503

Brilliant Artistic Excellence

Jack Donkey Productions has delivered yet another knockout performance with “503,” a production that exemplifies everything that makes me want to go to Fringe. As they did with “Dumb Waiter” last year. The staging is masterful, with every choice feeling deliberate and inspired. The company’s innovative use of space with every show creates an intimate yet expansive theatrical experience that draws you in completely. The story unfolds with compelling complexity, and while I haven’t read “We” it feels like a novel I now need to read… What makes “503” truly spectacular is how all the elements work in perfect harmony with a fast paced story in under an hour – there are a couple of chairs, and a white sheet, and yet it feels like I just left a vision I’ve never seen before. Jack Donkey Productions continues to prove why they’ve built such a devoted following – they consistently deliver work that reminds you why live theater matters. “503” stands apart as truly unmissable. Add this one to the top of your must-see list immediately.

Dynamic and entertaining!

Bravo to the Jack Donkey team for another stellar show! Phenomenal storytelling that invites the audience to participate and to turn the mirror inwards: in what ways do we uphold the status quo and how can we disrupt it? Imagine the future world we could create together if we tore down existing systems, dared to dream, and faced the unknown together. Jeffrey did a stupendous job portraying multiple characters and staying engaged in the story. I must give a special shout-out to Hawken for painting such a beautiful sonic atmosphere that brought the show to life. Zach Christensen's direction brings out the best in his performers as his shows continue to push the bounds of what theater is and can be.

Moral Deep Dive

There's something powerful about theater that makes you morally question everything about a character while finding empathy for them. The hour-long format of a dense f**king book works perfectly for this piece - it's captivating from start to finish without overstaying its welcome. Jeffrey Nolan was impressive with his range as a performer, convincingly switching back and forth between multiple characters throughout the show. He was fully invested in bringing this story to life, and he never lost the audience's attention. Hawken Paul's musical contributions really made the whole experience come alive. His work on violin and drum added incredible dimension to the performance, creating this gorgeous atmosphere that pulled you right into the world they were creating. It wasn't just accompaniment - the music felt like an essential part of the storytelling. Zach Christensen's direction really shines through in how he maximizes every element. He clearly knows how to get the best out of performers while making full use of everything available. His vision keeps expanding what we expect from theater, and you can see how he challenges both the actors and the audience to think bigger. This production left me with so many questions about my own societal role, my contributions, and my need to do more.

Good images, lacks clarity

First of all, I want to say that there are moments of this show that really work. Hawken Paul carries with music that fills out the world. Jeffrey Nolan's performance is very good. However, the latter half of the storytelling became unclear. By the time the key moments of audience participation came, our crowd was confused. I definitely saw striking images onstage, but I didn't feel substance for all of them. I think this piece gestures at message with less follow through than I wanted. I see a version of this piece that is more centered, more focused, more complete, perhaps by expanding the cast and improving flow and structure. Paul's musicianship (how much was original music?!) really impressed me, though. Overall, I think while this piece delivers good performances and the image of a polished show, it lacks direction and focus beyond the image.

laughing through the darkness

literally do not miss this one.

the talent onstage in this show is quite literally insane. if you want a unique experience and want to experience a masterclass in acting and performance, come out and see 503. you will not regret it. this is what fringe is all about. a can't miss this year for sure. make the time to see this if you're going to see anything this year. damn. bold, powerful, masterfully done. would see again 100%.

Great show all around

This captivating and compelling show makes great use of the hour-long format and the space it was staged in. Jeffrey Nolan plays most of the characters and convincingly switches back and forth between them. Hawken Paul adds dimension with his violin and bass drum. And Zach Christensen’s direction took full advantage of the space, the talent, and the script he had to work with. Highly recommend

We do not deserve Jeffrey Nolan.

