WHAT WE'VE DONE
Fortune's Fool Theatre was formed in fall 2005 to produce the world premiere of Daniel Pinkerton's play, Do You Want to Know a Secret? Daniel Pinkerton and director Leah Cooper coproduced. For a long time, we were the smallest theatre in the Twin Cities -- what we like to call a "microtheatre." Yes, Secret was a multimedia extravaganza about an East German family before and after the fall of the Berlin wall. However, despite excellent reviews and a good run at Intermedia Arts, we did not produce again until 2011.
Our second show, YARRRH! The Lusty, Busty Pirate Musical (another world premiere), was a tour de force for three actresses who played over 11 roles between them, and an accordionist who constituted the entire orchestra. This bawdy, subversive romp was one of the 2011 Minnesota Fringe Festival's biggest hits (9th in percentage of seats sold, out of 168 shows). We successfully remounted it at Open Eye Theatre in fall 2011. Ariel Leaf coproduced along with Daniel (as well as playing several onstage roles). At the end of the revival, Daniel invited Ariel to become co-artistic director.
The first project that Ariel initiated was our third show, Stop Kiss by Diana Son. Stop Kiss is an award-winning drama about the forging of love between two women so strong that it survives the horrific beating of one of them. We received glowing reviews and drew good crowds at Nimbus Theatre in 2014.
We actually mounted a second production in the calendar year 2014—a first for us! This bill of darkly comic one-acts included Harold Pinter's little-seen A Slight Ache and the world premiere of actor Michael Ooms's In the White Room. This spare production was performed in an intimate and nontraditional theatre setting.
In fall 2015, we presented the North American premiere and first theatrical run of internationally renowned playwright Kira Obolensky's Why We Laugh: A Terezín Cabaret. It is a moving contemporary play based on a cabaret written by Jewish prisoners in the Terezin Ghetto during World War II.
In 2016, we produced another show as a part of the 2016 Minnesota Fringe Festival: Grand Theft Autobiography, co-artistic director Daniel Pinkerton's stories of his career as a juvenile delinquent.
In fall 2017, we produced The Lady with a Lap Dog, the world premiere of a new musical, book and lyrics by Daniel Pinkerton, music by Robert Elhai, based on the short story by Anton Chekhov. It was staged at Open Eye Figure Theatre, one of our favorite venues, from September 15-24. It is an intimate, nuanced story of the transformative power of love.
In spring of 2018, we presented the rarely seen masterpiece The Skriker, by the renowned British playwright Caryl Churchill, with original music composed by Keith Hovis. It was our largest scale production ever, with a cast of seventeen and an additional thirteen members on the creative staff. This fierce, poetic, feminist horror tale wowed audiences and critics alike, with Ariel Leaf receiving rave reviews in the title role. It was honored for Outstanding Overall Design at the 2018 MN Theater Awards.
In December 2019, we presented the Midwest premiere of Dog Act, by Liz Duffy Adams. This fierce and funny post-apocalyptic vaudeville featured singing, dancing, and foul-mouthed cannibalistic Scavengers. It was performed at the Gremlin Theatre in St. Paul.
In November 2020, we presented To Breed, or Not to Breed, a COVID-19 safe anthology of autobiographical stories about choices made. Each week, six different stories were told by a completely separate cast, for a total of eighteen original stories written and performed by 21 diverse artists. We created a three videos (one of each week's lineup). They will stream for free (also we request a donation from those who are able and moved to give) in December 2020 and January 2021.
Below are pictures from and credits for our past productions.
Our second show, YARRRH! The Lusty, Busty Pirate Musical (another world premiere), was a tour de force for three actresses who played over 11 roles between them, and an accordionist who constituted the entire orchestra. This bawdy, subversive romp was one of the 2011 Minnesota Fringe Festival's biggest hits (9th in percentage of seats sold, out of 168 shows). We successfully remounted it at Open Eye Theatre in fall 2011. Ariel Leaf coproduced along with Daniel (as well as playing several onstage roles). At the end of the revival, Daniel invited Ariel to become co-artistic director.
The first project that Ariel initiated was our third show, Stop Kiss by Diana Son. Stop Kiss is an award-winning drama about the forging of love between two women so strong that it survives the horrific beating of one of them. We received glowing reviews and drew good crowds at Nimbus Theatre in 2014.
We actually mounted a second production in the calendar year 2014—a first for us! This bill of darkly comic one-acts included Harold Pinter's little-seen A Slight Ache and the world premiere of actor Michael Ooms's In the White Room. This spare production was performed in an intimate and nontraditional theatre setting.
