Chaos of the Bells Sure was Chaotic

Last night, I went to the opening night of Chaos of the Bells, presented by Brave New Workshop. Brave New Workshop has been producing shows for decades in Minneapolis, and Chaos of the Bells is one of their holiday staples. Every year, the show changes, riffing on current politics, pop culture, and local happenings. This year’s version leaned hard into Minnesota culture—so if you’re not from here or haven’t lived here in a while, some jokes (like the lore behind Edina) might fly over your head.

Technically, this is a Christmas show, with the holiday theme loosely tying together a series of 5–10 minute skits. Some include songs, others dancing, and all of them bring the raunchiness! I went in blind—not knowing if it was a musical, stand-up, improv, or something else. Turns out, it was all of the above. From the start, I knew we were in for a ride. If you’re easily offended or uncomfortable with ‘taboo’ topics, this might not be your show. Not because it isn’t hilarious (it is), but because they don’t hold back. That said, if you’re a regular theatergoer, you’ll know this isn’t out of the norm.

I won’t spoil the skits (I believe they change them up often), but my favorites were the one about the Fridley neighbors and the “sexy Josh Groban” bit. You’ll know them when you see them.

The cast—Doug Neithercott, Isabella Dunseith, Lauren Anderson, Denzel Belin, and Rita Boersma—was phenomenal. Each actor dove headfirst into their characters, and the energy was contagious. I brought my mom, and every time I looked over, she was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. That’s the best endorsement I can give.

The show takes place upstairs at the Dudley Riggs Theater on Hennepin—a venue I’d never noticed before, tucked among the state’s biggest theaters. The intimate space was packed, creating an electric atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a fun, Christmas-ish activity with friends, family, or a date, I can’t recommend this show enough. It thrives on word-of-mouth and has become a holiday tradition for many. After last night, I’ll be joining that tradition. Bonus? You’ll get top-notch entertainment for a fraction of the cost of big productions.

The theater offers wheelchair-accessible seating and table seating. Shows run through January 17, but tickets are going fast—so grab yours soon!