Stage Takes

Day 7 was the opening night party. There were probably two shows that happened beforehand. But I can’t see everything. Saw four shows today.

Therapist Zero at the Hudson Theaters

I saw this based on Ernest’s review. It’s a good one. It’s a clear, poignant, and focused piece that explores the complexities of parenting, trauma, and personal growth. Brian Leonard takes us on his journey as a father navigating his daughter’s behavioral challenges, recounting a seemingly endless procession of therapists—from therapist number zero to therapist twenty-something—in search of answers. Along the way, he reflects on his own childhood experiences and the conscious effort required to break cycles of generational trauma rather than pass them on. What makes this show so compelling is its humanity. Leonard approaches difficult subjects with honesty, vulnerability, and just the right amount of humor. While therapists and mental health professionals will certainly appreciate its insights, the story speaks to anyone who has struggled, healed, or tried to become a better version of themselves. Thoughtful, relatable, and deeply human, this is a straightforward yet affecting piece.

What Survives at The Broadwater

I got the invite from Rachel Meyers who I view as one of the greatest actors I have seen perform live. TThe show is composed of a series of powerful, tightly crafted vignettes, each offering a different glimpse into the American nightmare many people are living through today. I have seen this style of political theater done before, but I think this raises the ceiling for me, better than I have seen it done before. Every performance is precise and deeply felt, with each actor fully embodying the emotional and environmental pressures weighing on their character.

I wonder why the director chose to have actors seated on the side of the stage as a scene went on. I could see some tune into the show, others preparing to get into character. But it also felt poetic, in that the general population watches as people go through their struggles, sometimes without a care.

Jimi Darkness: Alcoholic Superhero at Three Clubs

Someone on Facebook said, “I just got out of the best show I’ve ever seen, Jimi Darkness” and that was all I knew going into this show. In the theater, I asked fellow audience members how they heard about this show, and they all say they know James. By the end of the performance, I understood why they had shown up and cheered on every song.

Jimi Darkness is unlike anything I’ve seen before: a darkly funny, emotionally devastating musical that blends rock, gospel, and traditional musical theater into something wholly original. The story follows Jimi, a struggling musician and vigilante superhero whose powers are fueled by alcohol. As he begins attending AA meetings and confronting his addiction, he finds himself trapped between the fantasy of saving the world and the reality that he can no longer save himself.

It is a musical with more soul and pain than I have ever seen in a musical! The story follows Jimi, who is new to the world of Alcoholics Anonymous and continues to try to live his double life as a vigilante superhero. It is brilliant, one of a kind, a blend of rock, gospel, and musical theater. These actors really did their research and fully portray the struggle of addiction.

The music is powerful, the concept is brilliant, and the execution is fearless. Equal parts rock opera, superhero story, recovery narrative, and dark comedy, Jimi Darkness is truly one of a kind. It’s the rare Fringe show that feels both wildly entertaining and deeply meaningful, leaving you humming the songs while reflecting on the cost of the battles we fight within ourselves.

So I don’t lose momentum – this is going in Top Ten

The Lord of the Rings: The Council of Elrond: Part 4

I saw this show twice because I enjoy it so much. That should be descriptive enough for you to go see it yourself.