In fall 2015, we presented the North American premiere and first theatrical run of internationally renowned playwright Kira Obolensky's Why We Laugh: A Terezín Cabaret. It is a moving contemporary play based on a cabaret written by Jewish prisoners in the Terezin Ghetto during World War II.
In 2016, we produced another show as a part of the 2016 Minnesota Fringe Festival: Grand Theft Autobiography, co-artistic director Daniel Pinkerton's stories of his career as a juvenile delinquent.
In fall 2017, we produced The Lady with a Lap Dog, the world premiere of a new musical, book and lyrics by Daniel Pinkerton, music by Robert Elhai, based on the short story by Anton Chekhov. It was staged at Open Eye Figure Theatre, one of our favorite venues, from September 15-24. It is an intimate, nuanced story of the transformative power of love.
In spring of 2018, we presented the rarely seen masterpiece The Skriker, by the renowned British playwright Caryl Churchill, with original music composed by Keith Hovis. It was our largest scale production ever, with a cast of seventeen and an additional thirteen members on the creative staff. This fierce, poetic, feminist horror tale wowed audiences and critics alike, with Ariel Leaf receiving rave reviews in the title role. It was honored for Outstanding Overall Design at the 2018 MN Theater Awards.
In December 2019, we presented the Midwest premiere of Dog Act, by Liz Duffy Adams. This fierce and funny post-apocalyptic vaudeville featured singing, dancing, and foul-mouthed cannibalistic Scavengers. It was performed at the Gremlin Theatre in St. Paul.
In November 2020, we presented To Breed, or Not to Breed, a COVID-19 safe anthology of autobiographical stories about choices made. Each week, six different stories were told by a completely separate cast, for a total of eighteen original stories written and performed by 21 diverse artists. We created a three videos (one of each week's lineup). They will stream for free (also we request a donation from those who are able and moved to give) in December 2020 and January 2021.
Below are pictures from and credits for our past productions.
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET?
L to R: Barbara Kingsley (Karin) and Stephen D'Ambrose (Walter). Photo: Scott Pakudaitis
This production was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
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Do You Want to Know a Secret?
by Daniel Pinkerton directed by Leah Cooper videography by Matthew Foster March 9-26, 2006, Intermedia Arts CAST Stephen D'Ambrose*: Walter Berger Maggie D'Ambrose: Erika Berger Barbara Kingsley*: Karin Berger Greta Grosch: Anja Hornung Harry Baxter: Wolf Niedermann *member of Actors' Equity CREATIVE STAFF lighting design: Ariel Pinkerton set design: Grif Sadow costume design: Annie Cady stage manager/assistant director: Reid Knuttila stage manager, sound/lighting crew, house manager: Ariel Pinkerton |
L to R: Maggie D'Ambrose (Erika), Barbara Kingsley (Karin), Stephen D'Ambrose (Walter).
Photo: Scott Pakudaitis
YARRRH! THE LUSTY, BUSTY PIRATE MUSICAL
L to R: Lisa Bol, Ariel Leaf, and Dawn Brody. Photo: Minnesota Fringe Festival
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YARRRH! The Lusty, Busty Pirate Musical
book and lyrics by Daniel Pinkerton music by Chris Gennaula directed by Melissa Hart* Performed at Gremlin Theatre, St. Paul, MN, August 4-14, 2011, as part of the Minnesota Fringe Festival. YARRRH! ranked 9th in percentage of seats sold (out of 168 shows), and 15th in total number of tickets sold. *member, Actors' Equity Cast: Lisa Bol: Billy Silverhook, Captain Jake O'Reilly, and others Dawn Brodey: Rosie Bustle, Governor Cyril Toadmoor, and others Ariel Leaf: Captain Desirée LaFemme, Cecily Toadmoor, and others Oliver Hands: Toby Bustle Noah Strom: accordion music direction: Chris Gennaula fight choreographer: Annie Enneking stage manager: Sarah Perron costume designer: Andrea Gross |
Left to right, Ariel Pinkerton (Desirée), Valerie Rigsbee (Rosie). Photo: Scott Pakudaitis.
