In Except Myself, playwright Drew Petrollio takes on an ambitious and slippery subject: the self. It is reminiscent of Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, reminding us that Resistance plays a huge part in blocking our creativity. It starts out chaotic but blends into wit, playfulness, and a surprising emotional punch. Some of the characters seemed a bit campy, or tropes were on the nose, but it all fit in with the style and I really liked Mandy Rubeli’s performance!
Reservoir Dolls at The Broadwater
Lani Harms shines in Reservoir Dolls, a one-woman show that joins forces of different Quentin Tarantino leads stuck in his head, in a thirty minute punch! The different characters make us laugh out of our seats and keep us entertained to a surprising and hilarious grand finale. Smooth transitions with good use of multimedia. A brilliant concept and flawless delivery. Good use of set and props. Comedic brilliance with a good understanding of the Tarantino-verse, and the controversies that arise. Can”t stop laughing at the finale as I write this. Definitely going in my top list of one-person shows this year. Lovers of film rejoice, you don’t want to miss this!
Girl Blood at The Broadwater
I loved the set design! An important piece, especially for a cisgender male like me. Is it because of that, that I had a hard time following what was going on? Moved a little slow, didn’t have to be 90 minutes long. I’m too tired I will edit this review more throughout the week.
A beautiful portrait on the struggles of living with OCD. I was mad that I was a little late and had to sit in the corner. As with Titi Lee, I respect the natural flow of storytelling and keeping us engaged by not appearing too overly rehearsed, giving us a present experience. Marissa is such a genuine performer with a strong presence on stage, giving us a peak into what life is like with compulsive thoughts. She gives us stories of her family life and healing journey, a truly therapeutic experience. A good combination of multimedia use, with personal home videos and childhood notes projected on screen; as well as a great, live and original (?) music performance by her. Perhaps I ought not to write too much about this show so that you can experience it for yourself. I highly recommend this show and can’t wait to see what Marissa Rutka brings next to the stage.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Part III
If you ever wondered what it would be like if your nerdiest, most theatrically-inclined friend told you The Lord of the Rings story around a campfire — only he really got into it, forgot to stop, and had props ready to go — then Riley Smith has answered our prayers. I saw Part 1, two years ago, and thought it was… rough. This was before I knew Riley and the show has come a long way! Smith puts together a fun, experimental project where he is on stage fully committed through a retelling of the classic story/film and playing different characters. The show is chaotic, heartfelt, and hilarious. He has the audience join in with sound effects, humming noises, and keeps us entertained throughout. The production design is pretty bare, as Riley invites us to use our imagination with him, there are a few well-placed props. The show lasts 50 minutes but we are entertained throughout. I appreciate Riley giving us a full-fledged performance (as he does with his other show) and pokes fun at how draining it can be for him. I’m excited for Part 4 of The Fellowship of the Ring, mainly for the continued commitment.
Possibly one of my personal favorites! Aaron Pang takes the concept of inspiration-porn, as commonly referenced in stories of people with disabilities, and smashes it out the window to create a whole new approach. A truly genuine, authentic experience that had me tearful as I walked out by the way he playfully punches us in the gut. Aaron is such a charismatic storyteller, taking us on the wild ride of his life, and have you thinking about it after for days. This is a “love story” like no other; it is about finding love within, and gives us a new concept of what it means to be a hero. This rewrites the common story of disability, the hero’s journey; instead of coming out of a low point, as most stories of disability are structured, we learn to make life whole at the present moment. Aaron made us laugh, and even better, he would laugh with us. I liked his interactions with the audience, too, and how the play can change with each audience.
The American Dream at Zephyr Theater
I met the writer at Office Hours and was excited to see political theater making a comeback. A series of vignettes to portray the current state of the political times we are in. This has good moments, good acting, and the touching message at the end had me tearing up. Some of the concepts worked very well. I was particularly interested in the sketch of the AI police officer who struggles to connect with his mission, and also the teaching assistant, for the special needs student, who loses his job. I would really like to see these developed and I think the production was a nice experimental piece. Some of these scenes felt like I was watching the Saturday Night Live skits that are exact transcripts of what happened in the news or the latest thing Trump/Musk did. Perhaps it is just a sign of our times that we can no longer tell the difference. I did not like the characterizations that actors ended up chose to do; not that I was offended, it just feels like that has been done before, too often.
Slay Me at The Hobgoblin Playhouse
A show that evolves throughout, shows different sides to anxiety. Tremendous performance by Veronica Rosas, who also writes the production. What appears to be a fun getting ready for date night turns much darker. Great writing, but felt longer than it needed to be.
