Category: Fringe Shows

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HFF19 day 10 (part 3) – see it or skip it

Rounding out Day 10, here are the final two reviews.  You can find part 1 here and part 2 here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Siren Call

VENUE:  The Blank (Second Stage)

REVIEW:  Siren Call is not what you would expect.  It is an interesting story about obsession and the lengths some will go to appease that obsession.  It is beautifully written, directed and centered around Jola Cora, who is the object of that obsession.  The obsessed fans are magically played by Annalee Scott and Paul Louis Harrell.  Watch as their plans go awry, and see how what they’re willing to do.  This one will give you plenty of food for though, considering it only lasts 30 minutes.

RECOMMENDATION:  Definitely check out this show.  The final performance is schedule for June 28 at 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Keith Moon:  The Real Me

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Second Stage)

REVIEW:  What happens when the tribute band phenomenon  combines with the Fringe?  You get an amazing solo show about Keith Moon, long-time drummer for The Who.  Mick Berry is brilliant in his portrayal of this legend, walking, talking and truly playing the part as he beats his drums to a soundtrack of the best songs from The Who.  He tells his story and pulls you into it, separating the myth from the truth, and leaving you with a better understanding of this oft-misunderstood rock legend.  Don’t forget your earplugs, because this one is loud!

RECOMMENDATION:  Definitely check out this amazing show.  He has one remaining performance on June 27 at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on his Fringe project page.

 

 

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 day 10 (part 2) – see it or skip it

Let’s continue with our reviews from Saturday.  You can find part 1 here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Chrissy Meth – a Dance with the Devil and the Journey Back to Self

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  I always make time to attend shows that are directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, and most of the time they are among the best Fringe shows I see.  Not that this show wasn’t great, it just needed some tightening up.  In particular, the melt-down scene seemed a little long, with too much gut-wrenching screaming.  Other than that, her victory over drugs was inspiring and informative, and I am glad I got the chance to see it.  This was my first encounter with a former meth addict, and her story was truly enlightening.  I also enjoyed it when she sang, and would have loved to hear more of that.  She did warn me that she had to cut back on the singing, so at least I knew about it beforehand.  Still, I hope to see this one again when she is 100%.

RECOMMENDATION:  Unfortunately, this show has closed but definitely check it out if she puts it up again.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Clementine

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  April Wish has an amazing way of looking at life, and she conveys that sweetness in her show.  Putting a burgeoning career on hold to create a family may sound like a bad idea, but Wish showed us that it can be very rewarding.  Being a parent of three and a grandparent of 13, I could totally relate to what it takes to parent, especially those times where your partner is nowhere to be found.  It can be a stressing time, but she showed us the rewards of putting our children first.  My only complaint was that the show was very long (80 minutes), but that was probably due to the fact that I really needed to go to the bathroom during the final 10-15 minutes.  She needed the entire 80 minutes because she had so much to tell, and every minute of the show was beautiful.  Just make sure that you visit the bathroom before the show begins.

RECOMMENDATION:  Definitely check out this amazing show.  She has added an additional performance on June 29 at 8 p.m.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  If we Run

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  I got to know playwright Matt Morillo through Office Hours, and as part of Matt the Gathering.  He finally enticed me to juggle my schedule and fit this one in, and it was an intriguing show.  I immediately fell in love with Katie Oliver the second she appeared on stage.  This two hander handles the serious question of choice – whether you go the “safe” route or go out on a limb and follow your heart.  We won’t tell you what she choice, but the journey to that decision is what drives the show.  Hats off also to Dingani Beza, who proved to be a worthy companion on this fun ride.

RECOMMENDATION:  Definitely check out this amazing show.  There are still two remaining performances on June 24 at 10 p.m. and June 28 at 8 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

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HFF19 day 10 (part 1) – see it or skip it

What an incredible weekend of shows at HFF19!  We took in 13 of them, as well as performing our show for the fourth time.  We have now viewed 61 shows, of which 24 were being considered for the Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence.  We’ll be announcing this year’s winner at the Awards Show on Sunday at the Ricardo Montalban Theater.  Show starts at 6:30 p.m.  In the meantime, here is part 1 of our reviews for Saturday’s shows.

