Stage Takes

Aidan Flynn: FameMaxxing at The Actor’s Company

Trust the title of the show, Aidan Flynn spends the show trying to convince us why he should be famous. The show is filled with gags and bits, some that include audience participation. What makes the show work is the commitment to the character. Having met Flynn outside of the performance, it’s clear that the exaggerated ego on display is a carefully crafted creation. And yes, you leave with a signed headshot.

https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/14047

NILBOG! The Troll 2 Musical at Cat’s Crawl

A musical based on what is ranked one of the best worst films of all time. The intro jokes around about how bad it is and then we are transported to a town of 20 people, Nilbog! The cast fills the stage with larger-than-life characters, ridiculous plot twists, and a constant stream of laughs. It began as an immersive experience and the actors managed to utilize the stage as well as the entire space around, infecting the audience with fun energy. An outrageously fun night of theater that fully commits to the madness. I had an absolute blast. (I will say here that it felt too long, at 90 minutes).

https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/13950

The Man Who Drew The Universe at The Broadwater

A play that follows the relationship between comic book writers/artists Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and how ego gets in the way; a battle of ownership, historical fiction at its finest. An immensely interesting story that intertwines history through the environment and behavior of characters, looping in and out of different time periods. Excellent performances from Lief Gantvoort (Stan Lee), Reid Emmons (Steve Ditko), and Bryan McKinley (Jack Kirby) who play the titular characters, with nuance and intelligence. Each character is so complex, humanely written, and integral to the story. Incredible acting, expert writing, detailing two different perspectives in one timeline. A simple set that has detail. A rare find at the Hollywood Fringe Festival; nearly ready for a professional run.

https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/13406

Them’s The Shakes: Life, Love, and Parkinson’s at Actor’s Company

Had no idea what I was about to see but am incredibly grateful to have witnessed Jeremy Moody’s story. A hidden gem of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, a rare experience of truth on stage. I could not tell if it is dark comedy, or light-hearted, because Moody manages to have us feel it all with him. Moody makes us laugh, makes us cry, and offers us a different and unique perspective. Moody was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his thirties, but the show, I feel, has little to do with his medical diagnosis. It is a show about love, about caring so deeply. Moody reminds us what really matters in the end, and I would write it here but you have to see the show. Highly recommend!