Minnesota Fringe Festival

"[a] storytelling extravaganza... Bidgood and Lund are both engaging storytellers, and their tales find the balance between the terrifyingly mundane and awe-inspiringly bizarre." (City Pages)

"Fringe veterans Lund and Bidgood can always be counted upon for a few hearty laughs." (Mpls St Paul Magazine 2009 "Best Shows and Funniest Titles")

"Bidgood and Lund are, as ever, in fine form" (St. Paul Pioneer Press 2009 "Worth Considering")

Overworked and underwhelmed? Punch the clock with Fringe favorites Laura Bidgood and Curt Lund as they relive first jobs, creepy coworkers, minimum wage, office romances, and doing whatever it takes to pay the bills. What did you want to be when you grew up? And what the hell happened instead?

From the nerds that brought you the Fringe hits Boys Don't Make Passes at Girls Who Wear Glasses, Take a Left at the Giant Cow: A Beginner's Guide to North Dakota and Two Queers and a Chubby, Laura and Curt are proud to present the premiere of their new comedy storytelling dorkfest that will tickle you with real life observations from the nerd perspective.

"Storytellers Laura Bidgood and Curt Lund revel in geekdom... side-splittingly hilarious... unselfconscious and so endearing" (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 2008)

"They spend the majority of the show trying to convince you that they're both nerds. Don't let them fool you. These two are as cool as they get." (FringeFamous, 2008)

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The Twin Cities' GLBT magazine Lavender calls Laura and Curt a "zany pair". With stories from kindergarten political campaigns to falling in love under the World's Largest Holstein Cow, they spin gold from the straw of their awkward childhoods and the road to adulthood that is sometimes painful, usually embarrassing, but always laugh-out-loud funny... and yup, still awkward.

Spoken word storytelling is a hybrid of memoir, monologue, stand-up comedy and theatre performance, which can send the audience on a teary-eyed sentimental journey one moment and have them rolling in the aisles the next. Laura and Curt are writers first and foremost, and it shows in the "remarkably artful turn of phrase" (Twin Cities Daily Planet blogger Phillip Low) that characterizes their performances.

"Storytelling at its finest... a thinking man's Will & Grace. Funny, honest and proof that the art of storytelling is not dead... a must for those who enjoy spoken word." (Los Angeles playwright Tony Figueroa)



This show is part of the Rockstar Storytellers Passport Series. See all eight shows, collect the ultra-collectible limited edition Rockstar trading cards, and receive a free Companion Fare to the Rockstars' third season at Bryant Lake Bowl!

The cast

Laura Bidgood
Role: "Brilliant and gorgeous and funny without ceasing."
(Matthew Everett, Twin Cities Daily Planet theatre columnist)

A director, stage manager, musician and spoken word artist, Laura Bidgood has showcased her artistic talents at numerous theatres and groups around the Twin Cities including Minnesota Public Radio, Rockstar Storytellers, The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company, Lyric Arts, Chameleon Theatre Circle, Morris Park Players, Bloomington Civic Theatre and the Dakota Valley Symphony, in addition to performing at open mics around town and, really, in front of any crowd she can find.

Curt Lund
Role: "[One] of the Cities' brightest talents... a deliciously geeky Fringe mainstay"
(City Pages)

Curt Lund's literary work has hit stages, pages and airwaves including Minnesota Public Radio, McSweeney's, Rockstar Storytellers, CBC Radio, Fray Day 5, the Minneapolis Geek Slam, KFAI Radio, Northstar Storytelling League's Tellabration, and GLBT Pride festivals in three states. Not to mention countless other cabaret and open-mic performances across the Midwest and in other glamorous locales from Vegas to Vermillion.

What Happened Productions

Slow Jobs: Servicing America for $12 an Hour

Fri., Jul. 31 @ 8:30 p.m.
[S] Sun., Aug. 2 @ 4:00 p.m.
Tue., Aug. 4 @ 5:30 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 5 @ 10:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 8 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 @ 8:30 p.m.

