Stage Takes

To Each Their Own presented by Art Crush LA

Just getting back from To Each Their Own, a new play written by Travis Williams, and still gripping my seat from the plot twists and gritty, raw performances the show has to offer. The story follows a trio of bank robbers as trust and loyalty become jeopardized. Highly recommend this production! A visceral experience of the life of bank robbers, behind the scenes. Really good direction by Brooklyn Sample that allows no beat in the play to go wasted, and excellent writing by Travis Williams (who also appears in the show) that gives these characters well-developed back stories and internal motivations. The play is set in the interior of a bar, the Tito Tavern in Ohio. The play worked very well in this small and intimate space, allowing the ‘action’ to occur off-stage with the characters reconvening throughout the show. I think this type of show could be done at a big stage, or a small one as this. The props are used very purposefully placed and used by the characters. Choreography, by Marc Antonio Pritchett, was well-done too.

I thought the characters were well-written, had detailed histories, relationships, and backstories. The actors did a good job of bringing the characters to life, and each character gets their moment. William Wilson, who plays Doug, carries the intensity of the play and finds meaning within each word; creating a very personable character whose pain commands the stage. James Lemire, who plays Benny, brings an authenticity and humor into the plot; giving the most honest performance through simplicity. Tabitha Trosen, who plays Bailey, steals the hearts of the audience and portrays reason in this trio. Travis Williams and Jason Madera steal the show with their supporting roles, giving the show different flavors in their own, unique way. Madera had us laughing at each of his moments.

One thing my friend stated that stuck with me, is that these characters did not dress visibly poor. Everyone makes choices about how they dress during the day, so why did these characters choose to dress that way? In thinking more about the socioeconomic state of the characters of the play, I feel that the actors embodied the high stress levels of poverty — but I can agree that they looked too good. The costume choices gave it a noir feel, so I am undecided on whether costume choices hurt or helped the production.

I am very excited to see where this play, and each of these performers, writer, and director are headed. This seems to be Travis’s debut as a playwright in Los Angeles and, well, it is outstanding. Whether this production lives outside of this space or the creators move on to different works, I will keep them in my mind. The play runs 90 minutes with one intermission. To Each Their Own presented by Art Crush LA will play at the Atwater Village Theater through May 4, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit www.artcrush.la for more details.

April 26, 2025

review, reviews, theatre, theatre-review, writing
Memory Lane is a Desert Road by Eight Ball Theatre (Zephyr Theater)

Memory Lane is a Desert Road is a very special show that will stay in my memory for a long time. Memory Lane felt very personal and captured universal elements as well. The show illuminates a Nubian-American’s search for self in a tapestry of photographs, memories, and history. The plot uses Mark’s photographs to travel throughout different historical events in the middle east, as a white man, through Fatima’s experience of them. I was so surprised to find out that Nemma Adeni was not the writer as well, based on how truthful and personal each line felt. Also, I was surprised that her father, Wiley Sutton, was not her actual father, based on the chemistry they created. The writing, too, was rich and poetic. Adeni and the ensemble powered through the show, stayed present with each moment, and played a range of storytelling. I loved how seamlessly each actor transitioned into different characters and brought humor to the story. They did well in creating layered dialogue during synchronization of lines — good work with representations of parallel timelines on stage. Jack Cain charmed every moment with intention.

Amazing use of the entire set, terrific direction by Sarah Showich! Really loved how the set design was interactive for the actors throughout the show; the photos came to life by their placements on stage. The actor’s movements exemplified different terrains. Themes included finding your identity, easy travel access being white, and the middle east conflict. Highly recommend this important piece of theater, playing through April 14th at the Zephyr Theater.

April 5, 2025
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (The Pantages Theater)

I hate to support big theater but here we are. I was thoroughly entertained by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at The Pantages Theater, particularly for its scenic design and visual effects which were truly magical. Needless to say, I am reminded of how Martin Scorsese called Marvel movies “theme park cinema”. This was the Marvel of the stage, certain aspects exceeded what theater-goers are used to — and now I think, where do we go from here?

