Praise for "Kafkaesque: A Musical Metamorphosis":

"Nathan Schilz's musical adaptation of Kafka's tale works beautifully, with a score that fits the story and a script that preserves the literature. Especially strong are the young Anna Larranaga as Greta and Joshua Rees Hopkins as her doomed brother Gregor, the man who wakes up as a bug." -Eric Ringham, Star Tribune

See full review: http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/stageandarts/165019486.html?refer=y

"...the half-dozen+ songs are delivered exceptionally well by young actors Joshua Rees Hopkins and Anna Larranaga." -Bill Deal, TC Rover (Pioneer Press Reader Review)

See full review: http://blogs.twincities.com/tcrover/2012/08/05/kafkaesque-a-musical-metamorphosis/

Pre-fringe Press:

Minnpost:http://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2012/07/unraveling-fringe

#11 in Matthew Everett's (TC Daily Planet) top 20 Fringe Picks:

http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/blog/matthew-everett/fringe-top-20-2012-edition-if-you-removed-gun-my-head

"Writer Nathan Schilz has some of the sharpest dramaturgical instincts I've run across in a while. If anyone can make this freaky hybrid work, he's your guy."

TC Theatre Connection: http://www.tctheaterconnection.com/?p=2225

"Kafkaesque" is a musical re-imagining of Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" using minor elements of the author's life and quotes from some of his other writings to enfuse the story with a more pronounced note of autobiography.

"Kafkaesque: A Musical Metamorphosis" will make its World Premiere on the Mixed Blood Theatre stage as part the 2012 Minnesota Fringe Festival and will be directed by Eli Coats.

VIDEO UPDATE:

Find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/kafkaesquemusical

Cast + crew

Eli Coats
Role: Director


Eli Coats has been acting, directing, teaching and writing in the theatre regionally and in NYC for over 25 years. His directing credits include Lend Me A Tenor, Reckless, Many Happy Returns and The Oresteia: A Musical (which he adapted and co-wrote with Terrie Costello) His roles as an actor include Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oberon/Theseus), Wizard of OZ (Scarecrow – Nat’l Tour), Julius Caesar (Mark Antony), Twelfth Night (Duke Orsino), Cloud Nine (Betty/Edward), and The Howard Stern Radio Show (M.C., CBS-TV). While in New York, Eli also founded StageCoach Theatre Arts, Upper East Side, a weekend performing arts school for young actors in Manhattan. Currently Eli is the acting teacher, technical director, sound engineer and sometimes writer for StageCoach Theatre Arts, St. Louis Park, and he coaches actors of all levels in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs. Eli earned his B.A. in Theatre at the University of Notre Dame and his Master of Fine Arts in Acting at the University of Connecticut.

Nathan Schilz
Role: Writer/ Composer


Nathan is extremely excited to be presenting his second musical to a Minnesota Fringe Festival audience. Last year, his first work, "Nightmare Man" was staged at the Gremlin Theatre. He is truly humbled by the talents and efforts of his entire cast and crew and thanks them profusely.

Anna Larranaga
Role: Greta


Anna (Greta), a Chanhassen native, is thrilled to be a member of the family Samsa in her Fringe debut. She was last seen in Horton Park performing in Theatre Terra Firma’s Shake(speare) in a Day project. Her recent credits also include Stophe in Phaedra’s Love, Prudence Duvernoy in Camino Real, Tilly in Melancholy Play, and Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In the fall, Anna will be a sophomore at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota studying Music and Theatre. Additionally, she is very grateful for her family and friends that comprise the awesome support system she has in her life.

Joshua Rees Hopkins
Role: Gregor


JOSHUA REES HOPKINS (Gregor) began his performance career in elementary school, portraying Meriwether Lewis in his 5th grade classes' riveting dramatization of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Since then, he has been involved in various productions through both his high school including Grease, Oklahoma!, and Urinetown and with SteppingStone Theatre in St. Paul. Since graduating in 2010 from White Bear Lake High School, Josh has attended Minnesota State University; Mankato and the University of Minnesota; Twin Cities. However, this coming semester Josh will make his new academic home at New York University's New Studio on Broadway musical theatre program.

"Kafkaesque" marks Josh's first Fringe Festival production and he is very excited to be a part of it!

