Editor's Note: Sarah Martinson is a member of the young pro's group,"The Club" at Lyric Arts Theater in Anoka. She's a music educator in the Robbinsdale school district and is an active Twin Cities theater goer.
Synopsis: In "Grind: The Musical," the action centers around life at "The Rush" coffeshop. Here, we meet the regulars and become caught up in their daily struggles and celebrations. From the homeless evangelist to the covert blogger, Minneapolis coffee-drinkers find a home in the shabby coffee haven. Said blogger Libby finds a blossoming romance with the rapper barista, Perk. Young owner Carolyn and her brother Dylan deal with the death of their parents, and the story is further complicated when the landlord of The Rush notifies Caroline that the building will be razed in two weeks. The whole community copes with the reality of the situation, revealing the value of relationship, love, support, and solidarity.
Production Value: This is one of the more creative shows I've seen. Using an overhead projector and homemade cardboard cutouts, the cast members double as shadow puppeteers. The lines between actor and musician are blurred, as actors sing, act, dance, play piano, guitar, and drum, rap, beat-box, and perform spoken word. The disciplines meld into a unique storytelling experience that highlights these actors' talents. There is quite a bit of production crammed into the 60-minute time limit, but the show doesn't feel overdone or out of control. The writers did a great job of maximizing the time, even fitting in a curtain call at the very very end of the final song. They even do a nice job with the set, even though it has to be moved out of the space in less than 30 minutes to get ready for the next show.
What to Expect: First, expect a long line at the box office. In fact, get reservations in advance. The show we went to sold out just as we arrived, so those reservations came in handy. Once the show actually starts, expect a "RENT"-like feeling in the young cast, indie/folk/rock songs, and angst-ridden plot. The show features cleverly written lyrics and tight ensemble vocals. Also expect a lot of talent, especially singer Maia Rodriguez as Carolyn and rapper Maxwell Collyard as Perk.
The X-Factor: This show is what the Fringe Festival is all about, in my opinion: passionate theater geeks trying something new and giving it all they've got. This is a young cast, and while they do show it at times, these folks perform with such heart, enthusiasm and talent, that it is impossible not to be won over by the curtain call.
The Bottom Line: Go. Go now. Love it. But get reservations first, otherwise you might just see the lobby. Then get some coffee at a local shop afterward.
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