The characters and performances were charming, the story was entertaining. The spectacle might be too spectacular to suspend disbelief, but it did work. Nothing too deep to write about here; I think it was worth the price of the ticket and kids will love it. I’m surprised to see a non-musical at The Pantages Theater but this one came out on top. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be playing at the Pantages Theater through June 22, 2025 – I do recommend it!

April 4, 2025
Bat Boy The Musical by Open Fist Theater Company

I have long been a fan of the work by Open Fist Theater Company and their productions are getting better and better. Bat Boy The Musical is one of the best shows I have seen all year, so far, and all of the rave reviews I have been are correct. Bat Boy is a musical written by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming with music by Laurence O’Keefe. If you had the chance to see Amber Ruffin’s Bigfoot! The Musical some years ago, then this show is of similar style. Knowing nothing, I thought it would be a prequel to Batman, but it’s actually about a humanoid bat who was found in a cave by 3 teenagers. Themes of discrimination and a battle of self are heavy in the plot. He becomes adopted by a family and learns to fit in with society while wrestling with his shadow self.

I loved how immersed the actors were in their roles. As an audience member, I lost myself in the world created by the director, Pat Towne. Loved the choreography which actors added their own flavors to the various characters. Loved the live music that balanced out perfectly with the performers. This is such a good ensemble that I feel like it would be antithetical to name any specific actor, as all actors stood out.

Bat Boy plays through April 14th at the Open Fist in Atwater Village Theater. You don’t want to miss this!

March 30, 2025
Fool For Love at Anthony Meindl’s Actor’s Workshop

Fool For Love by Sam Shepard, presented at Anthony Meindl’s Actor’s Workshop by Heart to Heart Theater is filled with exciting moments and electrifying performances. The play runs at 1 hour and 15 minutes and is well-done as a collaborative effort. We enter the space, a Western hotel room with mood lighting to set the tone. I liked the live music at the start, to transport us to the West. The play starts with a fight, indicating the state of the relationship of the two characters. The relationship begins with many questions and leaves us with many more questions; the director does a good job at having us question their chemistry from the start. No spoilers here, but the play does take twists and turns, and the actors do a good job being as surprised as we are. Overall, solid performances from Joe Coffey and Bridgett Mistrot. This production seems like it was done to be an actors’ showcase, which is fine.

Price Payne, as Martin, stands out! He represents us, the audience, filling in the unknown with humor. Payne nails every moment he is on stage. Shout out to the Old Man played by Mark Youngs who sits on the side of the stage and narrates as a Greek Chorus type-figure. I sensed some acting on the line and bad blocking (actors turned away from the stage within the first few minutes) that was soon recovered. All in all, Fool For Love is a good show that will play Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at 8 PM at the Anthony Meindl’s Actor’s Workshop.

Photography by: @mr_oppertunity

March 13, 2025
Catharsis Bites at The Broadwater Black Box

Catharsis Theater Collective is the theater company set up by Ryan Lisman. Ryan has a selective taste, yet allowed members of this company to preview scenes from projects that they eventually hope to produce. I have been eager to see this project. The scenes did not disappoint. Similar to my most recent reviews from the 30 Or Less Fest, I will write a few sentences for each show. Ryan did a good job hosting. One night was filled with audience interaction, the other he set up a stand-up comedy set. I would have liked to know a little more about the scenes before they started, such as, at what point in the plot do they take place or where the characters are coming from. The following reviews are just my opinion and not a fact, for entertainment purposes only:

“The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over the Lazy Dog” written by Thomas Yungerberg was a great opener, and one of my favorites. The show was about a man who appeared nervous to bring a girl into his life. I thought Isabella Costa and Spencer Weitzel made really interesting choices and tapped into the inner lives of these characters; also their chemistry was great. One thing I thought was super unnecessary was the spotlight that shone on the characters during their monologues; took us out from the realism.

“A New Testament” written by Ryan Lisman was quite weird. Very hard to alllow the suspension of disbelief with this one. It is about a nun who battles with her sexual desires. She gossips with Sister Imogen about their disagreements with the suppression of desire, and then Dylan, a student, reveals the affair they have together. Hayley Keenen is very talented, as seen in another show, but this character left her with some cartoon-like, awkward choices to make. Heidi is a great choice to play the the nun, as evidence by the powerful use of silences, aggressive stares. But I felt this piece needs more subtly, less on the nose action.