Joel Thingvall
Role: Father


Joel Thingvall (Father) has performed in more than 100 stage productions ranging from Summer Stock and Dinner Theatre, to Repertory and Outdoor Shakespeare. He was Iggy the Iguana for the Science Museum of Minnesota, performed as Merlin the Magician for Burger King, and was Crime Prevention Man for the City of Edina. An original member of The Playwrights Lab, he has received numerous grants and 23 of his scripts have been performed across the country. He lives in St. Paul's Lowertown with his artist wife, Risa Tritabaugh. He also currently enjoys acting as a writing mentor to fledging journalists (he was a former critic, columnist and opinion writer), as well as working with student filmmakers at MCAD and MCTC.

Delta Rae Giordano
Role: Mother


DELTA RAE GIORDANO (MOTHER)

Delta’s first appearance in the Fringe was 15 years ago in Alice in Bed, one of her first Twin Cities’ productions after moving here from California. Since that time she has performed in the Fringe shows Midnight Train to Georgia, Women! Live! On Stage!, Chicks in Space and DB Cooper Didn’t Die. Delta was seen most recently in The House on Mango Street at the Southern Theater, co-produced by Pangea World Theater and Teatro del Pueblo, and she has toured throughout Minnesota the past two winters (yes, winters) with Illusion Theater in My Ántonia. She is also a company member with Theatre Unbound and will be portraying British suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst in their fall production of The Good Fight.

Aaron Greer
Role: The Boss/ The Renter / Ensemble / Stage Combat


Aaron is a writer, actor, and sometime producer residing with his family in Minneapolis. This is Aaron's fourth Fringe Festival as a performer (previously in "Tempests", "Bard Fiction", and "30+, Seeking Soul Mate"). This year, you can also see Aaron's other Fringe show, "Fringe Orphans", performing at Theater in the Round, in which he's very excited to finally be on-stage with his daughter.

Alexis Sullivan
Role: Young Greta/ Ensemble

Connor Prince
Role: Young Gregor/ Ensemble

Maggiy Emery
Role: Ensemble

Janet Mondloh
Role: Ensenble

Alex Stephenson
Role: Ensemble

Scarlett Thompson
Role: Ensemble

Ursula Bowden
Role: Production Designer
Ursula K. Bowden is pleased to join the Studio Alethea team as Production Designer for Kafkaesque. Holder of a BFA in Theatrical Design and Technical Theatre from Drake University, Ursula work has been seen recently with sets for The Golden Ass for nimbus theatre, Narnia for YAI, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) for Swandive Theatre, Where We're Born for 20% Theatre, and Julius Caesar for Theatre Unbound. She designed props for nimbus' Babel and occasionally works as a props artisan for the Guthrie. Ursula is also a technical director, designer and educator at Rosemount High School in Rosemount, Minnesota.

Lizabe Mothershead
Role: Stage Manager

Doug Webb
Role: Photography

Jason Aylward
Role: Bassist

Kelby Brandanger
Role: Guitarist

Kyle Helle
Role: Art Design

Justin & Kristin Schaack
Role: Video Trailer Producers

Jason Schumacher
Role: Videography

Write a review

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

User reviews

As a fan of Kafka,
by Feba Hauer
Rating 5 stars
This was even more magical than I hoped. The way this entire play looked was exactly the way I picture Kafka's world in my head when I read him. I like that we as an audience were not spoon-fed the plot. Beautiful voices, fantastic casting. And I cried like a little girl on multiple occasions during the show.

Mixed
by Marcus Downs
Rating 4 stars
Joshua Rees Hopkins was amazing in his portrayal of Gregor. The music as good though a bit homogeneous throughout. The atmosphere was apropos but I would have preferred more melodic variety to distinguish one song from the other. The costumes were excellent. Over all the production was very professional. Aaron Greer also was good. But I absolutely have to comment on the curtain call. Where the heck did all those people come from?! There where 5 actors in this play and yet 20 actors were bowing in the curtain call!

Deep Thinkers Wanted
by Tristine Miller
Rating 4 stars
To appreciate this performance, one must keep the door (and the mind) open for appreciation. The acting is very strong, with great voices from the leads during the musical numbers. Outside of the fact that the music seemed to be very repetitive in melody, I appreciated the adaptation touching on deep, and sometimes dark, thoughts about acceptance and rejection. I'm grateful with how the production didn't pigeon-hole the metamorphosis into something more concrete and left it up for my interpretation.

