Must see

When the lights are still down between scene changes in Mahmoud Hakima’s “Two Bowls of Cereal and Some Bacon,” you can see the performer shaking a bit, steeling himself, putting himself into the intense emotional headspace this show requires — and deserves. The play, a theatrical memoir of an abusive stepfather and a long-lost elementary school friend that previously ran at the 2009 Fringe, is stunning and evocative, tender and explosive, with a cathartic sense of humor. Hakima is a supremely talented solo performer and storyteller, precise and intentional in his movements on a sparse stage. This is how it’s done.

Presented by Mahmoud Hakima at Theatre in the Round; 8:30 p.m. Aug. 4, 7 p.m. Aug. 8, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 9, 2:30 p.m. Aug. 11

Still trying to decide what to see? Check out all our Fringe reviews at twincities.com/tag/fringe-festival, with each show rated on a scale of Must See, Worth Considering, Could Be Worse or You Can Skip.

The Minnesota Fringe Festival is presenting more than 100 hourlong stage acts from Aug. 1–11 around Minneapolis. Visit MinnesotaFringe.org for ticket and show information.

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