Bob Stromberg masterfully weaves autobiographical experiences into a critical exploration of the long-standing bromide that great art only comes from great suffering. This leads the audience on a captivating journey through life and art. In the process, everyday experiences become anything but ordinary, leading to moments of discovery and unexpected insight.

Very funny, often poignant, the show spills over with laughter, joy and wonder. Minneapolis Star Tribune critic Graydon Royce writes “Bob Stromberg need never wonder whether he is an artist. His divine comic mission seems clearly fixed on uplifting the hearts of audiences, which he did for many years in "Triple Espresso." Stromberg goes solo in a new show, "Mr. Wonder Boy," which opened Wednesday at the Music Box Theatre in Minneapolis.

Stromberg weaves tales from his life to explore whether he has the necessary suffering from which to create art. His gambit is a bad review (fictional) that he proposes he received a week ago. The wound has caused him to reflect, and he casts back to his childhood in search of his artistry.

This is a sunny warrior, genuine and comfortable as a leather slipper. Stromberg has a strong sense of the young Dick Van Dyke in his style -- superb physical malleability, a halting vocal delivery and perfect timing. He has obvious love for his subjects, but his self-deprecating wit prevents his stories from becoming saccharine. He starts out brilliantly, telling of a sensitive lad who is overwhelmed by the melancholy chords of a simple folk song, the mystery of a great painting and the dazzling flame of autumn foliage. A poignant tale about the girl he sat next to throughout school -- the crush he was too insecure to ask out -- is absolutely gorgeous. We get the full portrait of a happy-go-lucky kid who was too shy to cut a swath in the world. ”

Beautifully designed and staged, the show uses video projections and an original soundscape by Michael Pearce Donley to perfectly underscore Stromberg’s gift of mesmerizing narrative. Mr. Wonder Boy is directed by Risa Brainin, who formerly served on the artistic staff and directed at the Guthrie Theater, and is currently an award-winning regional theatre director based in California; set and costumes are by Nayna Ramey, whose extensive credits include everything from Shakespeare festivals to over 60 productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Minnesota. Lighting is by Michael Klaers, whose work has been seen around the world, including at the Guthrie (and Triple Espresso). Technical sound design is by John Markiewicz of Audio Logic Systems, based in Bloomington, Minnesota.

The show premiered at the Minneapolis Music Box Theatre in September of 2008. Since then, scripts and materials have been circulated to regional theaters around the U.S., resulting in interest in the show from multiple artistic directors. The goal is to achieve regional prominence in order to set up a successful off-Broadway production in the near future.

“Stromberg is a bit like a cross between Bob Newhart and Garrison Keillor.” St. Paul Pioneer Press

“As Da Vinci wrote, "Art is never finished, only abandoned." Here's hoping Stromberg does not let go of this piece quite yet.” Minneapolis Star Tribune

To see the opening video to Mr. Wonder Boy click here.