Encore Encore
by Jeanie Brady
Rating 5 stars
I hope I can return Sunday to see this Fantastic Show. It was a sold-out crowd Friday night and the entire audience was rewarded with fine music and drama. I normally go to a Fringe show because of fun and senseless humor, but this show was very intriguing. Not really sure what Gregor became, but the dynamics on stage showed that his transformation had an effect on everyone. I was amazed at the simplicity of the acting, and the emotion of the music.

Acting Tutorial
by Liza Joy Moore
Rating 5 stars
Strong singing from leads Joshua Rees Hopkins and Anna Larranaga. Exceptional acting from those two youthful leads (especially Hopkins who has to crawl around the stage) as well as from Delta Rae Giordano and Joel Thingvall. Aaron Greer is marvelous in two contrasting roles. Alexis Sulivan and Connor Prince shine in a brief moment as the young Greta and Gregor. This musical is all about fine acting. Praise to director Eli Coats.

A World Transformed
by Allana Griffiths
Rating 5 stars
A surprise. I had read "Metamorphosis" in high school, and it wasn't the funnest read. But after the Vita.mn recommendation, took a chance. I was mesmerized by the fine acting of the Studio Alethea troupe of players, especially Joshua Rees Hopkins as the son and Anna Larranaga as the daughter. Their loving relationship pulled apart because of some transformation to the son. I refuse to believe he was a bug, more that he was suffering from some ailment that his parents and the world couldn't accept. And I loved the moving door. Confining the real world space of the parents as they became more oppressed, or expanding it back out as they accepted fate. I was happy to think, rather than just be entertained. Applause.

Fringe 2012 At Its Best
by William Mathewson
Rating 5 stars
The Minneapolis Stars' Vita.mn named this show one of the 20 Best Bets for Fringe 2012. I can see why. Amidst all the music, dance, improv, comedy -- "Kafkaesque" is one of the few dramas in the Festival, and a musical drama to boot. Taking a tough story, and it isn't about a kid becoming a bug, it is about human change -- we watch a family metamorphosis. Who are the real monsters here. I applaud director Eli Coats for getting wonderful and real performances from Anna Larranaga, Joshua Rees Hopkins, Delta Rae Giordano, Joel Thingvall and Aaron Greer, who supplies a brief moment of comedy, in a dark tragedy of life. This is an original work by local composer Nathan Schilz, and he is to be applauded for this success. A Fringe 2012 Best!

Pulls Off The Near Impossible
by John Ervin
Rating 5 stars
Eli Coates and his company pull off the challenging feat of making Franz Kafka's iconic story a tight, rousing musical. Joshua Rees Hopkins displays incredible singing chops and the ability to transform himself into a cockroach - complete with disgusting slurping sounds from bowls of increasingly disgusting substances. Joel Thingvall once again turns in a solid supporting role as the father. The "orchestra" manages to provide musical accompaniment without being a too much of a distraction from the main proceedings. This show not only deserves a bonus (if they applied for one) but also continuing runs on the mainstream circuit.

A few bugs to work out
by Fringivitis Vulgaris
Rating 2 stars
A classic tale of hideous transformation has been transformed into a somewhat insipid musical show. The songs were beautifully sung, but Kafka did not write such cloying twaddle. Joshua Rees Hopkins has tons of talent, particularly if one considers that he spent most of the show singing in a pushup position on all fours! There was far too much time spent fiddling with the fancy door, and a continuity director would have conniptions over its inconsistent placement. Quite a Fringe-y show.

Not a cockroach hotel
by Will Weisert
Rating 4 stars
Having no prior exposure to Kafka's Metamorphosis, the point of this production was a bit of a mystery to me. To the writer's credit, I think I walked out with a glimmer of what Kafka was pointing us towards - seriously, a major achievement for someone who is starting to OD on theater. The cast's performances solid and the door - well, it did pretty darn well too.

All Around Excellent THEATER
by Tom Ritchie
Rating 5 stars
Interesting. Moving. DELIGHTFUL. I LOVED this show! The music was evocative & moving; the script found a heart & soul that wasn’t present in the original story; and the actors showed great range & depth – in particular Delta Giordano, whose heartbreaking performance as the mother really brought the whole together for me. Not to slight the other actors, though, who also turned in terrifically moving (and in the case of Aaron Greer, hilariously comic) performances. And the singing? Beautiful. We also loved how the director, Eli Coats, was able to balance & shape all these different characters and styles into a compelling narrative – probably not an easy thing to do with such material. All in all REALLY good theater - I'd HIGHLY recommend it.

