Could Be Worse
“What I Should Have Said” follows a man who goes to marriage counseling, alone, and — as enacted across the stage — replays arguments with his wife, then re-replays them in healthier ways he wishes he’d communicated. Great concept. Muddled execution. Occasionally stiff acting aside, the show barely escapes trite self-help dialogue and can’t sell the marital relationship as believably precarious, which would be necessary for the “should’ve” scenes to feel incisive. A final-act twist unexpectedly cuts against part of the show’s premise, but those last minutes turn out to be the only ones that live up to the show’s powerful potential.
Presented by Peake Productions at Phoenix Theater; 8:30 p.m. Aug. 1, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 2, 2:30 p.m. Aug. 3, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Aug. 8, 7 p.m. Aug. 9
Still trying to decide what to see? Check out all the Pioneer Press 2025 Fringe reviews, with each show rated on a scale of Must See, Worth Considering, Could Be Worse or You Can Skip It.
The Minnesota Fringe Festival is presenting nearly 100 hourlong stage acts from July 31 through Aug. 10 around Minneapolis. Visit MinnesotaFringe.org for ticket and show information.
Related Articles
Fringe review: Historical drama ‘Tompkins Squares’ is stiff and underwhelming
Fringe review: ‘Breach,’ ferocious, thrilling and shrewd, is simply stunning theater
Fringe review: ‘Fangs and Bangs’ is a rollicking, delightfully earnest variety show
Fringe review: ‘The Wickie’ is physical comedy at its finest, from a master clown
Fringe review: Impassioned ‘Salt’ balances touching drama and moral questions
Leave a Reply