Minnesota Fringe Festival
Opens Thursday: The Twin Cities theater scene gives itself over to 11 days of hijinks with this mélange of theater, dance, spoken word, performance art and whatever else you've got. In total, 175 productions will be doled out to crowds that largely know what they're getting into. There are thrills and beautiful surprises alongside shows that make you question your discernment as a sentient being. But for theater folks, it is all indispensable. "L'Heure de Minuit," which recently presented a three-minute preview, is among the exhibitors at 15 venues and several independent specific sites. It really would not be summer in Minneapolis without the Fringe. Read more in Variety on Thursday; see reviews in the Minnesota section and at startribune.com/variety. (First show 5:30 p.m. Thu. $14 for single show; multishow passes available; $4 button required for admission. Ends Aug. 9. www.fringefestival.org.)