KEY:
[S]=ASL interpreted
[A]=Audio described

Warning! Adult language

Venue U of M Rarig Center Arena
For ages 13+
Created by Curt Lund and Laura Bidgood
Web site http://www.curtandlaura.com
genres Spoken word, Comedy
subjects Relationships, Queer/GLBT
features World premiere, Original script/choreography

Overall rating

User reviews

Definitely not Slow
by Heather Smith Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, but was pleasantly entertained. The actors were very comfortable in their roles, used the stage area well and worked through the storm siren without missing a beat. Bravo!!

Damn the Sirens; Full Laughs Ahead!
by Micah Bruce Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I see these folks are getting an encore performance...and they absolutely deserve it! If you haven't seen it yet, get your ticket now! The stories were funny and well told, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Laura gets extra points for telling one of her stories while the tornado warning siren was blaring outside...without breaking character...and without losing our attention! Bravo!!

Laughter is the best medicine
by M. L. Hedgmon Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I left this show feeling good even though I had to go to work later that night. I laughed at the strange turn of events that put the characters in the jobs they have. The actors were engaging and the material was something that many could relate to. We all wish there were moments when we could stand on a chair and hold up a sign, yelling "Union" at the top of our lungs. One of the highlights of the show was the tornado warning alarm that went off. The actors didn't miss a beat and even commented on it humourously.

I'm glad they got into the Encore show. If you wanted to see it, here's your chance.

A pleasure as always
by Kay Jackson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Curt and Laura's storytelling always makes the time fly and this show is not exception. You'll laugh throughout and leave smiling.

Good times
by Kristi Lawless Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Funny stories, talented performers.

A Dynamic Duo
by Heather Baldwin Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Both Curt and Laura are gifted story-tellers and performers. This show is engaging, though-provoking, and hilarious. I really enjoyed it.

Recovery Act
by Paula Nancarrow Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I am glad Curt Lund and Laura Bidgood have ended up here. Their show is a Recovery Act of its own. Go see it. Not only are they funny and intelligent, thus fitting my Thinking Woman’s Fringe filter, but they clearly enjoy working together. Two people who have known each other since childhood and are still a creative inspiration to one another – this is a rare and wondrous thing. Worth growing up in North Dakota for? I’m guessing yes. For the rest of my thoughts on this show, go to http://ordinarytime.livejournal.com/18750.html.

Someone give these kids a PROMOTION
by Courtney McLean Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was my first full-length Curt & Laura show and though I've seen and love them as storytellers separately, they are absolutely golden together. Doy, everyone knew this long before I did.

Slow Jobs is, first off, a great idea for a storytelling show and C&L pull it off hilariously. The hour is thick with wit and charm and stories everyone can relate to; Bidgood's lightning speed and Lund's demure, razor-sharp tongue don't miss a beat.

Nerd Humor = Comedy gold
by feesh ette Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
These two hit the nail on the head again! Everyone can relate to these stories, and will leave with a belly ache from laughing.

A strong recommend!
by Anna Thor Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
My first time with Curt and Laura, and I would come back for more!!

Hilarious - in a good way
by Ann Reay Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Curt and Laura tell their stories expertly with understated relatable wit. You're in good hands with these two - they put you at ease and you get to experience the moments with them. It's great spending an hour with these two and if you haven't yet seen this show, don't miss your chance on Saturday!

Jobs!
by Ben Thietje Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Solid storytelling. I laughed a lot and even clapped several times.

Potato oh-NO! :)
by jennifer phillips Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I would like to thank Laura for trying her hand at fast food, I could never. Hilarious stories, the guy next to me actually shook with laughter. I really enjoy this duo and already look forward to next year!

Great Show
by Emily Allen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Laura and Curt's show is funny and timely!

Laugh Out Loud
by Dot Cleveland Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Good funny stories about everyday life. Curt is a hoot as classic straightman to Laura. The two lived up to expectations once again!

Funny!
by Ellen Jordano Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Well done, uplifting, funny. I highly recommend it.

Wonderful Storytelling
by Rob Callahan Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Reminds those among us unhappy in our vocations just how much worse it could have been. Curt Lund and Laura Bidgood play off of each other's energy and wit as they share tales of office politics, romance, firings, quitings and the dream jobs for which the little kid in all of us still sometimes pines.

Good Fun
by Tim Voss Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Curt and Laura tell fun stories that could be from anybody's life. Lots of fun and very worthwhile.