Adapting to Change
by Kristin Hopkins
Rating 5 stars
I wasn't at all sure what to expect from this musical, but I was very moved by the story and music. Joshua Rees Hopkins and Anna Larranaga presented a unique twist of fate through their beautiful singing and acting. Joshua's portrayal of a decaying bug, with his physical presence, was intriguing to watch. Joel Thingvall, Delta Giordano and Aaron Greer allow the story to be told to its fullest. Aaron was memorable in his time on stage. There is one showing of this musical left, and I highly recommend that you see it!

Loved the Show
by Brian Uhrig
Rating 5 stars
Great Acting, Great songs. The musical adaptation of Metamorphosis works amazingly well. Well paced and it clips right along. Special props for The Door ;-)

Diamond in the rough
by David Trudeau
Rating 4 stars
As technically rough as this is, it works. Kafka's pathos of loosing one's facilities and appearance and becoming a pariah in "Metamorphosis" is expressed in this play with good writing and directing and at times brilliant acting. Music tells the feelings of the story that can be told in no other way. Needs to be developed further.

An effort worthy of this iconic tale
by Florence Brammer
Rating 5 stars
Metamorphosis' chilling tragedy is well-conveyed in this well-acted, well-sung and well-directed hour. While the music is not particularly memorable, it is pleasant, well-played by the onstage band, and emotionally evocative. The staging, costumes and make-up are all great. I would have liked to have seen more "metamorphosis" from the young actress playing Greta as she morphed from devoted sister into someone as cold and selfish as her parents, but that wasn't a major problem. Hopkins as Gregor and Greer as the renter are stand-outs.

A Musical Play For My Today
by Mildred Gilbertson
Rating 5 stars
I went to Kafkaseque expecting a musical interpretation of a story about a young man who becomes a cockroach. But this original play by Studio Alethea, composed and written by talented newcomer Nathan Schilz and directed by Eli Coats, became a metaphor to me, someone with a disability, on what it is like to be different. To be transformed. And misunderstood, not only by society, but those you love. You have parents who are initially revolted and shocked, but grow to care and understand. You have a sibling who loves you so, but realizes that your life is truly not their life. You have society, represented by a boss and a renter, who are appalled and scared, or find you laughable. A beautiful and meaningful night of theatre. Thank you.

Mysterious Doings at Mixed Blood
by Corinna Troth
Rating 3 stars
Revealing, yes, my own lack of education and perceptiveness: I'm told that guy with his shirt off through the show was...a giant cockroach? OK, I think I knew that on some level, but it wasn't clear whether he had transformed or was transforming or was more presenting a physical interpretation of debilitating depression. And now I am told it is a metaphor for puberty? I think I need the Clif Notes for this show.

The door (which must be mentioned?) is a truly beautiful art deco specimen. The use of it...somewhat distracting, but any time you want a freestanding door, on or off wheels there is risk involved.

I though the music was pleasant and well performed.

Interesting
by Sara Robinson-Coolidge
Rating 3 stars
I hated this story when I read it in high school, but friends invited me to come along, so I did. It is definitely not a story that I would have imagined as a musical, but it was never boring. The actors had good voices and I enjoyed the darkness of the story.

All that being said, I was distracted by some of the technical elements and by wondering if those unfamiliar with the story were understanding the concept that Gregor was transforming into a cockroach.

Mixed bag
by Andrew Troth
Rating 3 stars
I enjoyed the music, and the performances were committed and intense. Occasional moments - the scene with the renter comes to mind - were very effective. But the show never earned the level of emotional buy-in it wanted from me. Two things, I think, primarily account for this:

1) Lack of arc. Gregor started out intense and stayed that way. Greta's shift from hopeful devotion to disillusionment and revulsion seemed muted to me. The parents were essentially unchanged throughout.

2) Distracting and unnecessary reconfiguration of the playing space. That door is a lovely piece of stagecraft, but it really should just stay in one place. Every time it moved, it pulled me out of the show.

These seem like directorial faults to me.

Not enough depth
by Dixie Treichel
Rating 4 stars
Kafka's work to me is full of darkness and depth. This show did not portray that as a whole. The music did not convey any sort of darkness. It was sweet and melody driven. The piece was a little too fluffy in that respect. The acting, singing and set were good. I liked the door-both physically and symbolically.

