'Cocaine': Two desperate characters try to survive another day

August 6, 2017 at 5:32PM
Cocaine
By Cold Lake Productions
Directed by Ernest Briggs
Fringe Festival 2017
Photo provided
CocaineBy Cold Lake ProductionsDirected by Ernest BriggsFringe Festival 2017Photo provided (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

"Cocaine" is actually adapted from a 19th century one-act by John Pendleton King, but actors Joann Oudekerk and Richard "Doc" Woods bring fresh, visceral desperation to their impoverished characters Nora and Joe. In a little over 30 minutes, the pair grapples with issues including the pain of being evicted from a home, the difficulty of defining their relationship, and simply trying to live to see the next day — and the next joint. The palpable suspense makes this a treat. (5:30 p.m. Mon., 10 p.m. Tue., 8:30 p.m. Fri., 10 p.m. Sat., Ritz Theater Studio, 345 13th Av. NE., Mpls.)

CRYSTAL DUAN

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