Fringe review: ‘Adaptopus’ is amusing and well-acted, but disjointed
Worth considering
Despite being an overall enjoyable watch, political comedy “Adaptopus” can’t decide what it wants to be. The primary plot focuses on a girlboss-y senator more concerned with elaborate worst-case scenarios than actual policy. Meanwhile, an escaped octopus is loose on the town. The script, while amusing, never successfully manages to integrate the two storylines — which each end up preventing the other from being fully explored. Ultimately, in being unable to set aside absurdist intrusions in favor of substantive political commentary, the show itself falls victim to the very phenomenon it seems to be attempting to critique. That said: The acting is on-point; Michael Salazar and Jonathan Fondell are standouts.
Presented by Hercules Theatre Company at Augsburg Mainstage; 7 p.m. Aug. 12
Still unsure of what to see? Check out all our Fringe reviews here.
The Minnesota Fringe Festival turns 30 this year, presenting 101 hourlong stage acts from Aug. 3-13 at theaters throughout Minneapolis. Pioneer Press reporters will post their reviews online daily at TwinCities.com/tag/fringe-festival. Visit MinnesotaFringe.org for ticket and show information.
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