“Sub Rosa” was written by one of Ryan’s friend’s from grad school, Christian Krenek and directed by Veronica Matthews. Being a therapist myself, I had trouble viewing this play objectively, with regards to ethics. It is about a therapist, played by Marilyn Sanabria, trying to get information about one of her client’s sexual desires from a man/trainer, played by Casey Alcoser, that the client used to role play with. I really liked Casey Alcoser’s performance, the character was calculated and Casey was able to portray the seductive persuasion of the character very well. Although, when we look at a script, we probably analyze what these character’s objectives are and how they will achieve it. Therefore, I was confused at Dr. Emily Kendall’s approach. I felt that there was a weird sexual tension between these characters that was unnecessary. Sanabria, nonetheless did a good job with what she had to work with. Kyle, played by Alcoser, concluded the play with a very thought provoking monologue and I thought that was what made this play work.

“The Conquered” is written and directed by Audrey Cirzan. I really liked the concept, and Audrey [Cirzan] is perhaps one of my favorite writers that I know personally, with her Fringe show The Roost being a hit. Yet, I felt like the actors were reading the script rather than interpreting it. Theo Fay and Scout Gutzmerson are both terrific actors but it seemed this show did not allow them to explore. It was very dialogue/conceptual heavy, and I found myself listening to the words rather than the emotions in between. The characters spoke in such a way, without pauses, that didn’t give space for feeling in between. I wondered what this would have looked like under different direction.

“Must Come Down” was a very nice piece. It is hard to suspend disbelief when seeing adults playing high schoolers, but they did a good job. Two students, one had tried to kiss the other and got punched in the face for doing so. In their dialogue, the bully comes in touch with his own sexuality. S.E Perry knocked it out of the park with his comedic relief, as he plays the principal who struggles with wanting to keep the school’s inclusivity and projecting a classical army sergeant type.

“Dog of Carnage” by Benjamin Schwartz and directed by Natalie Nicole Dressel was another favorite of mine. A court scene where a couple battles out for custody over their dog. Absurdist, wacky, and a social commentary on contemporary culture. I thought the actors, Spencer Weitzel and Hayley Kennan, gave strong performances that mixed in with the flavor of goofiness in the writing. Really great physical humor, dance breaks, and commitment to the bit. Good use of lighting as well.

“Walking Shadows” was excellent. A piece that leaves you thinking. Both Scout Gutzmerson and Brandon Pascal gave excellent performances. Absurdist, two characters rummaging through the craziness of writing. A play that is rminiscent of David Ives’ “Words, Words, Words”.

Closing out was Ryan’s piece “And What of the Children?” which he plans to bring to Hollywood Fringe. I don’t know what to say of this — maybe that’s a good thing? Courageous, controversial subject matter. Just because I do not agree with some of the character’s points of views, does it mean I cannot take in the story? Having known nothing of the plot — it is probably not a show I would go see: a family upset that one of the individuals has a secret Only Fans account. Could be a lot more comedic, now that I think of it. Good performances by Isabela Costa, Audrey Cirzan, and Riley Introcaso. but now that I think of it, why do the characters not see the comedy in all of this? [On a side note, I have heard a criticism about the film, “Rabbit Hole,” based on the play by David Lindsay-Abaire, where it failed in not finding any of the humor of the original play). I will say, having seen this scene, I am excited to see how the full play will turn out.

What Ryan did was very special, a chance for artists to experiment with their work. I spoke with Ryan, who said he has not seen any of the shows until opening night, which is interesting, and I’m glad artists were given freedom to experiment. Excited to see what’s next for Catharsis Theater Collective.