Another phenomenal show from Jackdonkey Productions, this time starring two of the great talents of the Twin Cities, Jeffrey Nolan and Hawken Paul. Nolan's adaptation of the classic Russian novel feels so relevant in this age of censorship and corporatized-"Big Everything." If you like Animal Farm, 1984, Brave New World, etc. you will love this. The script clips along at a great pace, while leaving space for tender moments, wonderfully aided by music and elements of shadow play. This is a wonderful showcase of Nolan's talents as both a writer and actor. He effortlessly bounces between a variety of characters and does justice to all of them. Hawken Paul's music is a great addition, adding so much dimension to the show. The audience participation, musical accompaniment, and use of projection were all so inventive and fun, and kept the audience engaged the entire time. GO SEE THIS SHOW!

Wow

Kudos to Jeffrey Nolan for not only adapting the novel, but performing an almost one-man show! Compelling, well-written, well-performed and very well directed . Just the right amount of audience participation to feel like we are part of the world of the play.

Perfectly Poignant and Pressurized

It's giving Mickey 17 and I love it. From the script adaptation to the score to the audience involvement, this piece was executed to a T. Nolan delivers an epically tailored performance that immediately wins over the audience and slowly leads us into our own demise. Hawkins masterfully creates a musical score of the respective 'then' and 'now.' Lovely direction, management, and performances all around.

Excellent Show

Jeffrey gives a really strong performance that keeps you invested in the story. He moves between different characters smoothly. Hawken's live music adds so much to the experience. The musical accompaniment brings real emotion and atmosphere to each scene - it's not just background music, it actually enhances the storytelling. This is definitely worth seeing - it's the kind of performance that will stick with you and give you something to talk about afterward.

Dystopian Drama... that is also funny.

The most impressive part about this show was how it tackled themes of conformity and authoritarianism without feeling preachy or didactic. Instead, it was deeply unsettling in the best possible way. Well done to the cast and crew. After "Drug Play" I have never missed a JackDonkey show at Fringe.

Layered Production

This show delivered on every single level - the acting was phenomenal, the staging was incredibly creative, and the live music added a rich, authentic layer to the entire experience. Jeffrey Nolan was magnetic in his role. Every small detail in his performance felt intentional and impactful. Zach Christensen’s direction deserves serious recognition. You could feel his vision throughout. Catch this one if you can.

Another Jackdonkey Triumph

Jackdonkey does it again! Smart, witty, profound and timely. So glad to see them again at Fringe this year.

Phenomenal acting as expected

The combination of a powerful, versatile, lead actor, a very effective multi-instrumentalist, and an AV coordinator create a relevant take on totalitarianism . It goes beyond the basic “tyrants are bad” message and causes us to give weight to the motives that might encourage someone to accept a solution for all their problems. Very effective blocking and use of the theater to differentiate scenes. Absolutely worth seeing - knocked it out of the park.

Excellent Exploration

A thorough journey that doesn't rely on prior knowledge. The biggest miss with adaptations at Fringe is that too many are built for fans of the original piece. I walked in with a brief synopsis and left with a whole story. Fantastic work all around.

Plucky and poignant character-driven scifi

This production gets fives across the board from me: from the fantastic performance to the dynamic staging to the expert use of live original music, to the audience participation (I promise, it's not the kind that makes you cringe!). Jeffrey Nolan builds this world in a gesture, a grimace, a well-timed eyebrow raise, an exhale. Props to Zach Christensen for the excellent direction. So glad I came to see the show!

Excellent show & authentic to WE

As a lover of the novel, I was ecstatic to see an adaptation at Fringe this year! It's true to the source material, but even if you aren't familiar with the novel, it's absolutely still a show worth seeing. Magnificent!

