Act 1 A bedraggled ensemble of once-sassy women happens upon the audience and thrusts onto them a number of stories never told before but ageless in their concepts. They invite you into their magical journey, weaving each separate Act with stories, song, dance and a bit of shamanic ceremony. "The Taming of the Shrew" final monologue is spoken and then broken by Wyld Womyn sick of being tamed in the name of love. Story and songs are offered through the eyes of a divorced, then widowed by suicide, and now bankrupt country-club girl turned OCCUPY "2nd Hand Rose." Our female "Job" (Old Testament) sits in her home, squatting while waiting on foreclosure, and waits for the next attack from the school bully, now 50, to launch the newest batch of hate against her.

Act 2,"Tour to Rock Baw-Dumb" is a cheesy, world premiere of vignettes with a comical look at the frightening fall from grace in life, finding one's self on "The Train Wreck Ride of Your Life," and having to enter the "Courthouses of Karma City" before choosing between "The Land of Victim's Hood" or going through "Rock Baw-Dumb." The "war between the ears" ensues into a drugged nightmare before making the choice to live an inspired life, despite hardships.

Act 3 ceremoniously ends with a ritualistic perspective, promising to be ground shaking! The music, "Wyld Womyn," is provided by the sonic chorus, The Idisi, and is granted to this show by their Musical Director, Dayna Jean Wolter. (check them out at www.theidisi.com)

All pieces were previously written for video production inside a tv-styled (full scale) web-series called, "AbNorMaLly NoRmAl."  This web-series will be resurrected and produced following these performances which meld only a few ingredients of the bigger picture into one short staged show. Information on this web-series and how to support its manifestation can be found here.  Other projects of this show's creator can be found at www.smokinyogi.com.

Here's our FIRST REVIEW: from our illustrious cast member, Sheila Path McMahon, and I couldn't have asked for a better review than her own inspiring words: 

http://sheilamcmahon.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/detaming/ 

Cast + crew

Todd Bruse
Role: DIRECTOR/Dramaturge
Todd has a long history of creating lies on the stage and believes the theater to be the perfect forum for using personal experiences as starting points in story creation. He’s played, produced, written, directed and continues to develop his artistic compass with determination. He just finished being a “hat wearing cat” at Stages Theater Company in Hopkins, is writing a zombie script with the input of his son, and is looking forward to a touring production of the classic, “Ann Frank” to schools this fall.
Check out his Mad Hatter in the 1st Place Award winning “Jabberwocky” available at http://z-fest.com/films/z-fest-iii-films.
http://www.mnartists.org/Todd_Bruse

Maxwell Mars
Role: Stage Manager
Hey, I'm Maxwell Mars. I'm 18 years old and just graduated from Main Street School of Performing Arts with a major in theater. I've been doing theater ever since I was little and now just can't stop! I'm really excited to be a part of the MN Fringe again, the first time was in "D1SORDERED [Thy name is teenager]," in 2010. I want to thank Julie for asking me to be a part of this and, of course, my mom and dad for being so supportive!

Liz Fish
Role: Performer
Fourth grade was not a good year for me. When the band leader asked for volunteers for the all school choir I jumped at the chance to get out of class. The first time I was washed by that magical wave of sound I was hooked. I have been singing ever since. Every year of school, and college, and then at parties, coffee shops, and in the shower, at work, in the car, music has saved my life many times and converted a painful experience into a transformative one. I love singing with Idisi, (www.theidisi.com) Every rehearsal with my sisters is a benevolent lightening bolt.

Jenny Graves
Role: Performer
Living somewhere between earth and sky. Seeking, listening, feeling, changing, growing, playing, laughing, singing, breathing, eating, loving, being. Horses, health, good company, martial arts, music, art, sewing, reading, writing, creating. Ever curious, ever loving, ever pushing forward. I never thought I'd be part of a Fringe show... but why not? It is wonderful!

Aviva Oskow
Role: Performer
Aviva Oskow is a senior Communications Design student at Syracuse University in New York, concentrating on design for social and environmental activism and justice. She has performed since a young age and is still honing her vocal talents and enjoys singing at open-mic nights and in various friends’ bands. Aviva is very excited to return to the acting stage after a 3-year break. She has always wanted to be in a Fringe show and is so grateful to get the chance now! Aviva would like to thank Julie for the opportunity to be in the show, and for being an all-around amazing person in Aviva’s life.

Claudia O'Brien Lawrence
Role: Performer
this is my first venture into the fringe and i am hoping for an ad-venture. I have been a school teacher fro about a million years and spent some time in community theater. My mother has always told me that i am three quarters Bohemian, so i think im in the right play.

jules Mohr
Role: Performer

Sheila Path Mcmahon
Role: Performer
Sheila Path Mcmahon is delighted to perform with Shift Happens Productions. Sheila has volunteered with the Fringe doing box office in the past. she was a theater arts major at the U of M tc and is a high school english teacher and a novelist.