Wish it were better
by Daniel Pinkerton
Rating 2 stars
The second musical I've seen at the Fringe that suffers from serious book problems. While the author has written some lovely songs, the book's structure is so inept and fits so badly with its songs that you would swear the author had never *seen* a musical before, much less written one. The cast had talent, but some of Greta's material is too low for her voice, and the night I saw the show Gregor had some pitch problems.

Blackouts - Who Cares!
by Dean Zorn
Rating 5 stars
People -- Quit with the Tech Issues! This is Fringe! Do you know shows have ONE rehearsal on stage before opening. That a single tech has to run cues for a half-dozen shows. Everyone has 10 minutes to set up and 10 to tear down. Talk and judge THE SHOW! This show, "Kafkaesque" is stunningly great. Takes a difficult story, adds music to create character and mood, and succeeds...largely because of fine acting from Anna Larranaga (who gets crazy towards her monster brother), Joshua Rees Hopkins (a powerful physical performance), Aaron Greer (in three roles), and Delta Rae Giordano and Joel Thingvall as the parents in turmoil (watch their expressions, their body language, their stage tension). A work in progress here that shines!

Haunting and heartrending
by Carolyn Shafer
Rating 5 stars
Nathan Schilz' musical take on The Metamorphosis is wonderful. Especially interesting is the focus on Greta and Gregor's relationship. Both leads Joshua Raes Hopkins and Anna Larranaga were strong vocalists and performers. Larranaga's sweet voice struck a cord with this audience-member, and Hopkins' portrayal of the struggle of his character was amazing. Joel thingvall and Delta Rae Giordano's performances as the parents were also very strong and engaging. Definitely a must-see!!

Acting All-Stars
by Thomas Von Hanks
Rating 5 stars
Like being at a turn-of-the-century opera house, only one actor crawls across the floor, the others chew scenery to my delight, and the young ingenue sings like an adult. I loved this musical endeavor by someone named Nathan Schilz. I cried at the end!

Best Acting at Fringe
by Mike Steale
Rating 5 stars
The talk of Fringe seems to be a deadly serious musical based on Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis." I just had to see it. And it is a pure stunner. Magnificent acting, from Anna Larranaga's Greta as the sister in turmoil to Joshua Rees Hopkins as the transformed-into-something-hideous who covers the entire stage with himself and his metered voice of magnificence. This is a play that is a lesson in acting, various styles from realism to stylistic to melodramatic mixed with strong singing voices. And the Nathan Schilz adaptation even has some laughs. Delta Rae Giordano and Joel Thingvall are stunners in emotion. Disgusting is Aaron Greer as The Renter. Praise to Eli Coats for some sharp direction. And The Door! What does it hide? Come and See!

Bugs and Blackouts
by Jon Skaalen
Rating 2 stars
Reading “Metamorphosis,” one finds much in the darkness of the imagination to propel one’s thoughts through Kafka’s concept. Onstage in this production, that movement that should inch forward deeper and deeper slows with blackness imposed between each scene and music that tops to comment rather than advancing or illuminating the story. Joshua Rees Hopkins captured Gregor Samsa’s creature very well, and his sister Greta became a considerably kinder character than I recall from the story. Both were effective, as was the use of the door to his room and the craziness of the rest of the characters. But the blackouts needed to be dealt with differently or more quickly.

Opening a Door to Decision
by Donny Hutera
Rating 5 stars
Actors Act. Singers Sing. Two young talents excel at both in "Kafkaesque: A Musical Metamorphosis" at the Mixed Blood Theatre. Joshua Raes Hopkins and Anna Larranaga play Gregor and Greta, Franz Kafka's youth caught in a world of caring for their parents or finding their own liberty. One undergoes a transformation in body, the other in spirit. All I can say is "Wow!" I was moved, I was saddened, I was intrigued, I was drained. Add solid work directed in an Old Music Hall flavor by Eli Coats featuring veteran stage presences like Delta Rae Giordano, Joel Thingvall and Aaron Greer, you have an education in how to give a new original script by Nathan Schliz life. "Metamorphosis" is a musical? All I can say is, "Yes it Is!"