TITLE OF SHOW:  45mg

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Black Box)

REVIEW:  Who says you can’t tell a great story in less than 30 minutes?  I would have seen this show no matter what because one of earliest fringeships, David Haverty, was involved.  He turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg when it came to the awesomeness of this production.  The show was written by Ian Kaye and directed by Nikki Muller and Jason Rosario, all of whom also starred in the show, with an amazing cameo from Kelly Pierre.  This one is pure Fringe gold, and one of the more physical shows at HFF19.  It is also one of the best shows of the Fringe.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this amazing show.  There is only one remaining performance on June 30 at 4:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  (IM) PERFEKT

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  I almost missed this masterpiece, but was able to juggle my schedule to include it, and boy am I glad I did.  I think this is the best solo show that I’m reviewed during HFF19, and there have been some great ones, including Raised by Wolves, Hollywoodn’t, Leaving Prince Charming and Corina.  Jannica Olin is a gifted performer with such a powerful and personal story that the audience feels every emotion that she does.  It was an honor to learn about the life-changing event that happened to her, and how she was able to turn it all around.  Sweden’s loss is our gain, and I couldn’t be more proud of her, and the remarkable work that she and director Jessica Lynn Johnson put into this show.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this amazing show.  There is only one remaining performance on June 28 at 8 p.m.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Dandy Darkly’s All Aboard

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:  Pure storytellers are a rare breed, and Dandy Darkly is one of the best, reminiscent of one of my favorites from the Renaissance Faire, the late Mark Lewis.  He has won countless awards from fringes worldwide, and he showed why during this non-stop southern gothic tale.  He controlled the audience from start to finish, keeping them engaged and entranced in every word he spoke.  This show was truly a treat.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this amazing show.  Remaining performances are on June 26 at 10 p.m. and June 29 at 10:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on his Fringe project page.

 

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HFF19 day 9 – see it or skip it

Friday was a night of big, powerful shows that showed us further proof that this tenth year of the Hollywood Fringe Festival is turning out to be one of our favorite years.  Here are our reviews for Day 9.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Last Croissant

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Main Stage)

REVIEW:  If there was an award for the most elaborate and complex show at Fringe, then this one would win hands down.  The cast treated us to a pre-show outside the venue, which spilled over to the venue until it was time for the show to begin.  The cast is uber-talented and were surprisingly great vocalists, not to mention the incredible musicianship of Luke Medina, who accompanied every song on his guitar.  This is a true ensemble piece, and we salute every member of the cast – Julia Finch as Frederick, Medina as Imogen, Meg Cashel as Mumbo, Tyler Bremer as Jumbo, Veronica Tjioe as October/February, and Conor Murphy as Ranger Dave.  Brandon Blum (Bear), Kat DeVoe-Peterson (Teabag) and Taylor Bennett (The Postal Service) provided excellent support to the main characters.  There were even foley artists involved with the show.  Tjioe’s playwriting was spot-on and beautifully realized by director Rosie Glen-Lambert, making this a truly fun way to spend a couple of hours at Fringe.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this amazing show.  There is only one remaining performance on June 27 at 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Lincoln 2020

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Second Stage)

REVIEW:  This year we have seen a plethora of political shows as we head into the 2020 elections, but this one take an unusual stance on the entire election process.  Have we truly reached the point where it doesn’t matter what the candidates believe but only how well they are known?  This show examines that question with an irreverent look at Presidential elections, and features an all-star ensemble cast to achieve that vision.  With an incredible script by Holiday Kinard and brilliant direction from Colleen Labella, the cast truly had the freedom to deliver a strong contender for some type of award recognition and is most worthy of an Encore performance.  Allie Leonard as Tess and Tim Kopacz as Lincoln turn in especially savory performances, while receiving amazing support from Monique Getineau (April), Amadia Bearden (Hunter), Rebecca Knowles (Kenzie),  and Janet Chamberlin (Mallory).  Patrick Censopiano, Kristen Cook, Eric Delgado, Adam Gentzler and Dan Torson all provide outstanding support in multiple roles as part of the ensemble.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 23 at 5 p.m., June 26 at 8 p.m. and June 29 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Hamilkong