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YARRRH! was revived and ran at the Open Eye Figure Theatre, Minneapolis, MN, from September 9-24, 2011. All personnel remained unchanged except that Valerie Rigsbee replaced Dawn Brodey as Rosie Bustle, et al, and Ariel Leaf was the lighting designer. |
STOP KISS
Ariel Leaf (Callie). Photo: Scott Pakudaitis
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Katie Starks (Sara). Photo: Scott Pakudaitis
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L to R: Ariel Leaf (Callie), Katie Starks (Sara)
Stop Kiss
by Diana Son
directed by Ben Layne
Performed at Nimbus Theatre
Minneapolis, MN
January 25-February 8, 2014
Cast:
Ariel Leaf: Callie
Katie Starks: Sara
Linda Sue Anderson: Mrs. Winsley/Nurse
Andy Chambers: George
Michael Ooms: Peter
Joel Raney: Detective Cole
lighting design: Julia Carlis
Set design: Ursula K. Bowden
props design (and more): Corinna Knepper Troth
costume design: Jenna Graupmann
sound design: Scot Moore
stage manager: Kate O'Connoll
publicity, house manager, box office: Daniel Pinkerton
This production was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
by Diana Son
directed by Ben Layne
Performed at Nimbus Theatre
Minneapolis, MN
January 25-February 8, 2014
Cast:
Ariel Leaf: Callie
Katie Starks: Sara
Linda Sue Anderson: Mrs. Winsley/Nurse
Andy Chambers: George
Michael Ooms: Peter
Joel Raney: Detective Cole
lighting design: Julia Carlis
Set design: Ursula K. Bowden
props design (and more): Corinna Knepper Troth
costume design: Jenna Graupmann
sound design: Scot Moore
stage manager: Kate O'Connoll
publicity, house manager, box office: Daniel Pinkerton
This production was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
A SLIGHT ACHE / IN THE WHITE ROOM
Left to right: Ariel Leaf (Flora), Michael Ooms (Edward). Photo: Heidi Garrido
A Slight Ache
by Harold Pinter directed by Ben Layne Performed at the Black Forest Inn Banquet Hall Minneapolis, MN September 13-28, 2014 Michael Ooms: Edward Ariel Leaf: Flora John Leaf: Matchseller |
Left to right: Lacey Zeiler (Clerk), John Leaf (Steve). Photo: Heidi Garrido
In the White Room
written and directed by Michael Ooms Performed at the Black Forest Inn Banquet Hall Minneapolis, MN September 13-28, 2014 John Leaf: Steve Lacey Zeiler: Clerk |
WHY WE LAUGH
Left to right: Elise Langer, Skyler Nowinski, Ryan Lindberg. Photo: Scott Pakudaitis.
Back, left to right: Craig Harris, Ryan Lindberg, Skyler Nowinski. Front, left to right: Julie Kurtz, Elise Langer. Photo: Scott Pakudaitis.
Why We Laugh
by Kira Obolensky
music by Craig Harris
Based on “Laugh With Us” by Felix Porges, Vítězslav Horpatzky, Pavel Weisskopf and Pavel Stránský; English translation & dramaturgy by Lisa Peschel
Performed at Open Eye Figure Theatre
Minneapolis, MN
September 12-27, 2015
CAST
Julie Kurtz: The Scholar
Elise Langer: Elly Bernstein-Porges
Ryan Lindberg: Vítězslav Horpatzky
Skyler Nowinski: Felix Porges
Craig Harris: Pianist
ARTISTIC STAFF
Hayley Finn: director
Mawrgyn Roper: stage manager, light board operator
Irve Dell: Scenery and properties designer
Ariel Leaf: lighting and lobby display designer, coproducer
A. Emily Heaney: costume designer
Daniel Pinkerton: graphic designer, publicity, coproducer
Sott Pakudaitis: photographer
This activity was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund; and by a grant from RIMON: The Minnesota Jewish Arts Council, an initiative of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation.
by Kira Obolensky
music by Craig Harris
Based on “Laugh With Us” by Felix Porges, Vítězslav Horpatzky, Pavel Weisskopf and Pavel Stránský; English translation & dramaturgy by Lisa Peschel
Performed at Open Eye Figure Theatre
Minneapolis, MN
September 12-27, 2015
CAST
Julie Kurtz: The Scholar
Elise Langer: Elly Bernstein-Porges
Ryan Lindberg: Vítězslav Horpatzky
Skyler Nowinski: Felix Porges
Craig Harris: Pianist
ARTISTIC STAFF
Hayley Finn: director
Mawrgyn Roper: stage manager, light board operator
Irve Dell: Scenery and properties designer
Ariel Leaf: lighting and lobby display designer, coproducer
A. Emily Heaney: costume designer
Daniel Pinkerton: graphic designer, publicity, coproducer
Sott Pakudaitis: photographer
This activity was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund; and by a grant from RIMON: The Minnesota Jewish Arts Council, an initiative of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation.