February 2, 2025

review, reviews, scenes, theater
Stage Takes Top Picks from the 30 Minute or Less Fest

These are the shows I would like to recognize as my top picks, in no order

Mister Snow (by RM Productions, Rachael Meyers & Bryan McKinley)

Welcome to the Uterus (Produced by Hayla Stewart and Mariah Carillo)

I’m A Nice Man (directed by BK Wong, written and performed by Adam Frost-Vernick)

The Cancer Comedy Hour (written and performed by Lili Ignon)

Still Alive (Play by Rosemary Griggs, Music by David Rhodes)

Ain’t I/Ain’t It/Ain’t We (written and performed by Ms. Latrice P. Young)

January 30, 2025
30 Minutes or Less Festival, weekend 2

Welcome back to StageTakes of weekend 2 of the 30 Minutes or Less Festival presented by Combined Arts / Asylum Theater at the Stephanie Feury Theater in Melrose. It was a busy weekend of shows, one after the other, and I right away want to apologize to any shows that I missed. I have heard great things about all of them and I hope I will get another chance to see them. Second weekend attending shows and writing little blurbs about them.

Day 2:

Permanent Objects: Reb Powers greeted us at the door and brought her charming personality to the show as well! This was a personal show and very fun, it felt as though we were witnessing inner child work. Very spontaneous, I don’t know how much was pre-planned yet the show included tech cues. She pulled objects out of a bag, and had stories to tell about each; a simple premise yet universal and therapeutic in that she had us think about what objects define or defined us for a period of our lives. This could be a great exercise, and I would like to extend the offer to you, dear reader, to think about which objects defined you throughout your life.

The Cancer Comedy Hour: What a show! Really special one-person show created by a Lili Ignon, a two-time cancer survivor battling with the desire to live a “normal” life with the requirements expected of her by caregivers. She opened with “Don’t be afraid to laugh at the traumatic stuff” and her warm heartedness set us at ease. Excellent storytelling and fun impressions. She talked about her father sharing his history of being punk rock to her having to miss classes for treatments. She sprinkles in humor by poking fun at the disparities she faced; we may never be able to truly understand what she has gone through but she is able to make us feel a plethora in 20 minutes.

For You: Personal and powerful, a show that will widen your awareness to the experience of motherhood. I met Melissa Lugo slightly before the show and was pleased at how generous she was to myself and all of the theater patrons The show seemed very well-crafted. Lugo hit every beat on the spot. It made me wonder if a show could be over-rehearsed. As the show went on, a phone went off, shuffling ensued in the crowd, but Melissa kept going. I thought, this is polar opposite to Reb Powers’ Permanent Objects the actor knew her mark and played the sequence; different style is all. A strong show about grief, addiction, and motherhood.

Ain’t I/Ain’t It/Ain’t We: I’m getting tired now, but this really got my energy up! Latrice P. Young writes and performs in a powerful piece that questions the social structures of today. Poetry that opens the mind. She gets the audience riled up and has us singing along. I found myself waking up this morning with the groove of “Ain’t I Ain’t Us Ain’t We”.

Mise: Great energy from the young performer, Henry Tsai, who brings a range of characters and emotion to this work. “A young cook in his father’s restaurant survives the worst service of his life.” (I saw too much today, burned out).

Day 3:

Still Alive: Super interesting and brilliantly directed! An experience you rarely get on stage, parallel storylines, a live music score, a thriller that keeps you on edge. The play moves in a way that needs no explanation; everything is clear and well-constructed. Play ends with a cliffhanger and I read that this is Act 1 to a longer production, can’t wait to see where it goes.

Alligators of Malibu: Another fun show by Michael David-Kerr, who did Shame On Sundays last week. He has endless stories of hilarity. This time he spoke about being a teenager in Malibu, new kid on the block, and trying to fit in. The show takes its title from Lacoste shirts, I hope I don’t get sued for mentioning them. Great company, great shirts. I could listen to Michael’s stories all day.

Woody Allen’s Mr. Big: A staged reading that had a lot more spirit to it than I expected! Just about ready to be performed without scripts, it seemed. Good use of set and props. Brian Knusden and Catherine Allison create delightful characters and Woody Allen’s script is filled with a mix of laugh out loud comedy and philosophy references.

