Fringe review: ‘5-Step Guide to Being German’ showcases comedian’s goofball earnesty
Must see
Contrary to its title, this show isn’t actually a five-step program: It once was, but it’s evolved since comedian Paco Erhard started touring it in 2011. Now it’s a freewheeling — and funny — standup set, lovingly lambasting German and American stereotypes with clever jokes about history, culture and nationalism. At its heart, though, are Erhard’s meditations on personal and collective guilt and responsibility. Resurrecting a form of the five-step model could lend some helpful structure, and gag lines delivered in a Southern accent feel a bit dated, but Erhard’s goofball earnesty makes him an excellent tour guide through the orderly world of Germanity.
Presented by Paco Erhard at the Rarig Center’s Thrust Stage; 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 10, 7 p.m. Aug. 11 (with audio description available), 4 p.m. Aug. 13
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The Minnesota Fringe Festival turns 30 this year, presenting 101 hourlong stage acts from Aug. 3-13 at theaters throughout Minneapolis. Pioneer Press reporters will post their reviews online daily at TwinCities.com/tag/fringe-festival. Visit MinnesotaFringe.org for ticket and show information.