Kimberly Michaels
Role: Music Director, Music Arranger, Performer
KIMBERLY MICHAELS is a Pop, Jazz, Rock, R&B Singer who was born in Seoul, South Korea, as Park Sung Hee. She was adopted & became a native Minnesotan at 6-months old, growing up in a Swedish-Norwegian Lutheran family. 

In Minnetonka, music entered Kimberly's life early. She began Classical Piano Training at Age 4 & learned Music Theory at age 7. Started Singing at age 4. And began writing her own music at age 12.

Kimberly wrote & recorded in LA for 3 Years & worked at a small record label in West Hollywood. One of her Producers in LA was Wayne Vaughn (Earth, Wind & Fire), married to Wanda Vaughn (The Emotions). 

Other world-renown Artists she's worked with: Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Sheila Raye Charles (Ray Charles daughter), Ebony Taye, The DeBarges, Cherelle & Alexander O'Neal to name a few. She's opened for Karen White & Lionel Richie. 

Kimberly's a working Variety Band Vocalist, Jazz Vocalist & Private Voice Teacher in the Twin Cities. She gigs with the popular Twin Cities Band 'The R-Factor' (formerly Ruperts Orchestra), among a few other local Twin Cities Bands (Dr Mambo’s Combo, Belladiva, Sam Kuusisto, Metro Jam) where she performs at Nightclubs & Restaurants, Corporate Parties, Festivals, Fundraisers & Wedding Receptions.

Her self-written CD project should release in Oct of 2012, with such influences as Sade, Aretha Franklin, India Arie, Jill Scott, Whitney Houston, Lalah Hathaway, Chaka Khan, Estelle, & Chrisette Michelle.

She donates her time to Mentoring Adopted kids & teens, and performing for fundraisers and events such as The Children’s Home Society, MAKA & The Adopted Korean Connection to name a few of the organizations.

Kimberly is a Keyboard Teacher at Girls Rock & Roll Camp, is a Band Leader, & has taught Performance Coaching, Voice Lessons, Piano & Keyboarding, and Music Theory all over the Twin Cities.

Here are some of her performances: 

Acapella Greatest Love of All at home: 

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5ZssZa4AM

Big Convention, large band, singing RESPECT at the Mpls Convention Center in 2007:

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHewQFxcSDY

Over the Rainbow at loud Restaurant 2010

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8irUqIBoviU

www.kimberlymichaels.com
http://www.facebook.com/kimberly.michaels
http://www.myspace.com/kimberlymichaels

Julie Rappaport
Role: Creator
Being part of the Fringe is a culmination of the plethora of avenues I have taken throughout my life. I am finally back on the stage, as the creator I dreamt of being.

As a teenager, I went to CTC, then on to UC Irvine (Theater), U of MN (Theater) and back to CTC as an apprentice company member. I've been in the business world; first in banking, then a real estate broker, and eventually ran my own yoga and massage studio; all while studying complimentary and alternative medicine, and raising the most wondrous creation of my life, my daughter.

After my entry into the film industry six years ago, I find that itch for the stage has been burning. And while I've been writing for print or the screen, this "play" has always been in my head, with little musical numbers connecting the dots.

My on-line series, Abnormally Normal (from which this show was distilled) was recently granted a rare $500,000 Fiscal Sponsorship through IFPmn.org. If you would like to support the talented group of people that will be working on this show, kindly look into our donor packages at bit.ly/ShrewDONATIONS.

If you would like to see my previous work go to www.smokinyogi.com.

Write a review

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

User reviews

About this show...
by Jesse Corder
Rating 0 stars
What can I say about this show that hasn't already been said about Afghanistan? It truly is The Room of the Fringe.

My name's Amanda Lee and I'm an addict
by Amanda Lee Genaro
Rating 1 star
This show was difficult to hear and oftentimes painful to watch...

Too many props. Too much material. Too many players on the stage at once. I did enjoy the scribe the most though I wasn't really sure why she was there. So NOT what I was expecting...

Rich, white women whining about their "fall from grace" while appropriating elements from different religious and Indigenous groups was kind of offensive...

Evoked memories of bad human videos and AA meetings with cross-talkers and oversharers...

Theater of Entitlement
by Ruth Virkus
Rating 2 stars
The one thing that truly worked was the commitment and sincerity the cast brought to material that was not worthy of them. I was absolutely revolted by the content. The entire show should be posted to White Whine. Give the extra bottled water in your car to a homeless person? Give me a break. You have nothing to teach anyone, Ms. Rappaport.

