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Sneak Thief

Comedy
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Sneak Thief

By The International League of Diamond Thieves

Created by Tim Hellendrung & Brant Miller



Two diamond-hungry thieves plan to steal the big kahuna. Starring Tim Hellendrung (MN Middle Finger 2011, Speech 2010) and Brant Miller (Mortem Capiendum 2008, Traveling Musicians 2009, Bards 2007)

Comedy

World premiere

The creators say this show is appropriate for ages 12 and up

Other shows

If you want to steal one of the world's most recognizable diamonds, you're going to need help. Starring Tim Hellendrung (MN Middle Finger 2011, Speech 2010), Brant Miller (Mortem Capiendum 2008, Traveling Musicians 2009, Bards 2007) and Debs Holloway.

The Star Tribune made a list of their favorite Fringe shows thus far and "Sneak Thief" is there! They also had some really nice words for "Sneak Thief" in their Review .

Marianne Combs of MPR interviewed Josh Carson (Class of 98) about "Sneak Thief!" Check it out.

"Sneak Thief" is 'Recommended' by Vita.mn and a 'Keeper' according to the Star Tribune!

Kate Hoff at the Twin Cities Daily Planet lists "Sneak Thief" as one of the shows she's most excited about! And she saw it and liked it. Her review is here.

Twin Cities Theater Connection podcast invited Brant and Tim over to chat "Sneak Thief." 

Nick Decker at MPLS.TV reviewed "Sneak Thief!" "Sneak Thief pulls off a successful show through its winning charm."

Cast + crew

Brant Miller
Role: FRANCIS

Tim Hellendrung
Role: BRUCE SCHWARTZ

Debs Holloway
Role: HELEN WORTHING

Write a review

You will be able to write a review for this show during the festival.


User reviews

A classic gem of goofiness
by Dwayna Paplow
Rating 4 stars
Sneak Thief was a great show that can be enjoyed by Fringers and non-Fringers alike. A buddy comedy about learning to burgle and, more importantly, making buddies. My favorite scene? The break-in which combines classic spy-genre tech and even more timeless physical schtick.

everything i expected.
by Amber Bjork
Rating 5 stars
A wonderful, hilarious piece. These boys complement each other perfectly. More please.

Lose Yourself in the Caper
by Jon Nelson
Rating 5 stars
Hellendrung and Miller create almost perfect chemistry from the beginning of the show. Hellendrung's loveable "aw shucks" loser combines very well with the overly-serious-play-by-the-rules (no violence!) Miller.

There's only one more chance to see the show (Sunday at 7pm)! Don't miss this great comedic performance!

Cute Caper
by Fringivitis Vulgaris
Rating 3 stars
A half-clever thief, a bumbling sidekick, and a sly insider accidentally collaborate to pull off an epic heist. I wanted to slap the bumbler into next week, but the rule is "no violence!" Highly recommend for Fringe-wary folks and lovers of Will Ferrell flicks, and cautiously recommended for those who preferred "Ocean's Eleven".

Diamond-studded laughs
by Anya Kremenetsky
Rating 5 stars
One of my favorites at the Fringe this year! The script is simple, cleverly-written, and engaging. Brant Miller and Tim Hellendrung are an ideal pair with a comedic presence so natural, every moment is a delight to watch. They deliver performances that are innocently and honestly funny. This show feels like comedy in its purest form.

Fan-effing-tastic
by Katherine Glover
Rating 5 stars
Clever writing, brilliant comic performances -- all around just a great show.

A must see!
by Caleb Twiggs
Rating 5 stars
If you choose to see at least one comedy during Fringe 2012, you should see The Sneak Thief. This trio delivers gut-busting laughs throughout the show. A+

Brilliant
by Greg Giles
Rating 5 stars
Bust-a-gut funny and very clever. You really need to see this!

Inspired lunacy
by Will Weisert
Rating 5 stars
Who cares about a plot? The interplay between Hellendrung and Miller is left the audience in stitches. Throw in Debs Holloway's brief but well done turn as an opportunistic hostage and you have an hour of fun. Catch that last show.

You only have one more chance to see it!
by Florence Brammer
Rating 5 stars
This is a really great comedy. So well-written and so well-performed. Just a wonderful three-person show with no on-stage hysterics, no exhausting running around and screaming, no gratuitous cultural references. A sweet and funny buddy relationship as well a hilarious jewel heist story. Recommended!!

Don't let the dog stop this cat burglar
by Michael Krefting
Rating 5 stars
Other than a missing training montage, this show hits the spy movie on the head.