One Up at The Actor’s Company
An underdog story of a young intern trying to make her creative dreams come true; I’m sure many can relate. Super fun musical with great songs and a strong storyline. This is the second musical I have seen at the space, and I’m not sure if there is an issue with the venue, but the music was too loud. It is campy, if you are into that. Wow, Alanna Hernandez can sing and gave a very solid performance! Great performances all around, with strong and silly characters.
Saw too many shows tonight. I’m too tired to write. Bookmarking this for later.
A Perfectly Still Curveball at The Broadwater
RomCom, just okay. Same actors Pam Quinn Eberhart always uses same actors, nice to see them team up. I have seen a lot of Pam’s shows, want to see her try a different style
15th Century Ballerina at The Broadwater
Tagline – “Comedy, Tragedy, Silk, Cello, Dance.” This show brings all of that and much more!
Wow what a hilarious character for a one person show. A modern day actors with her mind stuck in the 15th century. She interfaces with the present time while struggling to hold onto her profession as a ballerina. Taking us on wild adventures, short lived and eternal romances.
Excellent performance and use of audience. Prepare to laugh your ass off and be wowed by such a role. Tour de force performance from Catherine O’Meara.
The Young Jane Show at EastPAC
Hidden gem at Hollywood Fringe Fest, could easily win an award for political theater. This show is a historic documentation of our times.
The play begins with Young Jane speaking to her viewers on a streaming service but transforms into a series of poetry and song, giving life to what our hearts fight for.
I’m saddened that it was only me and two others in the audience. Lorne Stevenson Jr. gives a domineering performance that has us siding with Young Jane as they spiral into protest.
Jersey Devil at The Broadwater Mainstage
Personal, poignant, and big laughs. Hal Rudnick is terrific in delivering this unique yet universal story, which pushes extremes but stays realistic.
Rudnick speaks on anti social personality disorder and how it manifested in his father. Growing up with a lifetime of embarrassing and dangerous moments. The show stays on theme throughout and Hal shows pictures on the projector that captures moments.
Did it need to be on main stage?
Holy Holy’s at The Broadwater
Wow what a show. Clown Work is really taking over Fringe this year. This is a show like no other, it is art! Great performances, physical comedy, and use of tech design. A fun experience in which the audience will feel like a part of the show.
Good blend of multimedia and stage work. Loved the dynamic between the two actors, really felt like they were sisters. Good polarity of characters. Second half is stronger than the first half. A superb thriller for the stage with excellent writing and layered characters. You will be gripping your seat, holding back tears, jaw dropping on the floor by the end of this.
Not Without Right at 905 Cole Theater
Not Without Right is a fast-paced, thought provoking dream come true for lovers of Shakespeare. Colin Cox and Alessandra Mañon are a delight, blessing the stage with life to these witty characters! The writing is so smart, and runs through the history of William Shakespeare’s works while giving insight into Shakespeare’s biographical life. I loved the witty and original concept of the show, and it is a show you can go in without knowing much beforehand. Cox does a great job portraying the skilled writer and Mañon challenges him with her matching energy. This feels nostalgic, in that several of Will’s plays will be referenced throughout. This is the first show I saw this year that was 75 minutes, and it was an interesting run time. I am used to Fringe shows being 60 or 90 minutes. That is all. The show was very good!
I guess it’s day 7? Yesterday was the party, so, doesn’t count. I started a new job today. It’s late, let me try and get through this.
Dog of Carnage at The Broadwater
Might be Benjamin Schwartz’s best show yet, and a great production by the Catharsis Theatre Collective. Such a dynamic, fast-paced show with so many elements that work well together: sound, lighting, direction, etc. Excellent direction by Natalie Nicole Dreschel too, who finds smooth transitions between the different timelines we witness. I had the chance to see this at Catharsis Bites a few months ago and love how it progressed, while keeping the same, simple concept behind it. I love the writing, two characters with conscious goals, and an objective perspective that does not take sides for either character. The acting is incredible – both Spencer Weitzel and Callie Ott knock it out of the park with the way they take the satirical (albeit metaphorical) so seriously. You will find yourself trying to figure out which side to take, and it is better than any courtroom drama you will see on TV.
Moments In Flight at The Broadwater
This show is a hidden gem of the Fringe Festival, Aidan O’Conner gives one of the funniest (and perhaps most touching) experimental shows all season. A talented performer who gives us nonstop laughs as she switches out between different characters on a flight. Audience interaction is heavy, and every seat will be laughing through the directions prompted by her. I have nothing bad to say about this, but just know that you are going into a show that is a character showcase.