Transcendent
by Scott Pakudaitis
Rating 2 stars
I saw a new theatrical form tonight: Group Therapy Theater. You know how the grotesque can eventually become beauty? So it is with this play. This play is so bad that it pushed past that boundary to become a work of art unto itself. I will never forget this play; I had a visceral emotional reaction upon leaving the theater - I was unable to speak or breathe because I was doubled over in incredulous laughter. There's a little bit of everything in this show - singing, poetry, masks, puppetry, ritual. Pretty much a hot mess cobbled together out of these elements. Ironically after each actor spoke about the importance of dancing, they did NOT dance! One of the show's songs, "Trainwreck," is a perfect description of the show.

Wrong in all the Wrong Ways
by Zander Lee
Rating 0 stars
I go to Fringe shows without seeing other reviews. After seeing this I'm thinking I may change that practice.
I feel very sorry for Ms. Rappaport. She apparently has gone thru some very painful experiences. This is not an excuse for this travesty. I don't get any joy in writing bad reviews, but I feel I must say this is one of the worst shows I have seen in my years of Fringe. It was a painful mess & I couldn't wait for it to end.
Even the program is full of pretentious self-indulgence. This show hits every "Bad Theater" cliche. The positive reviews for this show baffle me. They must be friends of the creator and its nice they support her, but its a terrible show. Sorry. But that's also why I love Fringe-its a venue for free-expression.

Bohemian RAPPsody
by Nancie Litin
Rating 5 stars
SELF ACTUALIZATION: Charming, clever, entertaining and truly inspirational piece ! Julie takes an episodic walk down memory lane - loosely autobiographical of her life, her mother's, any woman living in US in last century buffeted by family/societal expectations & free-spirited desires. Narratior unifies the vignettes with humorous readings of the deeper themes and truisms. A Greek chorus or coven of (good) witches provide the musical support & reappear in fun garb to illustrate each chapter: 1st job, marriage ..
You will laugh, cry, hear your own "voices in your head" while watching those demons exorcised to blithely embrace the past, now free to boldly claim her unfettered self

Engaging performances by Julie, Aviva, narrator & cast

Catwoman steals the plot
by Michael Krefting
Rating 3 stars
The songs were catchy, and certainly had me humming on the way out. However, just 12 hours later, I'd struggle to remember a tune.

I also found myself confused at some points, trying understand what was happening on stage. But the great vocal power if the shows stand out singers drew me back in.

The troupe also seemed to enjoy themselves on stage, which is what, to me, Fringe is all about.

Great Show
by Jason Gravenson
Rating 5 stars
This show is very entertaining with a story that grabs your attention and doesn't let go. I'm going to see it again.

NOT THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES!
by J. Maxwell
Rating 0 stars
Sadly, we are not lacking in narratives of women who have survived all kinds of violence, oppression, and misogyny under the most unthinkable of circumstances. We wish there were not so many of these horror stories, yet we need to hear them because there are still many women today who have no voice, no power, and no forum to speak their truths.

What an insult this piece is to women all over the world who have lost their lives to violence or who survived with grace and dignity.

The show is about an extraordinarily privileged woman WHINING in spoken word and song for nearly an excruciating hour. And then, she asks for donations -- for HERSELF (?!?)

The Fringe may be known for self-indulgence but this takes ego to a whole new level.

Just a mess.
by Grant Henderson
Rating 0 stars
This has to be one of the worst examples of "Theatre as therapy" that I've seen. I feel for the actors, who, while having varying levels of talent, were totally hamstrung by an incomprehensible script, and what appeared to be a complete lack of direction. Scenes happened out of the blue and often made little sense. The songs were slapdash, with the lyrics being drowned out by pre-recorded music. Half the time I couldn't understand what the actors were saying, either because of a lack of projection or enunciation. Rappaport needs to learn that no one will care about your story if no one can understand what you are saying. Invest in a theatre 101 class. This is not a "so bad you have to see it" Fringe show. Spend your $12 elsewhere.

Uplifting and Pertinent to the Times
by Katie Clayton
Rating 5 stars
Performance was lovely to behold and listen too- very funny moving, and unique. A solid little play that will be enjoyed by all!

Fringe-y Musical Ensemble Perfomance Art
by Catherine Oskow
Rating 4 stars
This energetic ensemble performance art piece takes the audience on a ride through a couple of women's changing attitudes and fortunes, from a life of plenty to rock bottom, crawling out and up, and going forward with infectious hope and determination. Kudos to Julie Rappaport, Brad Broenen and Kimberly Michaels for creative musical metaphors, such as "Welcome to the Train Wreck" (of your life).