Like "1984?" See "503"

You do not need to be familiar with the source material to see this show - if you like "1984" or other dystopian novels, movies, or tv series, see this. Jeffrey Nolan is phenomenal. Have you ever experienced the dawning thrill, awe, joy, and jealousy of realizing you're witnessing someone be really, really good at something? Both hilarious and incredibly heartbreaking, Jeffrey is an undeniably compelling storyteller and makes jumping between multiple characters, each with their own specificity and depth, seem effortless. The music, composed/arranged and performed by Hawken Paul, is masterfully woven with the dialogue to elevate the emotional journey - it’s not just an underscore but an essential component of the narrative. Through participation via voting slips, simple movements, and projection, the audience is forced to engage with the all-too-relevant themes of authoritarianism and mass surveillance, consider what makes human life worth living, and experience what it's like to comply or resist as an individual and in a community.

Existential, Barebones

Sooo good

This was my first fringe show ever and I was so pleasantly surprised– and especially for opening night! The actor did a great job of portraying multiple characters and it was a very interested storyline. Tech crew smashed that shit 🔥 would definitely recommend! Also loved the interaction between the crowd and show.

A must see.

Amazing original music. Masterfully directed and performed. Precise and poignant. Jeffrey’s acting and Hawken’s music worked perfectly together!

A Tour de force

This show is a perfect example of the “one person show” template. Jeffery Nolan is a master storyteller who brings the story to life with character work, passion, and charm. Hawken Paul provides a live music score that brings you into the world, and even has some lovely moments of interaction with Nolan. This show highlights the incredible work of this duo, and makes me excited to see more of their work. If you want to see a show that captures the heart and soul of theater, look no further.

tour de force

A tour de force! There’s really no other way to describe it. Jeffrey Nolan delivers a remarkably consistent and athletic performance in his sharp adaptation of the Zamyatin novel, accompanied throughout by the one-man musical powerhouse Hawken Paul. From intricate violin solos to the simplest of drumbeats, Paul’s live score adds a thrilling pulse to the production. And yes, both he and Nolan remain onstage the entire time. Phew. Visually, this is one of the most striking Fringe productions I’ve seen this season. Dynamic projections and evocative lighting by Matthew Walsh elevate the world, creating moments that are both haunting and electric. But perhaps the most impressive element is Zach Christensen’s direction. Jackdonkey’s work continues to push the boundaries of Minneapolis theater, and Christensen clearly has an eye for talent—and a gift for using it in bold, unexpected ways. I’ll be watching what he does next. You should too.

Another Jackdonkey Hit!

Now THAT was a great Fringe show! Basically a one man show demonstrating how diverse an actor can get playing multiple roles without skipping a beat. The story was dystopian and the lead pulled us into an unknown world. The stage was also highlighted by a musician that was instrumental in accompanying 503. Really engaging for the audience, cueing participation and feedback at times. Jackdonkey never disappoints with their signature flair for obscure journeys in the stories that draw us in. Totally worth seeing. Don’t miss it

Compelling and Poignant

This show was a brilliant adaption of a novel—for a sci-fi story, it translated to the stage in an incredible way. In particular, the script is wickedly smart. The use of audience participation to include them in the One State and the nearly solo performance of Jeffrey Nolan, oscillating between several characters expertly, really aided to this idea that we were all "one". Beyond that, Hawken Paul masterfully takes us through the story musically. The music added such a compelling and dynamic layer to the play, filling out the space and transforming it for us. I also loved the use of lights, shadows, and projections. Extremely clever and the visuals were striking. And to wrap it all up, it was a poignant and dire topic of conformity and fascism. This may be my favorite Jackdonkey production I've seen to date!

Wished I was a Mephi

Loved it

A Wonderful Journey

A thoroughly entertaining show that takes the audience through themes of conformity, resistance, and a lust for what it means to be human. Jeffrey brings an energetic and compelling performance that will bring you in close with his characters and keep you guessing what will come next. The musical accompaniment provided by Hawken Paul punctuates the show with color and emotion. Don't miss this one!