A Bug's Life
by Maynerd Alfonso
Rating 5 stars
The story of a man who transforms into a bug. Out of depressing turn-of-the-century Europe. And now a musical by Nathan Schilz. It is a mini gem--the score and lyrics, that is. Yes, the book needs a bit of work as it is often stilted or melodramatic. But as live theater, Kafkaesque is an actor's dream. The songs for the young leads tug at your heart. Joshue Rae Hopkins is a movement nightmare, thrashing and contorting all about. Anna Larranaga is the star and her transformation from a brother lover to wanting the family (and her) to escape is riveting. Aaron Greer as the Renter is even more repulsive than the bug. And Joel Thingvall and Delta Rae Giordano shine in torment as the parents. Eli Coats directs with intelligence. Kafka Lives!

A Powerful, Moving Experience
by Nick Krasky
Rating 4 stars
I was initially skeptical of what this show would be and how it would play, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Joshua Rees Hopkins' performance was gripping, and while some notes took a brief moment to settle, this didn't detract from his phenomenal entomological transformation. I found the ability to relate to his character, something I never thought possible. The other standout was the performance given by Anna Larranaga; her acting was solid and consistent throughout the show, but her talent shone most through her singing. Her intonation and tone quality were excellent and, like a previous reviewer, left me with goosebumps.

I noticed no issue with lengthy scene changes, as I took the opportunity to breathe. A great show; well worth it!

Want To See More
by Sergius OShaughnessey
Rating 5 stars
Fringe can be fun and games. Fringe can also be a time when shows are a work-in-progress. KAFKAESQUE is allowing us, the audience, to be a part of its development. It works fine as a mini-opera (with music that rivals RENT combined with CATS). Nathan Schilz has grabbed a story that seems unsuitable for music and succeeded. I want to see a fleshed out longer version down the road. The musical is staged like the turn-of-the-century operas by director Eli Coats. A cross between the realistic and the melodramatic. Praise to two fine young talents (Joshua Rae Hopkins and Anna Larranaga) both of great voice and emotion. The anguish and inner-turmoil of the parents (Joel Thingvall and Delta Giordano) is acting at its finest. Aaron Greer delights.

Emotionally poignant
by Heather Baldwin
Rating 4 stars
This musical adaptation of Kafka's story "Metamorphosis" is an intriguing concept. It's about a young man named Gregor who wakes up one day to discover that he has transformed into some sort of beast, much to the horror and dismay of his parents and sister, and how it impacts their family life. Despite his outward appearance, Gregor is still himself mentally, and it pains him to know that his condition puts a tremendous strain on his family. My favorite part of the show was the music, particularly the singing from the actors playing Gregor and Greta. The plot dragged in a few places and a couple of key aspects of the story felt unresolved and unexplained, but otherwise, it's a fantastic show from Studio Althea and one I recommend seeing.

Challenge Met
by Colan Covert
Rating 5 stars
Why is everyone hung up on the door? It is a massive Lovecraftian portal & I could only imagine what the whole house would look like if this wasn't Fringe. Great door Janet Mondloh! Remember, Fringe is timed theater. You have to stay under an hour, & teardown & setup between shows (there is another show waiting in the wings). That door is a part of the show -- that it has to be moved by people TODAY is immaterial. Let's just talk about a masterful short MUSICAL adaptation of Metamorphosis. It works. The songs, especially the end, are total emotion. The youthful leads (Hopkins and Larranaga)are fantastic singers & future all-star talent Surround them with seasoned pros like Greer, Giordano and Thingvall, who chew and emote with courage! 5*

Highly Recommended
by Guy Whitaker
Rating 4 stars
Nice, solid performances. The cast did a great job with the material. The actors -- especially those playing Greta and Gregor -- were subtle and nuanced, and their singing was excellent. Good use of a creative set. My only reservation was that sometimes the instrumentation over-powered the voices. Be sure to see this excellent production!

Defied Expectations
by Jeff Miles
Rating 5 stars
I WANTED to laugh at this. After all, The Metamorphosis as a musical? C'mon - this will be so wonderfully BAD. Truth is, I was gratefully disappointed. Kafkaesque is truly powerful and affecting. The performances were as true as they were subtle (esp. the 4 leads); the music was beautifully haunting; and the staging was surprisingly innovative. What baffles me is the number of reviewers getting hung up on such a small part of this fine production. The door? REALLY? There were only few short moments in the whole play where it was moved during scenes, with the payoff being some interesting, new views. Not for everyone? Sure - I can see that. But did it drag down the whole play? Hardly. Go see this - it is one of the better plays this year!