VENUE:  The Complex (OMR Theater)

REVIEW:  The Fringe has always had a few outrageous mashups in its previous nine years, but this year’s tribute to the story of King Kong as told through the music of Hamilton is truly a work of art.   Adam Korenman has written truly hilarious and powerful lyrics that transform those Hamilton musical numbers into a well staged musical that is worthy of being on Broadway.  But the brilliant lyrics would be worthless without a cast that can deliver them, and this cast is outstanding in every way.  Hats of to the amazing Geri Courtney-Austein as Hamilkong as well as Asia Ring as Ann Darrow, Sashaaa as Carl Denham and Olga Desyatnik as Jack Driscoll.  Korenman also leads the incredible supporting cast, along with Francesca Reggio, Nate Leykam, Jeanne Lau, Genna Weinstein, Jeremy Klein and Kyle Reese Klein.  Stand up and cheer for the Eighth Wonder of the World, MF’ing Alexander Hamilkong!

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this incredibly creative mashup.  Even though it’s sold out, get on the wait list for their final performance on June 29 at 10:30 p.m.

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HFF19 Day 8 – see it or skip it

Yesterday was an experiment.  The previous two times I have done my solo show, I blocked out several hours before the performance to prepare.  Yesterday, I went to the show before my performance, and the show after it as well, and my performance went much better.  Here are the reviews for yesterday.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Squeeze my Cans

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Main Stage)

REVIEW:  This show first appeared at the Hollywood Fringe in 2016, and was an instant hit.  I was unable to get tickets that year, but made sure to get in for this updated show.  Cathy Schenkelberg is a true treasure, a gifted voice over and stage actress with something to say.  There have been quite a few high profile defections from Scientology, but no one has given us as many details as Schenkelberg does.  She is brilliant, funny, and high energy as she takes us on this compelling journey to ultimate freedom.  As she quotes, “I’m broke, but not broken.”  Come be inspired by this amazing true story.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 21 at 7 p.m., June 22 at 8 p.m., June 23 at 12:30 p.m.  and June 26 at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Circle Table

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  Watching this show was like watching my kids and grandkids, all of whom have grown up and are growing up in a digital age where so much communication is carried out on Facebook, Facetime and Instagram.  The series of vignettes introduced us to a group of amazing characters who had grown up together but gone on different paths.  There is lots of comedy and dramedy, and we bet you can find at least one of these characters to relate to.  Hats off to Flat Tire Theatre for a brilliant production.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth checking out.  Their final performance on June 23 at 7:30 p.m. is sold out, but come down and get on the wait list so you don’t miss it.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Pho Girl

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  Once again, Chambers Stevens has written a brilliant play that is truly brought to life by the cast, in this case Orange County native Brigitte Ngo-Trinh.  Although it is a work of fiction, it feels like the truth, and the audience is the recipient of a feel good story, and some amazing food as well.  We loved the way he weaved the story and the way that Ngo-Trinh was able to capture it on stage, revealing her amazing food preparation skills.  Make sure you come on an empty stomach to get the full effect of this amazing performance.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 22 at 7:30 p.m. and June 27 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

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HFF19 day 7 – see it or skip it

We took Tuesday off from the Fringe for our third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase at The Mint LA, and it was OFF THE HOOK! Thank you to all the artists that performed – Emily Zuzik, Dree Mon, Jordan Siwek, Constanza Herrero, Brigitte Rios Purdy, Amilia K Spicer, Manda Mosher and The Spider Accomplice. Thanks also to Brie Darling, June Millington and Jean Millington aka Fanny Walked the Earth, as well as Cherie Currie, for reminding us of our rock and roll history. It was such an honor to be able to recognize Fanny with the 2019 Icon Award.  Special thanks to Kirk and the gang from Blue Élan Records for all of your support, and to the amazing staff at The Mint LA for providing excellent service. We can’t wait for next year.