And a Pink Panther in a partridge tree
by Jon Skaalen
Rating 4 stars
I was totally ready for the comic schtick of this show and these three well-cast performers who are among the worst thieves ever. These guys do "clueless" and "Peter Sellers" very well. I'm still laughing when I recall their cool dumbness onstage.

Good ol' fashioned fun!
by Shelly Setten
Rating 5 stars
As theater should be.... just escape and forget the world's troubles for a short time to be entertained. No political agenda, no one will get offended. I think safe for kids too. Excellent karoke to Eminem-I already said too much! Go see for yourself. Two more shows left!

This show is the awesomest teddy bear.
by Isabel Nelson
Rating 5 stars
Brant Miller and Tim Hellendrung have to be the two most likeable, endearing, and charming performers around. Even now, I get all warm and fuzzy thinking about this show. Fun! Playful! Joyous! Go see!

A Fetish Ken
by Brian Watson-Jones
Rating 5 stars
Hilarious twist on a heist picture. Stays true to the old rule that inverting the tropes of a situation cause the funny. Definitely worth the watching.

What fun!
by Scott Pakudaitis
Rating 4 stars
A world-class jewel thief and his bumbling accomplice make for a clever and entertaining take on heist genre movies.

Just OK
by Rochelle Eastman
Rating 3 stars
Why wan't I chuckling with the other people in the audience? I am not sure. Cute play, silly in a good way. Well acted and all - just didn't hit me as that fabulous. Perhaps earlier in the Fringe I would have liked it more, but I have seen better.

Funny!!
by Clark Kinser
Rating 4 stars
Good comedy Fringe. The writing and actors are very good.

Hilarious Show!
by Logan Martin
Rating 5 stars
Do yourself a favor and see this show! It is a hilarious, heartwarming, and spot on performance by a very talented cast. Tim Hellendrung has established himself as one of the funniest people in the Twin Cities, and he does not disappoint in this show!

A well-written and performed heist film in 55 minutes at the Fringe? Yes please!

Beg, borrow or steal to see this show
by Mariellen Jacobson
Rating 5 stars
What a riot!  This tightly-written hilarious script is delivered with impeccable timing.  Great characters (the lovable putz, the always-striving thief with a heart, the innocent-seeming brainy girl) grab hold of you and don't let go.  The place was packed ... be sure to reserve your ticket for one of the final performances.

Great show
by Mark Ryan
Rating 5 stars
My initial reaction to seeing Brant Miller play a straight role was nearly the same unsettling reaction I had to seeing Raymond Burr playing the villain in Alfred Hitchcock's REAR WINDOW after years of watching Burr portray the well-adjusted PERRY MASON on TV. Usually Brant Miller just has to show up on a stage and I start laughing. In this show, however, he plays it straight against Tim Hellendrung's bumbling goof. But the pairing works quite well, and along with cast member,Debs Holloway, and a tightly written script, it all makes for a play well-worth seeing.

surprising
by milli manchester
Rating 5 stars
this show was a total surprise. i went in with no expectations and was totally impressed! it was a classic straight man, funny man show but the comedic timing was spot on.

Loveable
by Robin Nelson
Rating 4 stars
These guys are entirely lovable and endearing! I went because I enjoy Brant's work and fell in love with BOTH of these talented comedic actors. The story was unpredictable and hilarious, though parts of the ending felt out-of-sync. It was MORE than worth it to watch the charming and unlikely friendship unfold.

Sneaky Fun
by Eric Wentling
Rating 4 stars
A fun comedy jewel thief caper show. A nerdy guy who can't keep a job answers a want-ad and ends up helping out a jewel thief. I really liked this one, it had a good heart and acting.

ton of laughs
by Nancy Hendrickson
Rating 5 stars
Gotta get there early for this one. The first daily show had quite a line of people. There was constant laughter during the entire performance and the actors played it up to an enthusiastic audience.
Havent had time to see as many as I hoped, but this was the best for me so far.
Thanks for putting it together, guys and gal.

Well done, y'alls!
by Max Wojtanowicz
Rating 5 stars
Such a funny concept, and a smart script. All three performers are spot on but I have a hard time thinking of anyone funnier than Tim Hellendrung. Now I just need him, Shanan Custer and Courtney McLean in a show together. If I had a complaint it would be that it felt a little short, and maybe the situations could have been fleshed out a little more in that amount of time.

Much Fun
by Ben Thietje
Rating 5 stars
Hey! This was great!