Top Picks: Still Alive, The Cancer Comedy Hour, Ain’t I/Ain’t It/Ain’t We

January 29, 2025

acting, comedy, festival, reviews, theater
30 Minutes or Less Festival weekend 1

I heard about this through a friend and I immediately became enthralled at seeing as much as I can. I like the idea of having short pieces go up one after the other, similar to the style of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. The website is even similar to that of the Fringe Festival; it feels like June again! It will allow artists to test out their smaller works before working on expanding them to full fledged productions, most likely. All shows takes place at The Stephanie Feury Theater on Melrose and are presented by Combined Artform / Asylum. If you know me, you know I have seen a lot of Fringe… I immediately started reaching out to different productions to see how my schedule would line up. With the shows being 30 minutes (or less), I don’t think I will write full on reviews, but maybe little blurbs about each show. What I liked, What needs more work.

Day 1:

Marketing R Us by Spencer Frankenberger – An absurdist variety show. Walked in with a scientist in a lab coat asking me if I ate today and wrote my response on clipboard; so I was confused at the start, but curious in what I was about to see as the immersive experience had begun. Alexandra McCale gave a five-minute opening stand-up comedy performance. She is a very intuitive, brutally honest performer and has a well crafted set; I’m excited to see more of her work. The show itself — what was that? Absurdist to a ten! And if that is something you enjoy, you will enjoy this! A key element to comedy is surprise, but I will say that a show that starts at a 10 — and stays at that level for the majority of the show — the surprises don’t hit as well. I will say I had a fun time.

Rob Janas Traveling Sketch Show was introduced to us as, “I saw the news and got sad, so I wrote jokes.” I loved this guy’s energy! Rob is a sketch writer from Second City planning to bring his work to the stage. It was a nice experimental piece, three guys switching up different characters throughout the different skits. Really raunchy, controversial humor. I laughed out loud but I could understand it is not everyone’s taste. A skit of a Far Right German political group starting to understand how toxic their beliefs are, Kim Kardashian using salmon semen as a face lotion (puppets were used). Good impressions and we can tell the actors had fun doing it. He plans to take it to Hollywood Fringe Festival and I hope to see him there.

Holy Water and Tequila by Cat Alvarado was a charming standup set, hilarious and heartfelt, and I was pleasantly surprised. I usually hate watching standup at theater festivals but this was not just a comedian working on jokes. Alvarado created a show about dating as a woman while overcoming shame from her religious upbringing. She played with the audience a bit too, and worked off of our reactions. A show about navigating the complexities of guilt, self-discovery, and liberation. Alvarado invites the audience to laugh with her.

Day 2:

Runs In The Family by Ben Taylor. Not so sure of this performer’s name, as he stated he could not reveal it due to his family history. Maybe that added to the mystery behind his stories; but it also made me feel uncomfortable, like I was witnessing a crime. Was that what he was going for? A really ambitious project where “Ben” plays different members of his family involved in criminal events. I’ll admit, I was somewhat confused at times — Ben jumped so quickly into polar opposite emotions as he interchanged characters. In the second half he explains his whole process of finding and creating the story, I wondered if it would have helped to give the explanation in the first half, or cut it in between the dramatization. It is an ambitious project, and I can see it growing as time allows.

Mister Snow starring Rachael Meyers and Bryan McKinley is a masterclass, incredible show that might be my favorite so far. My expectations are not too high for a 20 to 30 minute production, in any case, yet this exceeded any notion I had. With all these shows, I know nothing going in, and this is a show that can keep you fully entranced in the post-apocalyptic universe they created. Characters with rich backstories. I loved the elaborate use of the stage design, and other effects. Theme of strangers searching for connection yet fearing the unknown; a slice of life, truth on stage. Highly recommended! At the end of the show, a patron yelled “We want more!” and I concur. Meyers writes that this is the first act to a play she is write so I am excited to see where it goes.

Safety Stew written and performed by BK Wong is a one person show that is a personal show about the five stages of grief and interesting flavors, with moments of humor. The production has good structure and gives insight into the performer’s experience. I love how Wong utilized her quirky personality to command the stage. I gasped at some of the daring risks she took, kept the audience entertained.

I’m A Nice Man by Adam Frost Vernick was a captivating, deep one-man show. It begins with Adam talking at the audience but he connects with us and uses our reactions to build on his show. Talk about range! It has a great structure, emotional roller coaster. I appreciate the vulnerability and love how dark he is willing to get.

