Little Stories (FringeNYC)
About the show
Part of FringeNYC: Clowns, damsels, enchanted fish, disguised princes, homicidal farm children. These are just a few ‘Little Stories’ from the uncharted territory of the Brothers Grimm. Join this zany medicine show of epic proportions as we dive into these forgotten fairy tales. More…
Categories: Vaudeville/Sideshow/Magic/Burlesque, Comedy, Local. From Cornerstone Theatrical. Written by Jack Herholdt. Directed by Michael Heitzler.
"The premise of 'Little Stories' is simple, but the execution is absolutely delightful. All of the performers pour so much energy and enthusiasm into the production that the effect is often mesmerizing. And Michael Heitzler’s direction expertly uses this talented cast to create a seamless production…Herholdt has managed to collect six little-known stories that fire up the imagination as much as (if not more than) the famous classics we hold so dear." Full Review
"'Little Stories' is a breath of fresh air in regards to comedic folklore in NYC…One must commend the director and adapter as well. Their vision was so clear which made it so easy for the audience to enjoy themselves...With so much to keep track of, it all was married together as one moving unit. Heitzler did a fantastic job connecting the audience, the troupe and our narrator clown…Go see 'Little Stories,' an enjoyable evening with a talented group of performers awaits you." Full Review
"A simple yet endearing piece…As the Clown, Herholdt does a charming job at bringing things together, with a simple yet charismatic portrayal that's both playful and mysterious…The well-crafted puppets are a true highlight of the production, giving the proceedings an added whimsy...From this charming stagecraft to the joy of discovering these unknown fairy tales in such a delightful way, 'Little Stories' is the perfect choice for families at this year’s Fringe." Full Review
"Director Michael Heitzler’s best work here comes when a light touch is kept in mind and pursued, but some things feel belabored and slowly paced...While the vignettes were generally pleasing and the cast more than game and peppy, there needed to be more variety in tone and energy...The saving grace and main attraction is the traditionally dressed white-faced, black-suited clown/mime played by the masterful, mischievous, marvelous, mercurial Jack Herholdt." Full Review
See it if You like non-Disney fairy tales
Don't see it if You're afraid of clowns
See it if you want to understand more about why Grimm is not just the brothers' name, but also a rather bleak adjective.
Don't see it if you don't like fairy tales, or seeing a few short plays at one sitting.
See it if You like fairy tales for all ages, whimsy, existentialism.
Don't see it if You find minimalist storytelling a bore, are looking for literal interpretation.
See it if you like clowns and fairy-tales. The acting was entertaining and helped bring the stories to life.
Don't see it if you don't like Fringe NYC. The low production value often adds charm but sometimes it can also be distracting.
See it if you enjoy perversely humorous stories and spitefully clever tales.
Don't see it if you're looking for a play that makes lots of sense and has a clear direction.
See it if you love a great mime and fairy tales
Don't see it if you don't like a scramble of stories
See it if You love classic tales, that still resonate today, performed by a talented troupe of performers. Innovative direction and a brilliant clown.
Don't see it if You prefer more commercial, fast-paced fare.
See it if enjoy being entertained and like fairy tales. With messages that are timelessly relevant, this is a must see.
Don't see it if you are looking for something dark and dreary.
See it if You like lighthearted fun with a good moral center. Also, if you want to experience some fairy tales you may not know.
Don't see it if You like a linear story and realism.
See it if You're in the mood for something lighthearted and can appreciate creative/lovely puppetry.
Don't see it if You're looking to be deeply emotionally moved.
See it if You are a student of the Brothers Grimm and enjoy watching the tales performed. You will enjoy this more if you already know the stories
Don't see it if You are not a big fan of obscure German folk tales.