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Stagebenders to perform at VFW [UPDATED]
Published 10:39am Thursday, February 9, 2012 Updated 10:56am Thursday, February 9, 2012The Stagebenders, a Minneapolis-based dynamic comedy duo that has gained national attention, will be performing at the Fergus Falls VFW at 8 p.m. Saturday. A steak and shrimp dinner will also be provided.
“They do standup, improv and music all involved in one show,” said Scott Hansen, who sets up appearances for The Stagebenders. As a fellow comedian – and one who has also performed in Fergus Falls – Hansen is sure audiences will like what they see and hear.
The Stagebenders are made up of Kim Thomassen and Gust Alexander, who have known each other since junior high.
“We’ve been performing improv since around 1990,” said Alexander. “He was out in Chicago with Second City, and I was out in New York with the Groundlings.”
The two teamed up after doing standup comedy at the same Minneapolis club. They worked naturally together and were able to season their act with multiple kinds of comedy through improvisation and audience interaction.
“It’s a good time,” said Alexander. “We treat the audience like it’s the third member of the troupe.”
While Hansen said some people are skeptical that The Stagebenders can play to multiple kinds of comedy crowds, he believes the show is accessible to anyone who likes to laugh.
“They’ve really gotten their improv down where it works for a standup audience,” he said.
The Stagebenders have never been to Fergus Falls, but Alexander thinks their Minnesota-flavored comedy should fit right in.
“Come with some friends or family members because it is interactive,” he said. “They can participate if they want, or they can sit back and watch if they want.”
The show does not contain much in the way of sexual content, but there will be some swearing that may not be appropriate for children, Alexander noted. He compared the level of adult content to comedy shows on HBO or Showtime.
The show is $24.95 in advance or $29.95 at the door. For tickets, call 739-2697.
