Fringe review: ‘A Jingle Jangle Morning’ needs more jingle jangle

Could be worse

When an inter-dimensional thief shrinks and steals the moon with the aim of liberating his home planet from a dictator, a Minneapolis teen accidentally returns with him to Somnia, a sleepless land of forced labor and tyrannical robots. Committed actors, fun special effects, strong musical transitions and creative props can’t quite make up for the convoluted plot and dialogue, which understate the premise — two moons are missing in two dimensions! — until almost the final scene. There’s not enough one-liners or dad jokes to make this a kiddie comedy, and the characters don’t play enough to the audience to fully engage. The program says the show is inspired by the imagery from Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” but a little more physical comedy (even a somersault or two), some script rewrite and a stronger, clearer ending would infuse some needed jingle jangle and make this space odyssey shine.

Presented by Spektakular Theatre at Rarig Center; 7 p.m. Aug. 6, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 7, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 11, 4 p.m. Aug. 13.

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The Minnesota Fringe Festival turns 30 this year, presenting 101 hourlong stage acts from Aug. 3-13 at theaters throughout Minneapolis. Pioneer Press reporters will post their reviews online daily at TwinCities.com/tag/fringe-festival. Visit MinnesotaFringe.org for ticket and show information.