repression. By the time we get to Karma, she's a mess of a woman who hasn't got what she wanted out of the two previous lifetimes and is desperately trying to hold it all together. When she comes to a realization instigated by either apparitions or visitors from a different spiritual plane, something flips inside her.
This is a fascinating journey that's given me a lot to think on. Thanks for the gift of the show!
Wonderful!
by SBRK Hart Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This play was fantastic, both the script and the acting. I would see it again and again, and will want to watch for this wonderful performer at next year's Fringe.
More than Candy
by Stephanie Long Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Every year, I attempt to see at least one show that's not local and this year I struck gold or candy.
This show is everything a fringe show should be. The show is moving, funny and presents a unique perspective. I really hope Candy Simmons receives the crowds and praise she deserves.
Fantastic
by Waylon Werner Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Wonderful Art being made here. Very professional and VERY well put together.
Brilliant
by Sharon Kahn Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I decided to see this one after chatting with the performer as she handed out flyers for her show. She had such an expressive face that I thought she'd be a good solo performer. She was. My husband and I also have a fondness for the "3 short pieces" Fringe show format. In this case, the writing was extraordinarily strong, the production values were unobtrusively excellent, and Candy Simmons is just a brilliant actress. Don't miss this one if you like well-written, well-performed character drama with a comic edge.
Kittens Out of the Bag
by Thomas Cassidy Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Gadzooks, I'm receiving karmic dividends this Fringe in spite of my personal wretchedness. Only able to squeeze in shows based on convenience and not buzz this year and all we've attended so far are excellent, with this bordering on extraordinary. Lots of unmet needs knotted into this playful
and clever show. Well written, nicely directed, and beautifully acted. AND I'm going to get additional karmic perks for posting more compliments.
Darkly funny, compelling, polished
by Kay Kirscht Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I'm calling it a "Must See."
All three stories equally weighted and equally enjoyed. Yes, flawlessly woven together under a jointly perceived Heaven.
it always comes in threes....
by jennifer phillips Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Three intriguing stories, woven together seamlessly. Characters we can all relate to. Great show.
WOW! Thought-provoking ...
by Julie Stone Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This performer is amazing as she tells the story of these three women across time ... they all have their own view of heaven. I couldn't help but think they were all basically the same person. Were the 50s really that supressive for women? Amazing that what I realized is that we're LOSING power over time -- Marion worked the system to get what she wanted and seemed to have the most control over her fate and managed to dish out the fairest karmic fate to the one person who kept her from having what she wanted most when she was following society's rules! She seemed to have the harshest circumstances but made the most of what she had ... Very interesting indeed.
Make a point to see this show
by Amber Preston Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I'll admit I only went to this show because I knew I wouldn't have time for a nap... but I was blown away. What a treat. The other reviews are spot on - you get sucked in and are completely engaged throughout the entire performance. I am so glad I took the advice of some other audience members and saw this show!
Poignant, compelling
by Chris Kopka Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Well scripted. Well acted. Well worth the time. Check this show out.
This is why I go to the Fringe
by Dave Larson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Very good writing and acting. Three wonderful characters, separate, yet attached. I knew nothing about Ms. Simmons, but what a wonderful surprise. Go see it, and bring some friends.
Selfish, self-centered, and narcissistic
by Mr. Josh Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
The title is what all of the characters in this show have in common, with the third showing hints of change.
I thought the first act was really good. The accent seemed slightly affected to begin with, but improved from there. I wish I hadn't read Reid's comment below, because I just couldn't get Sarah Palin outta my head during the middle act. Imagine my surprise 5 minutes into the third act when it turns into a burlesque show! Complete with belly button ring and tramp stamp. Being prurient, I had no problem with this of course, but I thought you should know.
All in all, I thought that Candy did a great job of portraying deeply flawed yet sympathetic characters.
Transcending Loneliness
by Reid Gagle Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Three women, across the last 100 years, seek different paths to counter the isolation of their lives. The first story, about a killer angel in Appalachia a century ago, is the best. The second features a very tightly wound 1950s housewife, born perhaps a decade early. Last is a contemporary NYC executive struggling with her inner bitch. All three are well drawn, although the accent of the second kept reminding me annoyingly of Sarah Palin.
Sucks you in
by Lisa Berg Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I wasn't prepared to be so engaged but got totally sucked in to the aspirations, disappointments and transcendence of all three characters. Candy Simmons really squeezes the essence from each of these women and makes us care about them.
Fantastic show!
by Jennifer Weir Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was a great performance! 3 women from different generations and backgrounds. Great humor with a tight sophisticated script.
Great Beginning to the Fringe!
by Nancy Ruyle Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Candy Simmons is one talented actress! She weaves three stories of three women into one wonderful show. I was very happy to start my Fringe off in such a wonderful way.
Spectacular
by Brian Alexander Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Loved it. Every second of it.
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