The Ice Fishing Play by Kevin Kling - 6m, 2w (flexible?)
The good natured, reflective show introduces audiences to Ron Huber, a Minnesota native with a penchant for life out of doors. He's particularly fond of winter days spent ice fishing near a dam adjacent to the resort property he and his wife Irene own and manage.
Labels: comedy
posted by Jim Vogel at 11:00 AM
4 Comments:
We mounted this play in 2009 to packed houses - mostly because of Kevin Kling's notoriety. It certainly fits the Minnesota theme, but it's not my favorite, however. The comedy results in a smile at best, and at times goes overboard like with the priest and Shumway. There are some very funny Minnesota references and stereotypes, but the actors would have to be very strong so as not to make it schlocky. It would also need a strong director to pull it all together.
Kevin Kling has a great reputation as a storyteller and performer. That would be the best reason for producing the play. I don't find "The Ice Fishing Play" to be anything to be too excited about. There isn't much of a plot. There are a variety of characters with short stories and stereotypical accents. I saw the previous production. I don't have a strong desire to see it again.
I adore Kevin Kling and wish we could find something of his to produce successfully. Sadly, I don't think this one presents well, unless Kling himself appeared in it. Having said that, if there are others who feel strongly about this play then I agree that the Kling name could be a draw. I am familiar with enough excellent productions that overcame weak plays so, as Jean said, if we had a strong director, and excellent actors, they might be able to pull it off.
I don't love this. With the title and general description, I was expecting something completely different, which is difficult when selling to an audience. It was more melancholy and introspective than I was expecting and less storytelling, considering it is Kevin Kling. I vote no.
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