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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it Women in Entertainment

HFF18 day 6 – see it or skip it (part 1)

Saturday was our busiest day of HFF18, with nine shows on our schedule, ranging from 11:30 a.m. to 11:55 p.m.  We knocked out the Friday reviews and then headed down to Fringe – first stop, The Broadwater.

TITLE OF SHOW Stripped

VENUE:  The Broadwater Studio

REVIEW:   Julia Cavanaugh is a former exotic dancer who discovered that recovery from emotional trauma is possible, and doesn’t require you to remove your clothes.  She was extremely vulnerable during the show, and shared her hard fought lessons learned with strength and confidence.  Although not quite yet a triple threat, she did have an amazing voice, and supplemented her impressive acting skills with that beautiful singing voice.  The show was humorous and powerful, and left this reviewer wanting to know more.  We will definitely be looking for bigger and better for Ms. Cavanaugh.  This was the first of five shows we reviewed on Saturday that were directed or assisted by the Queen of the Solo show herself, Jessica Lynn Johnson, and it was great to see her impressive students, and have the chance to hang out with her at the first three shows.

RECOMMENDATION:  This was one of the best solo shows we’ve seen this year.  Don’t miss your chance to check it out.  She has one show remaining on June 21 at 9:30 p.m.  Grab your tickets here.

TITLE OF SHOWMy Calico Soul

VENUE:  The Broadwater Studio

REVIEW:   Steve Brock is many things – singer-songwriter, actor, bisexual, autistic, talented, but what he definitely is not is timid.  He confidently tells his story in song and speech, and draws the audience in with his sweetness and charm.  He was honest about his labels – those imparted on him and those he assigned himself.  He led the audience through his life story, and even had a talk back session at the end so that the audience could ask question about anything they did not understand.  Although there were some technical issues, Brock handled them with grace, and did not let them interfere with his show.  His voice is sweet and he writes beautiful songs, especially the title track that he uses to open and close the show.  All in all it was a most worthy effort.

RECOMMENDATION:  You should definitely check this one out, especially if you like to see how hard work and perseverance wins out over obstacles.  His remaining shows are June 22 at 9:30 p.m. and June 24 at 4 p.m.  You can buy your tickets here.

TITLE OF SHOW#METOO

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:   Star Stone brings one of the most timely of topics to the Fringe stage – #metoo.  Her performance breaks chains and shatters taboos about eating disorders, alcoholism and unwanted sexual advances.  Her courage is manifested in this show, and the 25 characters you will meet explain the struggles she has endured, and eventually conquered.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll get pissed off, but ultimately you will be proud of her accomplishments in the struggle for female empowerment and the right to say “No.”  Consent is far too often a difficult thing to obtain, but men in general need to understand that it is a mandatory part of any sexual encounter.  Stone reminds us of this, and helps liberate us from the belief that men always get their way – by any means necessary.  We reject that notion, and vow to always obtain consent, whether it has been granted before or not.  Men have no right to assume that just because she doesn’t say anything, it’s all right to proceed.  Let us treat each other like we want to be treated, and allow true love to grow and healing to begin.

RECOMMENDATION:  Every man in Los Angeles needs to see this show and learn the truth, and every woman needs to come and be uplifted with this positive message.  The final show is June 22 at 8:30 p.m.  Get your tickets here.

We’ll be right back with part 2.