Must See! Make Reservations!
by Mark Long
Rating 5 stars
I don't throw around the term "Must See" much during Fringe, but this made the cut. It is charming and funny, and very close to family-friendly (12 and up?).
It's a buddy comedy pure and simple, emphasis on the simple. One of the thieves is not the sharpest diamond cutter in the jewelry store.
Make reservations, the remaining shows should sell out.

So charming!
by Meghan Wolff
Rating 5 stars
What a wonderful show! I thought it was super bold to do a one-hour stage version of a heist story, but they pulled it off perfectly! And I could've watched 45 minutes of Tim's karaoke rap.

I'd watch these two do anything
by Lauren Anderson
Rating 5 stars
Great show with great timing. Great comedy and a whole lotta heart. Both Brant and Tim can elicit empathy from a crowd easily, and I found myself rooting for them in between laughs. Also, nice addition from Debs as the affable security guard. Go see it. But hide your wallet... They ARE thieves after all.

Great Comedy!
by Bradley Johnson
Rating 5 stars
Brant and Tim are a great duo. Very funny with great comic timing. This is well written and acting is superb, including Debs Halloway. You won't be disappointed!

Goofy, charming, smart...
by Wendy Jedlicka
Rating 5 stars
Goofy, charming, smart... What's not to like?

Sneaky sneaky
by Jesse Villarreal
Rating 4 stars
Bruce and Frank are amazing together, awesome characters that really meshed well together with very smart witty dialogue.

It was honesty great up until the part with meeting Helen. Her energy really dropped through the entire scene and some flubs were noticed that affect the scene afterwards (Monday night). The music choicse felt odd for the style of the show (not the Eminem song, THAT WAS AWESOME), but that is just me.

Otherwise very funny show that is well written and had me smiling afterwards.

Sweet and Sour...
by Patrick Pfundstein
Rating 4 stars
…but well matched are the main characters in Sneak Thief. The show is well written, performed with great chemistry and comic timing, I liked the episodic structure, and I laughed a lot. It probably isn’t going to change your life, but Sneak Thief was a really fun way to start my evening!

Darned CUTE!
by Amy Sheppeck
Rating 4 stars
This is one darned cute show! Nothing stands out in particular...I'm glad I went. The super glowing reviews seem over the top to me now that I've seen it but everyone has an opinion and they don't always agree with mine. This is a really funny concept, played well and a great fringe quality production. With a little spit and polish I'd give it 5 stars. But HEY it's the fringe, whadaya expect? Go have fun!

tight buddy comedy
by Carin Bratlie
Rating 5 stars
Tim and Brant have chemistry by the sackload, and their script is very tight. the karaoke moment alone is worth the price of admission.

It Takes a Thief
by Thomas Von Hanks
Rating 4 stars
Stolen laughs. Nothing cheap.

Almost perfect
by Publius McGee
Rating 4 stars
Cute premise, good actors, mood-setting staging, and is there anyone more able to be charmingly bumbling than Tim Hellendrung? His rapping was the highlight of my night.

I can't exactly put my finger on what was lacking, though, but I know I would have liked the pacing to pick up a bit throughout, and the scene changes took longer than they ought. Maybe that's it.

A frantastic duo
by Derek Miller
Rating 5 stars
Tim Hellendrung and Brant Miller are a perfect comic duo. They created a tight, smart script that still leaves them room to improvise in the moment, and their timing is impeccable. This tale of a master thief and his naive sidekick had me laughing from the first moment through the last, but I still came away from it caring about these wonderful (and occasionally despicable) characters that they have crafted. Hopefully, there will be more shows like this from this pair.

Turtle Necks and Stocking Caps
by Matt Spring
Rating 5 stars
This Fringe Show is a lot of fun. I loved the set up and could watch Brant and Tim as a two man burglar team all day.

It was a lot of fun to see a movie style plot executed with theater conventions. Plus everyone in the show is super engaging to watch.

Go see it, this will be a sleeper hit.

A short film waiting to be made
by Matt Peiken
Rating 5 stars
Tim Hellendrung plays the naive, nerdy, happy-go-lucky, lovable everyman better than anyone you'll find on stage or screen, and he's become THE character actor of the Fringe.

Here, Hellendrung plays an unemployed sadsack and rope-a-dope foil to a dedicated jewel thief played by Brant Miller, who co-wrote this show with Hellendrung. The two improvise around a tight and clever concept, and their timing belies the fact this is their first script together.

There are lots of big laughs here, yet none of them are cheap in this A-list Fringe show.