Day 3:

Shame On Sunday was a great variety show. Michael David-Ker gets on stage, tells a personal story about shame, his producers ‘baptize’ him (I guess), and the multi-platinum song writer Harold Payne gets up with his guitar and creates a song abiut Michael’s story. Brilliant, edgy, hilarious storytelling by Michael and it is an honor to see Harold get on his guitar. Michael is fully aware of his beats, and it seems like he has done this many times. It was a fun time! Catch Shame On Sunday once a month at the Lyric Hyperion.

The King and Paul and I a show with great energy and great physical comedy. A new couple moves into an apartment and Paul realizes he might be second in line to the King, Elvis. The title reminds me of The King and I (musical) but also Elvis (by way of the Eminem song). I do not know much about the musical or Elvis, other than he was the king of rock. Not sure if they had anything to do, but it is not a requirement to enjoy the show! A simple premise with no awkward moments. The show is well-crafted and the characters work so well off of each other. A great use of the set design and props. Angelique Fustukjian brings such fun energy to the stage,

Welcome to the Uterus IS A MUST SEE. Good luck getting tickets, this show was a full house and I got the final seat. I would describe it as Inside Out 3 (set in the title of the show) or like watching an Adult Swim animation special live on stage; a truly interesting and creative concept. A big ensemble with fun characters, and I loved the adventure. This experience had the whole crowd laughing out loud; also filled with strenuous choreography and — I just don’t want to spoil anything. I am left wanting more and can’t wait to see where this show will go.

Bro! (How To Be A Man) was a touching, powerful, deeply personal project offering an honest exploration about the complexity of modern manhood through the lens of their own journey as a trans man. With a mix of humor and vulnerability, James Leonida brings universal yet unique ideas to the stage. I wish more people were able to see his performance as it will prove to be heavily impactful, and resonates long after the lights go dark. He satirizes the idea of man and gives his own take to it. I love the impersonations he gives throughout the piece and flows in and out of different characters.

Top picks: Mister Snow, Welcome to the Uterus, I’m A Nice Man

January 21, 2025

30-minutes-or-less, comedy, play-festival, reviews, shorts, theatre
30 Minutes or Less Festival weekend 1

I heard about this through a friend and I immediately became enthralled at seeing as much as I can. I like the idea of having short pieces go up one after the other, similar to the style of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. It will allow artists to test out their smaller works before working on expanding them to full fledged productions, most likely. All shows takes place at The Stephanie Feury Theater on Melrose The website is even similar to that of the Fringe Festival; it feels like June again! If you know me, you know I have seen a lot of Fringe… I immediately started reaching out to different productions to see how my schedule would line up. With the shows being 30 minutes (or less), I don’t think I will write full on reviews, but maybe little blurbs about each show. What I liked, What needs more work.

Day 1:

Marketing R Us by Spencer Frankenberger – An absurdist variety show. Walked in with a scientist in a lab coat asking me if I ate today and wrote my response on clipboard; so I was confused at the start, but curious in what I was about to see as the immersive experience had begun. Alexandra McCale gave a five-minute opening stand-up comedy performance. She is a very intuitive, brutally honest performer and has a well crafted set; I’m excited to see more of her work. The show itself — what was that? Absurdist to a ten! And if that is something you enjoy, you will enjoy this! A key element to comedy is surprise, but I will say that a show that starts at a 10 — and stays at that level for the majority of the show — the surprises don’t hit as well. I will say I had a fun time.

Rob Janas Traveling Sketch Show was introduced to us as, “I saw the news and got sad, so I wrote jokes.” I loved this guy’s energy! Rob is a sketch writer from Second City planning to bring his work to the stage. It was a nice experimental piece, three guys switching up different characters throughout the different skits. Really raunchy, controversial humor. I laughed out loud but I could understand it is not everyone’s taste. A skit of a Far Right German political group starting to understand how toxic their beliefs are, Kim Kardashian using salmon semen as a face lotion (puppets were used). Good impressions and we can tell the actors had fun doing it. He plans to take it to Hollywood Fringe Festival and I hope to see him there.

Holy Water and Tequila by Cat Alvarado was a charming standup set, hilarious and heartfelt, and I was pleasantly surprised. I usually hate watching standup at theater festivals but this was not just a comedian working on jokes. Alvarado created a show about dating as a woman while overcoming shame from her religious upbringing. She played with the audience a bit too, and worked off of our reactions. A show about navigating the complexities of guilt, self-discovery, and liberation. Alvarado invites the audience to laugh with her.

