First night at the Minnesota Fringe Festival had its usual hits and misses. I was hitless before I stopped in at HUGE Improv Theatre for the 10 p.m. "Sousepaw: A Baseball Story." Ran into Jack Reuler and Jon Skaalen, who were both coming out of "Dodging Bullets," the 8:30 show at HUGE. They thought it was terrific. Skaalen, who sees a lot of theater, thought it was the best solo piece he's seen in years. "Dodging Bullets" is by Arizona State theater professor David Barker. He writes of the time his brother-in-law tried to kill Barker and his sister. Terrifying stuff. It's playing 7 p.m. Saturday and 5:30 p.m. Monday, then 5:30 p.m. Friday and 8:30 p.m. Saturday next weekend.

Then I went into "Sousepaw," which is being produced by Shelby Company of New York. I'm a baseball fan so I'm fascinated by the story of Rube Waddell, a phenomenal pitcher from 1900-1910. He had alcohol and mental health issues that soured his physical talent so by 1913 he was out of the game, but hoping for a comeback. James B. Kennedy plays the manchild in this small show, and Ariana Venturi is a character named Reptile Girl, who visits him in a Texas hotel. Gorgeous acting and a heartbreaking sense of regret and loss. Both characters so desperately want something better for themselves, yet we know it's not going to happen. The show runs 10 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday and then 2:30 p.m. the final Sunday.

Both those shows had small crowds Thursday night but they deserve better.

Meanwhile, our man at the Bryant Lake Bowl reports that the Four Humors remain popular. Freelance critic Brian Leehan showed up a half hour early for "You Only Live Once Forever" and was turned away. Sold out. The BLB only has 95 seats so beware, festivalgoers.