Broke Bitch Got Rich at The Broadwater
Fun show! Personal story about Betsy Cox’s journey through a childhood of poverty in Louisiana and finding her way out in Hollywood, all while being undiagnosed with ADHD. Charming and full of laughs. As I was watching it, I could sense how rehearsed it was; it did not feel as though Betsy were talking to us, but reciting lines, at first. Then, as she flubbed a line about Taco Bell, she laughed it off, and joked about how it is 11PM and she’s feeling it! I felt that was the most genuine point of the whole piece because she got off script. But that is not to take away from how enjoyable the show was. A main theme had to do with trying to fit in different boxes and I liked the style in which the staging allowed her to explore this theme. Anyways, it’s 1 AM right now and I’m tried. I will complete this one tomorrow.
This show is hilarious and good fun! Husky Whispers and Goof make me feel like I’m watching a live performance of young Weird Al Yankovic, as he made bops to fast food items. There were short character building moments between songs but the main exhibit is a concert. It is a good show to go with a group of friends, and makes for a very unique theater experience. I liked the songs and the commitment to singing them. Husky Whispers looked as if he was about to pass out in the middle, due to his off-stage behaviors, and the audience riled up laughing as he pushed through the show. Good chemistry between Husky and Goof, and the other instrumentalists appear as if they are noticing strange things going on for the first time but remain fully committed to giving an authentic musical experience. First and foremost, I thought the audience could have been better. I heard laughing but I seemed to be the only one rocking out at my seat; for crying out loud it’s a music show!. Jokes aside, there is so much to explore here and I wish we got more than just a snippet of these characters. There seemed to be so much subtext that was portrayed well, but also left unanswered. I can’t wait to see what Riley and Cole have planned for these characters.
Alan-CaDabra! at The Broadwater
Alan Giles begins the show with a hilarious video of him as a child, performing a magic show for his family; he has come to the Hollywood Fringe Festival for his redemption, to complete his failed magical act. In the show he also interludes with 5 different sketch characters. Alan stays charismatic and funny throughout the show and works well with the audience, at times allowing for an interactive experience. I enjoyed this show very much and we were entertained throughout, with a great finale. Fun concept! I liked how Alan combined different passions into one show, and was able to tie them all together. The personal video was a nice touch and his interactions with audience were excellent. The structure of the show was explained to us at the top, but it also just did not make much sense until the end. I found myself not connecting to the sketch characters as much because I was focused on the magic storyline.
Oops! at The Broadwater
Olivia is an engaging and exemplary performer and the show will have you laughing nonstop! Through fun stories and hot gossip, Olivia comes to an understanding of who she is and how she finds her purpose within her network. She does not focus on one memory, but keeps the story exciting as she finds different patterns throughout her lifetime. This show allows us to feel like we have discoveries at the same time as her, through her exciting tone. There is not a moment of dullness, of confusion, because Olivia is so quick witted and entertaining that you are fully immersed in her storytelling. I liked Olivia’s style and how she brings authenticity to the stage. Olivia is truly a top tier performer. She goes in and out of different characters and has set pieces to keep us engaged.
Scheele’s Green at The Brroadwater
Really fun sketches, one’s that we can mostly relate to. Both actors play a variety of characters and the script is so funny. A fun show! I liked the first sketch the most. Each sketch had a voice of reason, mostly played by Adam, and an eccentric character, mostly played by Connor; yet the two switched off on different roles. They were fun experiments. I just personally don’t connect to sketch. Going to think more on this review, I’m going to sleep now.
Ah Shit… I Didn’t Create My Fringe Show… at The Broadwater
Aah Shit… I Didn’t Create My Fringe Show… is half correct, because it is a well-crafted show about being half prepared and it is an enjoyable, immersive experience! Filled with sound and tech cues, the show is one that keeps you excited. Trevor has so so many tricks up his sleeve to keep the audience engaged (not a magic show) and whatever we, the audience, bring into the show he will use. Highly entertaining! From the start, Trevor keeps us laughing as he stumbles through. My favorite part is when he brought an audience member onstage– and that’s all I will say about that. This one is a memorable piece! At one point, audience members panicked due to a cockroach appearance, and Trevor welcomed the reaction and worked with it. I apologize for yelling out “basketball,” when Trevor asked for a suggestion for a historical event to close out the show with improv. But he used the suggestion and made it work!
Mark Vigeant: Out There at The Broadwater
Mark does it again, knocking it out of the park with this one-man immersive experience. Come on down to journey with Larry, a former Eagle Scout, as he live-streams his stay in the wilderness. I’m laughing as I even type this. Larry live streams the show as he struggles to stay safe and sane in the wilderness. You will feel like family, or plant, or water; either way, you really do feel like you are there with him. So many surprises and twists. This show is wildly entertaining, ultra funny, and an extravagantly memorable experience! I liked every part of this show! The audience participation was great as well, Mark has great intuition and knows how to work with what comes his way. There may have been a technical difficulty, but Mark uses it to his advantage. I can’t stop laughing thinking about this experience.