It was so great to come back to the Fringe last night for some very interesting shows.  Here are our reviews.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Start Swimming

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Main Stage)

REVIEW:  This show was different than anything else we have seen this year.  The show comes to us from the Edinburgh Fringe, where it received rave reviews.  Truthfully, this is the kind of play that you either love or hate, as it espouses strong feelings and passions.  It raises a lot of issues as it questions authority and raises the question – can I as an individual change the world.  There is no question that the cast believed they could, as they truly left it all on the stage with their passionate performances.  Definitely come to this one with an open mind, and be prepared to be wowed by the concept and construction of this play.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 23 at 10 p.m., June 27 at 5 p.m.  and June 29 at 1 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Same Room

VENUE:  The Broadway (Studio)

REVIEW:  Kelly Pierre has written one of the most compelling shows of HFF19.  Scott Golden has captured her intent and directed a show that is worthy of attention, praise and awards.  Not only did Pierre write the play, but she appears with the amazing Fringe virgin Sam Sheeks in this outstanding two-hander.  The play begs the question – what does it take for us to heal, forgive and have compassion on those with whom we interact?  It needs to be experienced, as reviews cannot capture the power and ultimate beauty of this play.  Trust us when we tell you that this is truly life-changing theater.  Thanks for sharing it with us.

RECOMMENDATION:  The Same Room is truly a MUST-SEE at HFF19, and definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 22 at 8 p.m. and June 26 at 10:30 p.m.  Although it is sold out, we strongly advise you to get on the waiting list.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Meg Jo Beth Amy & Louisa

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Blackbox)

REVIEW:  Louisa May Alcott is an American literary treasure, and I’m sure she would have loved this interpretation of her book, which is told from the POV of Alcott as she wrote the stories.  Tier5 has created a masterpiece of theater that should appeal to just about every living, breathing human, and director Ariel Francoeur captures every nuance of the story, giving his amazing cast everything they need to bring it to life.  Musical director Michelle Walker, who also plays Beth, truly adds to the process with original and borrowed music, leading the rest of the cast to bring their all to their performances.  Hats off to Hilary Kelman as Louisa, Maya Bhagwat Bassuk as Meg, Nicole Orabona as Jo, Margaret Gorrell as Amy and Walker as Beth are the quintessential Little Women, and they get amazing support from James Cougar Canfield as Niles the Publisher, Pilar Adara as Marmee, Benjamin Cardona as John F. Brooke, and Mel Gonzales as Laurie.  Brandon Thomas Martin and Dana Placentra were also brilliant in their myriad of supporting roles.

RECOMMENDATION:  If you love modern interpretations of literary classics, or just love great theater, then this show should be at the top of  your list.  There are only three remaining performances before they head to the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, DC – June 20 at 5 p.m., June 22 at noon and June 23 at 4:30.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

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HFF19 day 5 – see it or skip it

No fringing tonight – it’s our Third Annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase, honoring Women in Entertainment.  Doors at The Mint open at 6 p.m. and the show kicks off at 6:30, with Emily Zuzik, Dree Mon, Jordan Siwek, Constanza Herrero, Brigitte Rios Purdy, Amilia K. Spicer, Manda Mosher and The Spider Accomplice set to perform.  We will also be honoring Fanny Walked the Earth with our 2019 Icon Award.  Tickets are available at the door for $13, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Please join us.  In the meantime, here are our reviews from Monday night.

TITLE OF SHOW:  All our Pretty Songs

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:  This show should be required viewing for all millennials and others seeking guidance on whether to follow their dream or settle for the security of a real job.  The staging of the show was brilliant.  Hats off to playwright John Brahan, who also performed on the drums, director Dan Schultz, who likewise took the role of the artist seeking his dream, and Shanlie Phillips as the semi-spoiled but gifted daughter of music industry parents.  To sound like an artist who doesn’t have any talent takes a lot of skill, and Schultz pulled it off.  But this wasn’t supposed to be a true display of their musical talents, rather a biting look at coming of age, and in that they succeeded.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 22 at 10 p.m. and June 29 at 8 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Raised by Wolves

