Could be worse

Actors and set designers and musicians clearly worked so hard on “Gasthaus,” and it’s a shame the script let them down so significantly. The one-act play, a soap opera of young love in Cold War-era divided Germany, is plagued by dramaturgical issues. Characters can’t escape archetypes; the exposition-stuffed writing feels stiff and unnatural; scenes are cut short before fully developing; and plot points are announced abruptly and, on one major occasion, subsequently dropped with no discernible influence on the play’s saccharine, fairy-tale conclusion. The live accordion is delightful, and actor Roberta Gibbons is the show’s saving grace; it’s worth watching for the acting alone.

Presented by Trompe L’oeil at Phoenix Theater; 8:30 p.m. Aug. 6, 10 p.m. Aug. 8, 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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