GRAND THEFT AUTBIOGRAPHY
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Grand Theft Autobiography
stories written and performed by Daniel Pinkerton Songs by Gary Rue performed live by Gary Rue and the Delinquents: Gary Rue: guitar & lead vocals Megan Mahoney: electric bass & backing vocals Kenneth Watson, Jr.: drums & backing vocals Direction & dramaturgy by Ariel Leaf Performed at the Strike Theatre, Minneapolis MN, August 4-14, 2016, as part of the 2016 Minnesota Fringe Festival. |
Gary Rue and the Delinquents. Left to right: Kenneth Watson, Jr., Megan Mahoney, and Gary Rue. Photo: Ariel Leaf.
THE LADY WITH A LAP DOG
Left to right: Andrea Leap (Anna) and Joel Liestman (Dmitri). Photo by Scott Pakudaitis.
This activity was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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"Anton," the titular lap dog. Puppet by Corinna Knepper Troth. Photo by Daniel Pinkerton.
The Lady with a Lap Dog a new musical book and lyrics by Daniel Pinkerton music by Robert Elhai based on the short story by Anton Chekhov performed at Open Eye Figure Theatre Minneapolis, MN September 15-24, 2017 CAST Dmitri Gurov: Joel Liestman* Anna von Diederitz: Andrea Leap Madam Prozorov, Dasha Gurov, others: Laurel Armstrong CREATIVE STAFF Director: Nicole Wilder Stage manager: Megen Ealaín Set & properties design: Ursula K. Bowden Costume design: C. J. Mantel Lighting design: Ariel Leaf Puppet created by Corinna Knepper Troth Stage hand: Michael Spegar Music director/pianist: Jill Dawe Accordion: Dee Langley Cello: Diane Tremaine |
THE SKRIKER
Top photo: Ensemble, by Scott Pakudaitis. Bottom photo: Ariel Leaf as the Skriker, image by Phen Grant and Leah Edelman-Brier.
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The Skriker
by Caryl Churchill performed at The Crane Theatre Minneapolis, MN April 7-22, 2018 HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING OVERALL DESIGN, 2018 MINNESOTA THEATER AWARDS CAST Lily: Haley Sisler Josie: Gabrielle Dominique Skriker: Ariel Leaf The Hag: Nissa Nordland Johnny Squarefoot: Stephanie Johnson Passerby: Josiah Thompson Yallery Brown: Keith Hovis Black Dog: Brynn Berryhill Kelpie: David Wasserman Green Lady: Sheree Froelich Woman with Kelpie: Nicole Laurenne Girl with Telescope: Megan Anderson Rawheadandbloodybones: Heather Jo Raiter Man with Bucket: Michael Quadrozzi Spriggan: Gail Estelle Black Annis: Mary Davis Dead Child: Leah Eckardt CREATIVE STAFF Director: Ben Layne Stage manager: Megen Ealain Assistant Stage Manager: Alyssa Thompson Lighting design: Joanna McLarnan Set Design: Sean McArdle Prop Design: Terri Ristow Costume Design: Tracy Swenson Makeup design: Ariel Leaf Choreography: Josiah Thompson Composer/Music director/sound design: Keith Hovis Dramaturg: Callie Meiners Dialect coach: Joel Raney This activity was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. |
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Dog Act
by Liz Duffy Adams Performed at Gremlin Theatre St. Paul, MN December 7-22, 2019 CAST Zetta - Ariel Leaf Dog - Joe Wiener Vera Similitude - Delinda "Oogie" Pushetonequa Jo-Jo the Bald-Faced Liar - Nissa Nordland Morgan Coke -Timothy Daly Bud - Michael Terrell Brown CREATIVE TEAM Director - Ben Layne Music director - Nicole Wilder Stage manager - Sarah Perron Fight choreographer - Meredith Kind Set and properties designers - Ursula K. Bowden and Corinna Knepper Troth Lighting designer - Becky Raines Costume designer - Tracy Swenson Upper left: Joe Wiener (Dog) and Ariel Leaf (Zetta). Photo by Kari Elizabeth Godfrey Photography. Lower left: Dog Act cast. Left to Right: Timothy Daly, Delinda "Oogie" Pushetonequa, Ariel Leaf, Nissa Nordland Morgan, Joe Wiener, Michael Terrell Brown. Photo by Scott Pakudaitis. This activity was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. |