VENUE:  Stephanie Fuery Studio Theatre

REVIEW:  Once again a brave solo artist has given us an absolute gem that is easily one of the best, if not the best, show at HFF19.  All the way from Canada comes the compelling and emotionally draining story of Marla Black, and I was proud to be crying by the end of the show.  I learned so much about the pack structure of wolves and sled dogs, and how it applies to every day living.  This was a Ted Talk/Seminar disguised as a Fringe show, and would be a bargain at ten times the price.  Don’t miss this priceless and thought-provoking show.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  The only remaining performance is June 22 at 5:30 p.m., so get your tickets before it sells out.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

 

 

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HFF19 day 4 – see it or skip it

We hope everyone had a great Father’s Day.  It was another interesting day of Fringe.  We were able to take in one show before our performance and two shows afterward.  Thanks to everyone who came out for our show.  Here are our reviews of the three shows we saw.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Out of the Blue

VENUE:  LGBT Centre (Davidson Valentini Theater)

REVIEW:  This show was a pleasant surprise, thanks to the years of life experience Peter Massey brings to the stage.  While I’m not a huge believer in astrology, there was no doubt of its importance to Massey, as evidenced by the passion of his performance.  His storytelling was spot-on and he kept the audience entranced and engaged throughout.  We also appreciate his support of our show through the workshop he held immediately following the performance.  This show is one of the hidden gems of HFF19.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth your time, regardless of how you feel about astrology.  Remaining performances are June 21 at 8:30 p.m., June 23 at 6 p.m., June 27 at 8:30 p.m and June 29 at 4 p.m.  Tickets are available on his Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  How I Became a Superhero

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Second Stage)

REVIEW:  John Patrick Daly has been stalking me this entire Fringe – we have seen quite a few shows together, and it was an honor to check out his show.  It paid homage to the MCU, complete with cartoon intros to each scene and a post-credits final scene.  The  show is hilarious in that it does not take itself too seriously.  Every cast member turned in amazing performances, making this one of the “must see” shows of HFF19, especially if you are a Marvel fan.  Not only that, it has what we think is the best flyer and poster.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is truly must see, and will most definitely sell out.  Remaining performances are June 21 at 5 p.m. and June 29 at 10:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Acid Wash Love

VENUE:  The Complex (Dorie Theater)

REVIEW:  Chambers Stevens has done it again with this amazing story that would fit perfectly into the fall line-up of The CW.  Perfectly directed by Victoria Hoffman, this hilarious three-hander features the amazing talents of future Oscar winner Maitlyn Pezzo, along with Laurent Sayer and Bethany Nava.  It is a true ensemble piece, as the talents of all three were needed to pull it off.  The show even has its own Rocky Horror element, with cookies handed out to the audience that are eaten when the cast tells you to.  It was the perfect ending to the first weekend of Fringe.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth your time, and the treats were to die for.  Remaining performances are June 19 at 8:30 p.m., June 23 at 6:30 p.m. and June 28 at 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

 

 

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HFF19 day 3 (part 2) – see it or skip it

We’re back for the second half of our day of shows on Saturday.  You can find part 1 here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  How to be a Rock Star

VENUE:  The Complex (OMR Theater)

REVIEW:  As a music critic for the past 30 years, I went to this show expecting a musical, as advertised on his Fringe page.  Instead, the audience was “treated” to one of the most bizarre shows I have ever encountered at the Fringe.  While the public stands up and praises the Emperor’s new clothes, even though he is naked, this critic will call this show what it truly is – an absurdist vanity project that needs to be labelled as such,  If you like this kind of comedy, then have at it.  If you are looking for a serious musical show, then avoid this one like the plague.  Next to this turkey, Night of the Root Beer looks like a Tony-worthy Broadway hit.

RECOMMENDATION:  Most definitely SKIP this one, unless you like absurdist vanity projects.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Pockets

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Main Stage)

REVIEW:  Thank God for Robot Teammate.  Not only do they consistently present amazing musicals, but they were there to take the stink of “Rock Star” out of my mouth.  After creating the amazing musicals Turbulence and Thug Tunnel, they have truly knocked it out of the park with a walk off, two-out grand slam in the bottom of the ninth.  They still rely on their “core” crew, but this time around have added an entire company of worthy performers to the mix.  Hats off to Kat Primeau (Duchess), Chris Bramante (Veegan), Molly Dworsky (Bellamina “Pockets”)  and Dave Reynolds (Rob Cryer/ Barkley St. Piggins/Jim Val Jim) for their incredible work on this show.  We also congratulate and thank the rest of the cast for their great support and breathtaking  performances.  Last but not least, three cheers to Branson NeJame and the rest of his amazing band for their incredible live accompaniment.  If you love great musicals, this one is a definite contender for this year’s Best Musical.