Story telling not quite rock-star
by David Trudeau Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Good stories and mostly entertaining but not delivered with that eye-to-eye engaging I-was-there believability that a really good story teller has. Or maybe a guy is supposed to be believable when they look at the wall or their shoes when they tell a story. So that's Nort Dakota for ya, eh? The absolute best is the layoff letter on the back of the program.

Adorkable!
by Erica Mauter Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Having seen two (three?) other Curt-and-Laura shows, I knew what to expect. They are reliably hilarious and they delivered, exactly as expected. Crappy jobs is certainly a topic that we can all relate to. This is a safe bet for a good, entertaining show.

had me laughing
by brenda atkins Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
this year's show wasn't quite as good as the last. it had some great funny parts and great storytelling but i felt that it was a little rough in transitions. it was still a good show and i enjoyed it.

lots of laughs
by Greg Gonzalez Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
These two take many of the real life situations and put a humerous twist on it to make one smile and nod and even laugh out loud. Clever writing and enthusiastic reading make this a fun one to see.

A fun evening
by Erika Klein Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I feel like this material is pretty well-worn and the themes were hastily thrown together towards the end, but nevertheless, Curt and Laura are so engaging and funny, I couldn't help but enjoy myself.

Must-see storytelling
by Pat Lindgren Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Laura and Curt are fantastic writers and offer a lively presentation. They have keen observation skills for all our human foibles and make them very funny. I would recommend this show to a friend.

I wish Laura and Curt were my coworkers!
by Rinnie Bee Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
As Laura and Curt's super fan over the years, I was delighted by this years production. Great story telling by both of them! I also really enjoyed when they interjected and played roles in each others stories. The show is hilarious, relatable and does not disappoint!

They give a really good Slow Jobs!
by Joshua Abell Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
C'mon, somebody had to do it!

The only way this could have been better is if it had more cursing.

Curt and Laura had me laughing during the entire show. I haven't seen a whole lot of story-telling, but they do it well and were able to be simultaneously endearing and hilarious.

Not to be missed
by Eric Meininger Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
If you've ever had a job, you'll relate to this show. Laura and Curt make a good pair - great material, though there were a few areas it dragged a little. You should see this show -- it's sure to be popular!

Growth Needed
by Chris Anderson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Good show, great people. However I am left feeling like "more of the same" when the style and format are the same as previous years, I would like to see noticeable growth, the show was on par with their entry last year. Worth seeing.

Eerily familiar
by Bam Spastic Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Boy, I've been there! Great subject matter for a fringe crowd I think we all can relate.

Charming!
by Cole Sarar Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A great show, that with a little polish and attention to timing, will be a solid five kitties! Bidgood and Lund are engaging, sarcastic, and charming. The story follows a common thread, the early jobs in our lives, or the jobs we think we want as children. The wrapup at the end feels a little forced, and the duo pressed the time enough that lights got pulled on them, but those are very small critiques in a show that was largely entertaining.

Marvellous!
by CT Toll Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Man, these guys are consistent. They have never let me down.

Take this job and poke fun at it
by August Berkshire Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
As I watch a show, one of the things in the back of my mind is "How would I rate this?" This one felt like a steady 4.5 kitties, with flourishes of 5 kitties, so I'm going to round it up. This play continues the string of successes by this very talented writing and performing duo. If you liked them before, you won't be disappointed this time.

Hilarious Duo
by Tony Webster Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Curt and Laura's stories are hilarious, refined and pleasantly awkward. Great show!

amen and sing it
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Yeah, we've all had Those Jobs. These folks talk about what they have done to pay the rent, how they discovered what work is all about, and how they occasionally erred. I laughed unto snorting - more than once!

great material and winning delivery
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What a great theme for a storytelling show; everyone can identify with the Demeaning Job From Hell. A polished show that successfully combines both high production values snd that accessible, intimate tone that makes spoken word shows so much fun.

Their best show yet!
by Katie Knutson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
If you have liked the dynamic duo of Curt and Laura in the past, you will LOVE this show! They take their usual intelligent, awkward, hilarious style and mix in some theatricality that brings whole new levels to their stories. In short: two very talented and funny individuals telling some awesome stories. A must-see!

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