Good acting carries the day
by Katherine Dugarm
Rating 4 stars
This was a duty show on my schedule. Based on the description, it wouldn't have gotten on my schedule otherwise. But, I am glad that I went.

Joshua Hopkins (Gregor) and Anna Larranaga (Greta) were good actors and they could sing. I especially liked the scene where Gregor sings about his work day.

Sit on the end where the bed is, and you will be impressed by how physically demanding the role of Gregor is.

A reflection on the agony of isolation
by Mariellen Jacobson
Rating 4 stars
An interesting adaptation of this classic work with a couple stunning performances (by Joshua Rees Hopkins as Gregor and Anna Larranaga as Greta), original music, and a live band. But why were there so many cast members with little to do (or with distracting things to do, like moving a door around unnecessarily)? Nevertheless, I found myself fully drawn into the tragedy and I departed reflecting on other types of isolation and estrangement.

Worth seeing for actors
by Delano DuGarm
Rating 4 stars
Joshua Hopkins and Anna Larranaga really sold this show. Their excellent performances enhanced what was otherwise a rather choppy script.

I was glad to have gone (what says Fringe more than a Kafka musical?), but though that the script and music needed more refinement.

Door, schmoor
by Dwayna Paplow
Rating 3 stars
Off the bat, Joshua Hopkins is an amazing performer! Physically intense and a strong yet emotional singer. This is a good, not great production which is carried by Hopkins and Anna Larranaga. It feels like it's meant to be a full-length production, but hasn't matured yet. My two disappointments? One: you need to know at least the premise of Kafka's original story. This script doesn't help you understand its own source material. Two: the volume of the musicians which was simply too loud. Don't need all the instruments to play on every number.

Maybe better with a roach
by Rick Treece
Rating 3 stars
Really the only reason to see this would be Joshua Hopkins' performance as Gregor. He captured his insectomorphized character physically and was the only cast member who could make the mannered script sound like period stage-speech rather than awkward and stilted.

The script, which might work better as a radio play, came off as fragmented: ELEVEN scenes organized into 3 acts, really? Since this was a musical, it should have merged scenes into longer units that carry the story forward. What we got mostly was solo reflections on the situation, à la early opera, or "Spring Awakening", but more easy-listening folk than heavy metal. Sc. 6 actually tried something in that direction, but it was just a tedious rererepetition of the same line.

Bearable...
by Elizabeth Stauffer
Rating 3 stars
The actors are wonderful - strong performances by Anna Larranaga (Greta) and Joshua Rees Hopkins (Gregor).

I really enjoyed Greta's songs - very beautiful. Otherwise, I didn't really think that the music did much to truly enhance the story. The ensemble seemed very unnecessary to this show. AND THE DOOR. I don't think it needed to be moved EVER - I'm honestly not sure what moving the door was meant to achieve. Then the movers would linger onstage, waiting for the lights to come up all the way - very awkward. The blackout and silence during these "transitions" happened way too often and got annoying very quickly.

Definitely not my favorite at Fringe, but give it a shot if you want.

Strong Lead Singers
by Lena Lyle
Rating 4 stars
A straight forward interpretation of a classic story. The singing was better than I expected-I was thorougly impressed by the voices of Anna Larranaga(Greta) and Joshua Hopkins(Gregor). Larranaga's voice even gave me goosbumps at moments. However, when the entire cast sang together the harmony was weak. Overall, it was a good production and worth the time.

Lovely
by Sheila McMahon
Rating 4 stars
I enjoyed this a lot. The man who played Gregor was very controlled and compelling. I love the short story and have read it several times, and I enjoyed seeing these characters brought to life. The music was nice and there were some very fine interactions between the mother and daughter. I do recommend it.

Good show, but a little uneven
by Gerald Meader
Rating 4 stars
Anna Larranaga's singing, the musical arrangements, and the story were quite good!

Strong Performances!
by Jim Larranaga
Rating 4 stars
Very strong performances from both Joshua Rees Hopkins (Gregor) and Anna Larranaga (Greta) who play the siblings in this dramatic performance. I would watch this one again.