RECOMMENDATION:  This is definitely a don’t miss show, so get your tickets before it sells out.  Remaining performances are June 18 at 10 p.m., June 22 at 1 p.m, June 26 at 5 p.m, June 28 at 8 p.m. and June 29 at 3 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Hell’s Finest

VENUE:  The Complex (Ruby Theater)

REVIEW:  Normally I shy away from immersive theater, and didn’t really know that this show was immersive.  I came based on the recommendation of Chambers Stevens.  The show is well written by Ashlynn Judy, with an amazing cast of characters, including my favorite, “S,” played by the effervescent Melissa Cindric.  It felt like a mash-up of Riverdale and Sabrina, and was a huge hit for the millennials in the audience.  Hats off to the entire cast for putting forth an extremely fun and immersive way to end my day.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth your time, especially if you love the supernatural and the immersive experience.  Remaining performances are June 22 and 28 at 30 minutes past midnight.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

 

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HFF19 day 3 (part 1) – see it or skip it

Saturday was a FULL day of fringing, beginning with my first show at noon and ending with my final show at 12:30 a.m.  It was a hodge-podge day of hits, misses and in-betweens, so let’s get to the reviews.

TITLE OF SHOW:  An yet Another Evening with the Sistahs – Unsung Sheroes

VENUE:  The Hudson Theatres (Guild)

REVIEW:  One of my all-time favorite Fringe shows was “I Never met a Jerk I Didn’t Like,” which introduced me to the brilliance of Tiffany Phillips.  She’s back this year, along with Fredericka Meek and Erika Cohen, to bring us a lesson in black history that will break your heart.  We learn about the history of three prominent black women – slaves Anarcha Westcott and Ellen Craft and Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm.  This show will move you like few Fringe shows have, and is the perfect way to start your Fringe Saturdays.  This one is definitely one of the best shows of HFF19.

RECOMMENDATION:  This is definitely a don’t miss show, so get your tickets before it sells out.  Remaining performances are June 22 and 29 at noon.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Son of a Bitch

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Second Stage)

REVIEW:  Son of a Bitch is a brilliant piece of historical fiction that captures the spirit of the intriguing story of Lee Atwater and his role in the 1988 Presidential elections that resulted in George Bush‘s victory over the more popular Michael Dukakis.  Director Billy Ray Brewton has perfectly captured the intelligent writing of Lucy Gillespie, with amazing performances from Ben Hethcoat as Atwater, Dennis Gersten as Vice-President Bush,  Luke Forbes as “Jr.,” and David McElwee as the Vice-President’s Chief of Staff Jim.  Chloe Dworkin (Cass) and Corsica Wilson (Gladys) turned in excellent supporting performances.  If you care about politics, then this is a must see.

RECOMMENDATION:  This is definitely a don’t miss show, so get your tickets before it sells out.  Remaining performances are June 21 at 8 p.m., June 22 at 11 p.m., June 26 at 5 p.m. and June 29 at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Mormon Playgirl

VENUE:  The Complex (OMR Theatre)

REVIEW:  It seems more and more actresses are coming forward with their #MeToo stories, and CC Sheffield is one of the more prominent ones.  This could have been a powerful show, but instead was shallow and disjointed.  Sheffield does a good job of telling it through her portrayal of a number of characters, but the central one was relegated to a too-short segment at the very end of her show.  There is a lot of potential for this story, but unfortunately it was not used.  This one is definitely a work in progress.

RECOMMENDATION:  It might be wise to sit this one out until she has the chance to better define her story.  If you’re brave, give it a chance.  Remaining performances are June 20 and 28 at 6:30 p.m., and June 30 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.