Under the radar
by Caroline Toll
Rating 5 stars
This almost got away! V. V. Funny!

Company in town? This is your pick!
by Glen Powell
Rating 5 stars
Great show! Characters were hilarious. Performances well done. Funny. We brought my wife's parents who were in town visiting and they loved it too. Good show to choose if you're looking for something that has to appeal to a wide range of people.

A New Comedy Duo is Born
by Josh Carson
Rating 5 stars
Brant Miller and Tim Hellendrung are no strangers to heaps of Fringe praise, and they out-do themselves here with this completely charming, and laugh-out-loud farce. A strong script, hilarious comedic set-ups, and plenty of room for a follow-up that I desperately found myself wanting. Charming, heartwarming, and frankly, the word adorable can't be said enough.

The boys are fantastic as always, but Debs Holloway is a delight as well in her far-too-brief appearance.

Winning performances
by Ryan Vanasse
Rating 4 stars
Sneak Thief's plot is slight, and its writing doesn't contain much in the way of wit or cleverness in its jokes. I didn't find myself often laughing at the writing, but that doesn't mean I didn't laugh. Tim Hellendrung (always great) and Brant Miller elevate everything through their performances. Hellendrung is a master of timing, and his enthusiasm turns a performance of "Lose yourself" that would normally be filler into comic gold. Miller's pro thief is a fun catalyst, and Debs Holloway does a good turn in a role that limits her movements (plus, love the accent). It's not amazing, but definitely worth seeing.

a match made in heaven
by Cato Brutus
Rating 5 stars
Throughout Sneak Thief, I could feel the palpable chemistry between Brant and Tim. The air was electric between them. I hear wedding bells in 2013!

Debs was pretty cute too.

LOSE YOURSELF
by Anna Weggel
Rating 5 stars
I. Love. This. Show.

Tim was amazing, as usual. This role is perfectly suited for him. He is one of my top 3 favorite fringe darlings, and I will always go see what he does no matter what don't even try to stop me.

Brant did an awesome job playing a bad guy that you can really get behind. Getting to see one corner of a smile pop up on his mouth when Tim couldn't get a newspaper to open was the highlight of my life.

Debs is adorable and perfect in her role. She was professional and funny and spot on. A perfect compliment to these other two jokers.

Go see it right now! LOSE YOURSELF in it.

A fun romp
by Kelly Rosenthal
Rating 5 stars
Really well-done. Wonderful performances and writing, with quirky characters, and great sound, lighting and props.

Impressive.
by Eric Salo
Rating 4 stars
Brant Miller and Tim Hellendrung take what should have been a perfectly ordinary show and elevate it through sheer brilliance of performance to another level. And then Debs Holloway manages to do likewise in her smaller but no less excellently performed part. This is some very, very fine comedic acting. Make an effort to find room for this one in your schedule.

Funny and Delightful
by Lena Lyle
Rating 5 stars
Perfect execution, fabulous acting, and a funny and witty script. What more could you ask for? The transitions between scenes could be a little slow, but other than that the show was flawless. This is definately a must see for any Fringe-goer.

I wanted to hug these two guys!
by Rena Rasch
Rating 5 stars
This is a sweet and funny show! The relationship that develops between Bruce and Frank is frickin adorable. Plus the music was awesome and the tech folks were on the money. Definitely recommend.

Perfectly done fluff
by Sharon Kahn
Rating 5 stars
The Two Stooges try to steal a diamond. That's pretty much it, but believe me, it's a lot funnier than it sounds. With such a thin premise it's all in the execution, and in this case the execution is flawless. The writing, the acting, the pacing, the use of music - everything is perfect. You may wait in line to get in, but you'll leave with a smile on your face.

Contains 100%
by Bill Stiteler
Rating 4 stars
Of your daily recommended allowance of adorableness. The script exists as an opportunity for Brant Miller and Tim Hellendrung to play off each other: Miller as an international jewel thief who's so desperate to steal a diamond he's willing to team up with Hellendrung, a man with all the criminal drive of a puppy dog playing with a squeak toy.

Charming as hell.

You own it
by Lindsey McDonald Dorsey
Rating 5 stars
When I was a kid, I'd watch the first few minutes of Return of the Pink Panther over and over again, fantasizing about being a jewel thief. This show scratches that same itch. Goofy, charming, with lots of heart and unrepentant criminal activity. Awesome.

Schedule

Saturday, 8/42:30 p.m.
Monday, 8/65:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 8/87:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8/111:00 p.m.
Sunday, 8/127:00 p.m.