Powerful and Moving
by Terrie Costello
Rating 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this piece! The actors brilliantly take you on a journey that begins lighthearted and then spirals into darkness gradually. The music supports this journey, and is hauntingly compelling. Unlike other reviewers here I was not bothered at all by the door moving. Rather, it seemed to shift perspective from scene to scene and made watching even more interesting. Joshua Rees Hopkins and Anna Larranaga show great range and depth, without being overstated (the ensemble included). Kafkaesque is worth the price of admission and then some- go see this one.

Best acted worst directed
by Chuck Hofius
Rating 4 stars
You should see this because the acting is amazing and the story intense. But the directing was terrible. Stage hands who were not characters were constantly on stage moving a door a few feet or a few inches. It served no useful purpose. Was terribly distracting. And disrupted the intensity of the amazing acting.

A Challenging Musical
by christian edward-lynn
Rating 5 stars
I think "Kafka's Metamorphosis" was one of the plays the characters passed in The Producers. It could work. It does, here, at Fringe. Some outstanding lyrics and sounds from composer Nathan Schilz and "boffo" singing from leads Anna Larranga and Joshua Rees Hopkins as Greta and Gregor. There is a lot going on -- emotional highs and lows. Yes, the scene changes can be clunky, music levels were all over the place opening night but should not detract from a show of deep meaning, tearful lyricism, and a very professional cast that also contains pro work from Aaron Greer, Delta Giordano and Joel Thingvall under the fine direction of Eli Coats. Theatre is supposed to be a challenge, provoke thinking and discussion. Kafkaesque does just that!

Too much dead time
by Jenna Papke
Rating 2 stars
The young leads were excellent, Gregor especially, but that didn't make up for scene changes that were longer than the scenes that followed or that door that kept moving for no understandable purpose than to eat up time. The script was fine, the music evocative, but the lyrics were awkward.

Meh.
by Haunch Keller
Rating 2 stars
Felt like we spent a lot of time in the dark and in silence. There are 11 different scenes which apparently require what felt like a half a minute of darkness to move a door half a foot. Maybe that's just a Fringe thing, but it wasn't a good use of an hour. Also, the music was not kind to the singers, often being too low for the actor's ranges. The lead male especially showed promise, but overall the production fell flat.

A Matter of Discussion
by Holly Quinn
Rating 5 stars
What Happens when Something Happens that Disturbs the Core Function of A Family and How They Relate to the Event and Each Other. In only 50+ minutes, Studio Alethea, under the masterful direction of Eli Coats, untangles the tragic underscorings of Franz Kafka's depressing Metamorphosis...and it is done with fine understated acting, a masterful performance of body language and movement by Joshua Rees Hopkins, and -- Music! Yes...Music! Whew! Powerful songs composed by Nathan Schilz and sung by Hopkins and lead femme Anna Larranaga, who nearly steals the show from her flaying-about brother. The dialogue may be stilted at times, but the emotions from the parents (Delta Giordano and Joel Thingvall) tug at your heart. A Thinking Drama!

Changing Roles
by Bobbie Bainbridge
Rating 5 stars
Compelling. Not having been a student of Kafka or familiar with his works, it was satisfying to come away with considerable understanding and appreciation of the conflicted emotions and relational difficulties apparently abundant in his works, this particular story Metamorhposis, and in his life. Be prepared for some discomfort while watching this depiction of emotional and physical breakdown and the effects upon caregivers. The actors lead you subtly through their changing emotions ofdevastating shock, grief, anger, acceptance,and back again. If looking for answers, you won't find them. If looking for resiliency, there is that.

Music didn't add to the story
by Bradley Johnson
Rating 3 stars
Was hoping for a really knock out musical, but the music didn't grab me. Might in part that the band over shadowed the vocals. Mics might have helped. The two leads gave a good performance.

A Musical Masterpiece
by Margarite Dante
Rating 5 stars
You mention Kafka's Metamorphosis and you always hear "the kid that becomes a cockroach." Well Joshua Rees Hopkins transforms into...anything you might visualize him to be. He contorts, scampers, peeks, wimpers, and he slides about in what is probably the most physical role you'll see at Fringe. And he sings. Beautifully. This is serious drama, folks. And the music by Nathan Schilz is a cross between the best of Jonathan Larson with ALW mixed throughout. Acting kudos to the parents, played by Joel Thingvall and Delta Giordano, who show that you can tell a story with non-verbalization as much as words. Aaron Greer brings comedic relief. But the highlight is Anna Larrabaga who shows stage skill, presence and voice. An emotional ride. See it!