F.E.A.R. Forget Everything And Run
by Chris Guest
Rating 0 stars
More stunningly bad than the promotional video hinted, earnest performers cannot overcome an ill conceived, poorly structured and sloppily executed show.
WAY, WAY, WAY too much material; uneven talent range of performers, impossibly uncomfortable to watch; dialogue sometimes muffled; rewritten lyrics lost to volume of recordings in keys too low or high for the singers.
Truly difficult to follow, save, perhaps, as a showcase for some emotional purging and a "Look At Me!" soft shoe w/jazz hands.
Sometimes life sucks, we've all been there. But without context, fearless editing and unselfconscious performances,
"It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."
MacBeth Act 5, sc v

Pleasantly satisfying!
by Sarita Castro
Rating 4 stars
I Enjoyed this show quite bit. I felt the actors were engrossing and that the music was quite nice. Seeing women give strength to fighting through what society dictates we do with our lives and come out stronger after the mis-steps gave me hope. I was quite happy with the performance, and my only issue, and reason for four stars, was the sound technician. I've never been to the Mixed Blood Theater before, and I think the background music could have been lower in volume to allow the actors the command of the stage they deserved. Sitting to stage left the speaker made it a bit of a fight to hear. Sit stage right or center for this wonderful show!

Enjoyable Show
by James McKernon
Rating 4 stars
I had a great time at this show. It had good music, laughs and a point of view, everything you'd expect from a good fringe performance. Count me among the satisfied customers.

The Sun Shines at the Bohemian Flats...
by Paul Radosevich
Rating 5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised and  delightfully entertained by this freshly creative theatrical production. I found myself identifying with the storyline as the harsh realities of our times, as bad as they truly are, simply must be faced and dealt with regardless of how sugar-coated our early perceptions of what our adulthood was "supposed" to be... In fact, we can now laugh at ourselves and our failures, since whatever will be, will be... Credit scores Be Damned! Easy come, Easy go... It doesn't really matter... To meee...
Afterwords, before I spoke a single word about the play, my guest confirmed this same peculiar feeling of identifying with it's message...
To that I say; Bra-Vo!

honest, emotional journey
by Tal Liberman
Rating 5 stars
This was an honest, emotional, complex journey through one's life recognizing both failiure and success owning both and coming out victorious. Sitting in the audience, the play takes you through a ride of emotions and brutal honesty that makes you examine your own life in a good way. I enjoyed the music, the rock bottom train was a great metaphore. Great job Julie, quite impressive.

My First Fringe Performance..
by Ronit Liberman
Rating 5 stars
I was lucky enough to begin my adventure with a great show and performance. You could tell from the laughter and applause of the audience, that this is really something special. A must see!

Entertaining Performance
by Janice Feinberg
Rating 4 stars
Julie is a great storyteller and Todd did a great job with the direction too. Though the stories were focused on women who went through some hard times, they all came out stronger and more confident in the end... in the new beginnings. The cast seemed to be enjoying telling the stories. The songs were fitting and the music was entertaining. It was fun to watch even knowing the stories were sad...nice to have happy endings-new beginnings. I always love watching Aviva perform/sing and she was great!

Fun, unique show
by Amelia Christianson
Rating 5 stars
Wow! Glad I glimpsed at the other reviews before I wrote mine. I'm not sure what the first guy's problem is, who is so eager to be the first to bash an artistic performance? Clearly there are some issues there. Everyone in attendance I spoke with really enjoyed the play. Fringe-goers were impressed at the size of the audience on opening night, and first-timers that aren't really into watching plays said they had a good time. I don't always always take the time to review shows, but this one is worth it. I'm working time to see this performance again into my fringe schedule this year! Great messages, good performers and unique show make this one worth the trip!

Women Unleashed
by Alicia Kopp
Rating 4 stars
Excellent story telling set to song displaying honest and raw emotions. For women of more experience, the tales will hit home. For those of the younger generation, these episodes are a glimpse of what has been and what could be if we do not keep pushing forward for equality. We've come a long way, and there is still much more way to go. Speaking of way to go... WAY TO GO to the Wylde Women of De-Taming the Shrew!

Uneven
by Kelly Rosenthal
Rating 1 star
Some parts I liked a lot and others--not so much. Some of the writing was great (the commentary on "Taming of the Shrew", for example), some not; some of the music/singing was great, some--well, you get the picture. Felt there was potential here that didn't get realized.

Worth it!
by molly worre
Rating 5 stars
Detaming the shrew delivers the essence of the fringe festival - authentic and inspiring! Great musical numbers and lots of laughs - an introspective play.

Mish-Mosh Mess
by David Brooks
Rating 0 stars
When is a play so bad that it's actually worth going out of your way to see it? Truth is "never" but this comes darn close. Cobbling together theatrical conventions from a dozen sources (A storyteller! A troupe of players! Masks!) this mish-mosh of songs and sketches plays like a Girl Scout Jamboree assignment: Each troop required to make a "meaningful" sketch using required props. As a result, nothing flows together and the skill-levels of the performers are stretched nearly to the breaking point. Todd Bruse is credited as director yet one can't escape much of the blame for this fiasco must fall upon "creator" Julie Rappaport who inserts herself into every scene and song whether she's up to the challenge or not.