503 - Weird, Bold, Fringe

What an incredible Fringe experience! This show is a masterclass in solo performance - watching one actor seamlessly transform into completely different characters throughout the piece was mesmerizing. The transitions were flawless and each persona felt fully realized and distinct. The dystopian setting created an immersive atmosphere. From the moment the show began, I felt transported to this dark, unfamiliar landscape that was both unsettling and captivating. The performer has this incredible ability to make you believe in worlds that exist only in their imagination. Bold, weird, compelling theater that takes risks and creates something you can't see anywhere else. The creative team behind this clearly knew how to craft a haunting, unconventional story that sticks with you. Absolutely recommend catching this.

Brilliant

A stunning piece of theatre. 503 proves just how powerful simplicity can be when it's done right. With minimal staging, all the attention is exactly where it belongs: on the story, the message, and a gripping performance by Jeffery. Jeffery delivers with an intensity that’s both precise and emotionally charged. The humor catches you off guard in the best way, perfectly timed and adding a surprising sense of lightness throughout. It’s one of those shows that lingers in your mind long after you leave. Bold, beautiful, and brilliantly directed.

Fascinatingly Jarring

There was an artistic journey with this piece that felt committed from the beginning. The specificity in movement, beats, character shifts, all felt dialed in with a level of detail you don't usually see in Fringe. Excellent.

I come to fringe for this kind of show

Well acted and well produced, outstanding music. The topic is horribly and sadly relevant right now and provides food for thought. I do think the production would have been stronger with one or two other actors to play some of the supplemental roles, but as a one-man show, it was excellent!

Incredible!

Nolan does an incredible job building a world in a few short minutes and taking you along for the ride. His physicality when switching between characters or communicating movements to follow is the best you'll see at fringe. Paul's instrumentation pairs beautifully with the play and you can tell the two have electric chemistry even from behind a drumset. The musicality of the Mephi theme is achingly beautiful. Unfortunately, I became lost towards the end of the play and couldn't follow the action for the last 15 minutes. This still is one of the best plays I've seen at a fringe ever and is well worth attending.

Smashing!

I don't attend performances very often at all. However, viewing 503 has given me a new appreciation of the arts. I look forward to following what these creatives do next!

Minimalist Display

This production tackles a challenging political theme with remarkable nuance and depth. What impressed me most was how the show avoided simple villain narratives and instead explored the complex psychology behind why people might willingly surrender their freedom. It's unsettling in the best way - making you question your own potential vulnerabilities to authoritarian appeal. You can see how someone could be both drawn to and terrified by 503. Jeffrey's versatility shows the depth of all of the characters, and embodies the humanity of the society "state". Zach's directing shows so much confidence in his artistry and never shies away from bold choices, seeming unapologetically provocative. The musical elements add layers of atmosphere that really enhance the storytelling. The multi-instrumentalist creates this soundscape that feels both intimate and ominous, perfectly complementing the themes of control and seduction of power. The staging choices make brilliant use of the venue, creating distinct spaces within the same theater, offering clarity and specificity on an essentially blank stage. I've only seen Jackdonkey do devised shows at Fringe, and have been blown away with their ability to share stories through movement and the physical embodiment of a message. This was different in relying on text, while still living in the dynamic worlds that Jackdonkey creates. I want to know what Jackdonkey would do with an actual set, or if they intentionally do every show with little to nothing. It's fascinating that they can be as compelling as they are while living in such minimalism.

Undeniably impressive

This is an absolute tour de force for its performers — both extremely ambitious and cleanly conveyed. A sizable (and likely unfamiliar) narrative told masterfully and boldly. I spent every moment either having a wonderful time or feeling precisely as implicated and uncomfortable as I was intended to. Genuinely excellently executed.

So silly and also so deep?!

This show has it all. betrayal, love, heartbreak, rule breaking, social order and status. it captivated the audience from the very beginning with the audience precipitation. The projector allowing the audience to feel included in the narrative. it was so impressive to watch one character quickly turn to another and the audience actually being able to follow the characters. i loved it!! also frankie KILLED it!!!