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.
Really fun and insightful show! Daniel Shar reviews his career as a comedian turned porn extra. You might come see it for the sex part, but this show is about the need for human connection. Daniel Shar takes us on the wild ride of his career and shows us (yes) the highs and lows, in his journey. This is a well-structured one-man show that separates itself from stand-up comedy. I definitely recommend this show for the entertainment, the curiosity, and the laughs. Incredible marketing, with the condom program, and the vibes were spot on as we entered the show with hip hop music playing and Daniel’s photo on the projector. Daniel began the show a bit nervous, it seemed, as he appeared to be shaking while holding the dildo microphone, but it was endearing and allowed his confidence to grow throughout the show. Shar sprinkles in humor constantly and knows what he brings to the stage. He gets personal and stays funny thrpugh the dark times. I loved the transitions, how he made it so unique to fit his presence (writing vague; don’t want to spoil the humor). I guess at one point I was confused, thinking the dog was the romantic partner – but I understand that was his way of respecting privacy.
This Is Water and The Broadwater
This Is Water is award winning musician Rain Perry’s retelling of her history growing up in California as a white woman and being aware of the effects of segregation laws. The plot follows as she sits down to write her album and shuffles through her own lineage. On stage she is seated at a desk with boxes of pages behind her, a laptop which projects her research onto the backdrop, and a personal assistant who helps with organization. The action takes place during the pandemic, as she reminisces on her parents who had been cheering on Barack Obama before his election and is currently seeing the effects of the Black Lives Matter protests nationwide. This show is highly relevant for our time, with the ICE raids going on as we speak, and Perry’s experience will resonate with a large audience. “All big social issues are told through a personal story, I wanted to challenge myself to hold myself accountable onstage and hope audiences will do the same.” she writes. I did come in a few minutes late, so I must have missed the introduction. I was a bit confused as to if this show is a work in progress, as she sat on stage with a script, but then realized how that is a piece of the production itself. With others on stage with her, musicians and the assistant, I wondered why she chose not to interact with them as much.
Bathroom Diaries at The Broadwater
I came in not knowing much and appreciate the honesty and vulnerability Christina shares on stage with us; powerful, personal, and an important story to be told. The show follows an only child’s struggles with a bladder condition that later manifests into an eating disorder and alcoholism. Christina sprinkles humor into even her darkest moments, keeping the audience engaged through the different characters she plays.I enjoy seeing personal shows as they can give the viewers a visceral sense of hope. Christina keeps the show’s energy high from the top of the show until the end, and keeps us laughing throughout.I wish more time was spent on the realizations Christina had throughout her journey, what it was like to come to terms with the internal struggles she faced. What was the Belly of the Whale she faced which called for her rebirth? I wondered. It was redeeming that she found love, but I was left with some questions.
Romeo and Juliet in 60 Minutes at The Mcadden Theater
Very enjoyable experience with fantastic performances and good direction! I came into this wanting to dislike it, thinking Shakespeare deserves months if not years of study, yet whatever Colleen has crafted should be shared with more performers and lovers of theater. I came in with the lens of “This group only had a few days to put this together” but whatever predetermined belief I had was surpassed. I liked the quick nature of this style; Shakespeare wrote no subtext and the actors performed it in such a way that was easy to understand. I liked the fight choreography and how all parts of the stage was used. I really wish Mercutio’s Queen Mab monologue made the cut.
Venus in Fur at The Broadwater Mainstage
One of the best shows I have seen all year! The play is about a casting session that intertwines with the personal lives of these characters, juggling with themes of gender, power, and desire. The play runs 90 minutes and not a moment is dull. The play is full of dynamic chemistry, boundaries being blurred, and control being pulled in many directions. Phenomenal performances, a show that looks ready for a professional run. Bryan McKinley as Thomas and Rachael Meyers as Vanda, both give masterful performances. I like how the actors both play with power so well. The physical intimacy on stage is so thoughtfully precise. Lighting shifted the mood as well and the set had many layers to it. There is nothing I did not like in the show itself, but our show went a little overtime. I missed the uber to my next show and only got to see 5 shows today. Maybe that is just a testament into how we, as audience members, fall into doing whatever we are told; a theme in the show.
The history of human evolution in about 45 minutes: exceedingly hilarious, phenomenal, one of the best shows I will see this season! George Aivaliotis communicates through clown work and physical comedy, creating an immersive, psychedelic, variety one-man show. Aivaliotis has such great energy and connects with the audience throughout the show. Quick and hilarious costume changes that occur, images that will not leave my mind – on a positive note. True theater magic in which the performer rolls with what the audience gives him. Absurdist theater that is about everything and nothing at the same time. Maybe a small issue, but I believe there are specific ways to hold a prop gun on stage. I could be mistaken, but otherwise everything was great.
The Club of Broken Fasts at The Broadwater
What a delightful show and terrific ensemble piece! Come see this show for a fun time. I don’t know much about this theater company but it feels like my high school self’s dream come true, retellings of modern classics in a Shakespearean style (hence the About the Project written in iambic pentameter).Broken Fasts = Breakfast, The Breakfast Club! It’s an interesting concept. A co-director stepped in for a missing actor, last minute, but not a beat was missed! I liked the way the actors worked with the needed accommodations was top notch professionalism. Hilarious translation of classic lines from The Breakfast Club, such as, “Eat you my shorts!” and more. Great use of the set and lighting, theater that felt magical through the way they conducted transitions between scenes. Well-crafted characters with phenomenal execution. Everything had extreme detail to it.
