Worth considering

Waiting in the basement of an old rooming house for their as-yet-unidentified target, two hitmen who have always followed through on their assignments find it impossible to comply with culinary orders that arrive, without explanation, by dumb waiter. Slapstick, it’s not. JackDonkey Productions launched in 2022 with the goal of marrying working-class themes to absurdism. That makes British playwright Harold Pinter’s 1957 classic “The Dumb Waiter” an especially bold Fringe choice somewhere on par with “Waiting for Godot.” A general lack of happenings puts extra pressure on long silences, odd arguments, off-stage movements and other Pinter-esque mechanics that echo realism. The actors truly deliver, even if the source material isn’t for everyone.

Presented by JackDonkey Productions at the Open Eye Theatre; 10 p.m. Aug. 8, 8:30 p.m. Aug 10

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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