Day 2:

Runs In The Family by Ben Taylor. Not so sure of this performer’s name, as he stated he could not reveal it due to his family history. Maybe that added to the mystery behind his stories; but it also made me feel uncomfortable, like I was witnessing a crime. Was that what he was going for? A really ambitious project where “Ben” plays different members of his family involved in criminal events. I’ll admit, I was somewhat confused at times — Ben jumped so quickly into polar opposite emotions as he interchanged characters. In the second half he explains his whole process of finding and creating the story, I wondered if it would have helped to give the explanation in the first half, or cut it in between the dramatization. It is an ambitious project, and I can see it growing as time allows.

Mister Snow starring Rachael Meyers and Bryan McKinley is a masterclass, incredible show that might be my favorite so far. My expectations are not too high for a 20 to 30 minute production, in any case, yet this exceeded any notion I had. With all these shows, I know nothing going in, and this is a show that can keep you fully entranced in the post-apocalyptic universe they created. Characters with rich backstories. I loved the elaborate use of the stage design, and other effects. Theme of strangers searching for connection yet fearing the unknown; a slice of life, truth on stage. Highly recommended! At the end of the show, a patron yelled “We want more!” and I concur. Meyers writes that this is the first act to a play she is write so I am excited to see where it goes.

Safety Stew written and performed by BK Wong is a one person show that is a personal show about the five stages of grief and interesting flavors, with moments of humor. The production has good structure and gives insight into the performer’s experience. I love how Wong utilized her quirky personality to command the stage. I gasped at some of the daring risks she took, kept the audience entertained.

I’m A Nice Man by Adam Frost Vernick was a captivating, deep one-man show. It begins with Adam talking at the audience but he connects with us and uses our reactions to build on his show. Talk about range! It has a great structure, emotional roller coaster. I appreciate the vulnerability and love how dark he is willing to get.

Day 3:

Shame On Sunday was a great variety show. Michael David-Ker gets on stage, tells a personal story about shame, his producers ‘baptize’ him (I guess), and the multi-platinum song writer Harold Payne gets up with his guitar and creates a song abiut Michael’s story. Brilliant, edgy, hilarious storytelling by Michael and it is an honor to see Harold get on his guitar. Michael is fully aware of his beats, and it seems like he has done this many times. It was a fun time! Catch Shame On Sunday once a month at the Lyric Hyperion.

The King and Paul and I a show with great energy and great physical comedy. A new couple moves into an apartment and Paul realizes he might be second in line to the King, Elvis. The title reminds me of The King and I (musical) but also Elvis (by way of the Eminem song). I do not know much about the musical or Elvis, other than he was the king of rock. Not sure if they had anything to do, but it is not a requirement to enjoy the show! A simple premise with no awkward moments. The show is well-crafted and the characters work so well off of each other. A great use of the set design and props. Angelique Fustukjian brings such fun energy to the stage,

Welcome to the Uterus IS A MUST SEE. Good luck getting tickets, this show was a full house and I got the final seat. I would describe it as Inside Out 3 (set in the title of the show) or like watching an Adult Swim animation special live on stage; a truly interesting and creative concept. A big ensemble with fun characters, and I loved the adventure. This experience had the whole crowd laughing out loud; also filled with strenuous choreography and — I just don’t want to spoil anything. I am left wanting more and can’t wait to see where this show will go.

Bro! (How To Be A Man) was a touching, powerful, deeply personal project offering an honest exploration about the complexity of modern manhood through the lens of their own journey as a trans man. With a mix of humor and vulnerability, James Leonida brings universal yet unique ideas to the stage. I wish more people were able to see his performance as it will prove to be heavily impactful, and resonates long after the lights go dark. He satirizes the idea of man and gives his own take to it. I love the impersonations he gives throughout the piece and flows in and out of different characters.

Top picks: Mister Snow, Welcome to the Uterus, I’m A Nice Man

January 21, 2025

30-minutes-or-less, comedy, play-festival, reviews, shorts, theatre