And What of the Children at The Broadwater
A very intense, emotional-driven show. Themes that might be deeply disturbing but important to bring to the stage. Haunting, sinister, and uncomfortable at times, but you become interested in these character’s lives. Twists that will have audiences gripping their seats! I liked the transitions between scenes; not to give any spoilers, but I thought it was very creative and took us inside the minds of the characters in a way I have not seen before. I liked the juxtaposition of the tough themes and Hanna playing the voice of reason. I could not tell the relationship of Scott to the other actors by the way he behaved. Once it was revealed he was the older brother, I remained confused. The energy was low throughout the play, it seemed, and at times I wanted these characters to fight harder for their goals. The play began with a few light moments of humor but remained dark for the rest of the show, leaving little room for humanity and connection.
Amazing Sex Life of Rabbits at The Broadwater
Smart, hilarious, and surprisingly biting comedy that plays like a Christopher Durang fever dream. A simple concept at the start, but a play that examines class, relationships, and the needs between partners.A remarkably fun show with strong characters, sharp writing, excellent story, and a great dynamic between the characters. Very enjoyable show, the house was full and not a beat was missed. Top tier performances, hilarious physical comedy, and full of surprises. These actors all knock it out of the park! Strong characters, great chemistry and dynamic between the actors, and an excellent story. Some of the characters feel a little malleable. You find yourself, as the audience, questioning their choices. The show answers its own questions rather than leaving the audience to think about these themes.
All Cats Go To Hell by Mandy Rubeli is an incredible production. It starts with children playing in the streets but leads to mythological proportions. Mandy Rubeli is such a fantastic writer, the play follows great structure and each character is fantastically layered. Thought provoking themes that include death, grief, and the afterlife. The show leaves you with visceral feelings, a range that begins from laughing with each other line, to a the eerie feelings the play offers. Great performances and great chemistry between the actors; although they played characters much younger than themselves (I believe), they were able to find the guiding force behind each character. Without giving spoilers, I will say that I liked how each character develops throughout the play. I love the physicality on stage, how each actor is able to embody the environment. The less you know, of this play, going in, the better.
Tales of the Ancient East by Antony Zioni is a short, 45 minute show, at the Hudson Theater. This was a fun experience, a spectacle that will leave you entranced. A one-man rock opera about the Old Testament. Antony Zioni put together a very ambitious project with a stunning production design. Too much fog made for a nice spectacle but felt a bit claustrophobic for the viewer. I did not really follow the story, felt like there was too much going on. Long transitions/blackouts made me wonder if this must be done as a one-person show. It is a great start, there is much passion in this project.
Murder, Oops! by Molly Sharpe at The Broadwater; Sharpe really owns the stage, through endless energy, with the various characters she plays in this show! The play begins with a character who finds her This show is non-stop laughs and will go places you would not imagine. Highly entertaining! She greeted us outside and talked to us all the way throughout the beginning of the show. This truly feels like a show that no one else but Molly can do. I enjoyed the numerous times she breaks the fourth wall and makes the show interactive. The minimalism in this show works.
The Fringe Festival begins later this week and it is my prime inspiration for openning up this webpage. Last year, I had my journal out and wrote about each show; this year I will be contributing to the site – which was created shortly after June. I am looking forward to seeing shows, as I already have 39-40 shows booked! Hoping to get others to see shows too.
44 The Musical, now playing at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, is a wildly entertaining, high-energy romp through the Obama presidency that keeps the laughs coming from start to finish. Writer, director, and lyricist Eli Bauman orchestrates the production with a confident hand, delivering a show so sharp and quick-witted that you barely have time to catch your breath between punchlines.
The show is a masterclass in political satire, with an unmistakably left-leaning lens. Bauman doesn’t shy away from making his point, and characters like Ted Cruz (played by Michael Uribes) and Herman Cain (Dino Shorté) are portrayed with hilarious, over-the-top flair. The jokes land hard, and the satire is biting—but always playful, never mean-spirited. The musical numbers are cleverly written and expertly performed, blending commentary with just the right amount of absurdity.
The play looks at the Obama presidency through the lens of Joe Biden, which already sounds comedic. I will say that, at first, I felt the story lacked structure. It began with various monologues setting up exposition for the play, reminiscent to that of an Ancient Greek chorus, and then scenes which felt like different episodes out of a sketch show. Needless to say, the story did build up and themes played throughout the show. T.J Williams as Barack Obama and Chad Dorick as Joe Biden led outstanding performances and made a strong comedic duo.
What sets 44 apart is how well the cast manages to sidestep the trap of impersonation. Rather than mimic the real-life political figures they portray, each actor builds a distinct, stylized character, leaning into caricature without losing nuance. It’s a smart choice that adds depth to the comedy and makes the satire all the more effective. Shoutout to Summer Nicole Greer who played different ensemble characters and showed remarkable ability to stay captivating on stage and exceed with musical talent.
The ensemble is uniformly strong, showcasing a high level of talent in singing, dancing, and acting. Transitions are seamless, the choreography crisp, and the energy electric. Whether belting a solo or diving into a tightly coordinated ensemble number, the cast delivers with precision and enthusiasm.
For audiences who lean progressive, 44 The Musical will feel like a home run. It’s cheeky, subversive, and just the right amount of ridiculous. But above all, it’s a joy to watch—an uproarious, well-crafted piece of musical theater that wears its politics on its sleeve and its heart onstage.
Stage Takes 