Stage Takes

Chasing Sunstreaks at Easwood Performing Arts Center

A music show with all of the right elements. I wondered if this was the premiere of an album, as vinyls were being sold outside. A rich, poetic, and meditative experience. Tara takes us on a journey through song and storytelling, creates a safe space for us to travel to. I had no idea what to expect and left the stage with bliss. The story itself is broken up by Tara’s music.When we walked into the stage, we see two musicians seated, who remained on stage. I wondered why the two musicians were on stage throughout the performance, they didn’t play often enough to be needed for the full show.

Smut with Entendre Entendre at Actors Company

An excellent show for the Actors Company Studio Space theater, intimate show. Entendre Entendre presents her memoir and engages with the audience using her confidence, charm, and dare I say, sexual energy. Bryn captivates the crowd, creates risky moments, and makes us laugh throughout.

Too Much of a Good Thing at Skiptown Playhouse

Show started 15 minutes late, breaks the golden rule of Fringe. Loved Rachel’s energy as she carried this show. She plays a few characters throughout. I feel I am not the audience for this show, I could tell most of the audience was her friends. It is a personal piece and there is very strong musical theater school energy to it. Show filled woth humor.

Titi Lee: Good Girl Gone Baddie at The Yard Theater

Started out with a dance bit, got the crowd’s energy moving. But then, I’m thinking, is this a stand up show? Unlike some of the other one person shows that I’ve seen, this one is so fresh — Lee speaks to us as if this is her first time saying these words, so natural in their delivery. The show moves through different themes smoothly and makes us laugh throughout. Very eye opening into living the non binary experience. Loved the final message!

Just To Be Close To You

Electrifying show that utilizes clown work and audience participation. Cameron Poter does such a great job with making something out of nothing. The production has structure to it yet Poter magically makes us, the audience, feel like we are guiding it. I walked in late and the character had greeted me, in front of everyone, asked an audience member to give me his seat; he refused and I thanked him for the refusal. Cameron makes every audience member a part of the show. I loved how, throughout all of the randomness, we are led to a touching, heartfelt finish.

79 Ways To Die at LGBT Center

One of the most entertaining shows I have seen this year, and a brilliant concept. Fans of the bard, rejoice! A unique experience that gives light and laughter to some of Shakespeare’s darkest scenes. This immersive experience uses audience participation to the max. A show with two dynamic hosts who run through all of the deaths in Shakespearean plays, as if it were a game show, with two actors (was three but one died – it’s an inside joke). The hosts are live, they are working with what the audience gives and keeping us all safe. I loved how extreme some of these battle scenes got, the audience members who got on stage had no idea what they were doing but the fun energy had us all commit to the bit. Physical comedy executed by the two actors is so eloquent and smooth. This show is a once in a lifetime experience, quite literally because each audience will commit differently. You don’t want to miss it!

Paris + Juliet at The Broadwater, studio

Charlie Day is back at it again with this brilliant spinoff of Romeo and Juliet; in it, he plays Paris, the man who was originally supposed to marry Juliet. I remember him from last year, in the show Rock Bottom, and I was blown away. His fierce marketing pays off. What a great idea and definitely going in my list of funniest Fringe shows. Charlie is a master performer, engaging and seducing the audience. He gives humanity to Shakespearean characters, dare I say! Unfortunately, this was his last show, but I will keep an eye on him for when he returns.

And Her Children at The Hobgoblin Playhouse

I will never miss a Hailey McAfee performance, and what an interesting concept. We watch this character, who is reminiscent of Caroline Leavitt, tell stories and live through them with us. In it, we get a taste of the dark shadows of living a life of leadership, trying to hide the truth until it consumes the self. The show got darker and darker, and we as audience members become bewildered at what angle to perceive this in. The show is ultimately engaging and thought provoking, and McAfee’s performance is one you will not forget about. I appreciate how this show does not preach to the choir and shows a darker side of humanity.

The Dog Log at The Broadwater

Short and sweet, a fun show. Richard Lucas takes a simple personal scenario and adds complexity to it, giving a subtle and standout performance. Richard is talking to us throughout the show, storytelling and making the other characters come to life, and keeping us engaged. I can’t imagine how he wrote a book on the subject as well but I sure am intrigued. Really well done Fringe show!

Kami Girl at Skiptown Playhouse

Clown Show that does clown right down to a tee. Comedy reminiscent of Borat and/or Andy Kaufman. Kami Dimitrova (the actress) plays an Eastern European girl trying to fit in American culture, and working a new job as a waitress in her dad’s restaurant. She interacts with the audience well and has a well-thought out structure, constantly in character despite any mishaps (by the audience). Kami showcases many talents in hr production including singing and playing musical instruments. A 5-star comedy!

Slurt

Brilliant! A clown show about being a stranger to metropolitan life. The tagline is that this is a Live Documentary and wow, what an experience. Emily Maverick interacts with the audience purely speaking gibberish and fully commits to the bit. The physical humor is unmatched, playful, and her energy reminds me of Borat traveling to the United States. This show is truly a one of a kind experience. By the time I posted this there is one more show on Wednesday July 25, 2025 at 8:30 PM in The Madnani Theater.

Family Fries at The Broadwater

Wild, funny, entertaining! Great acting and chemistry. I loved the storyline, as it is full of goofy twists, but I feel like there were more questions to be asked/answered in the story, or characters. It is an entertaining piece, but I’m not left thinking about the themes, etc. The marketing for this show is so good.

Ms. Edwards at The Broadwater

Really well-crafted, personal, one-person show with different characterizations. Sydney’s confidence shines and we love her energy! A touching tribute to her loved ones. Sydney embodies different characters from her upbringing to show how she became who she is.