I loved this show! Abi gives us charm and confidence, and a range of feelings throughout this short and personal production. In retrospect, this is the kind of show that will change someone’s outlook on the world, as it engages the viewer to peak behind the masks we wear daily. The play starts inside of her scattered mind and changes pace as reality sets in. This show is powerful and raw, the emotional effect pulls you at your seat. Witty writing with smooth transitions. Abi gives a poignant and memorable performance. Abi made a good choice to perform at an intimate studio space. I noticed how well-rehearsed this show is, which is not uncommon in one person shows. At one point someone opened the door and peaked into the studio, and the moment slipped away and the show went on. Did the energy of the room shift a little or was that just me? What happened to the performer at that moment? I guess that is not something actors think about while preparing a show, but how does one stay in character when something like that happens? Maybe I’m overthinking this point.
A Minor Inconvenience at Actors Company
Two lives, parallel experiences of a cultural shift and coming of age. A show by younger artists, what appears to be personal stories. These two leads have a great voice. I respect the vulnerability that these young artists put into their work and for putting up a show at the Fringe Festival. A musical but the music was too loud. One actor seemed to be having fun, laughing off her mistakes, the rest were too serious. I wish the ensemble was utilized a bit more. The set is minimal, lights are used as spotlights.
Nyx: The Girl Born To Chaos at Actors Company
Very entertaining and enjoyable show! Fun and disturbing, if you’re into that. The show is better than comic book movies, it is a live comic, a surreal experience. I like too that it is short (30 minutes), as it lets the images punch in much harder. The show is graphic, in that there is action and blood, and it is all done very professionally with tremendous choreography. The show is not an origin story, yet there are many possibilities to explore more.
My Tiger at The Broadwater Mainstage
An honest and unique approach to storytelling. Dionysus took the concept of a one-man show to another level with this project. In this production, Didi tells us of the experience of growing up as a mixed race boy in the U.S in the early 1990s and how that shapes him to who he is today. Throughout the show, he comes out to share context, pieces from a memory, and then has actors live them out through a series of vignettes. This is an insightful and enjoyable show. I love the concept, and think the writer is creating an awareness to different types of storytelling. I love how culture plays a central role in this production, and we get to experience different periods in the writer’s life along with different characters. I am not sure if this project needed to be done on main stage, due to the minimalism, but it worked. The transitions often felt repetitive, black outs between monologue and vignette. It is not my job to give notes, but I wondered what it would be like if the speaker was sitting on stage watching his story with us.
Termination Fee at The Broadwater
This is an experimental, existential dark comedy that gets in laughs and thought provoking ideas. The show follows Neal who is let go of his job and wonders how he can continue to support his partner. They trivialize different ideas and it makes us, the audience, question what happiness truly means. The actors were great in their deadpan humor, but it made me wonder about the seriousness of the subject. This feels as though it were written for film, though I have no issue with it being on staage for experimentation.
Saturdays at 10 AM at Eastwood PAC
A genuine, heartwarming, and enjoyable musical that surpasses any expectation of what a Fringe musical would look like! This is a top tier production through the performances which were all filled with great energy, a plot that had good structure, and hilarious, laugh out loud moments. I believe all of the actors used live singing, except for one, which was a satirical character in nature. The energy of the production is so great and every actor gave life to their characters, making each moment purposeful. I will say that these characters are goofy in nature and it was a bit tough to connect to their emotional drives, but it was still a fun watch. The actors professionally dealt with any technical difficulties, such as set pieces falling on the ground or microphones creating noises. The show did go slightly overtime, but fortunately I made it to my Uber so that I can make my 7th show of the day. I sat in the front, and as I turned my head to see how the audience was enjoying, I perceived their bodies as still; they not bopping their heads or clapping their hands to the music. So to answer the question of what could be improved – maybe the audience can act like they are having a good time too. Just kidding, it’s a great show.
Oh Constantine! at The Zephyr Theater
This is one of the funniest projects you will see in all of Fringe! It felt great to laugh out loud every few lines. Oh Constantine! is surrealism, satire, and absurdism all in one. The performances are fantastic and the plot is silly but cohesive and good. The production is filled with elaborate costume and set design, and takes its comedy so seriously that you cannot help but laugh at (with) the satire. I liked the Standout performances! Each actor takes their role so seriously which adds to the humor; different characters that give different flavors. I loved the interactive nature of this piece, how characters worked with the audience to help move the plot along.
Stage Takes 