We continue with part 2 of our reviews of the previews we saw on Saturday. You can find part 1 here.
TITLE OF SHOW: Leaving Prince Charming
VENUE: The Lounge Theatres
REVIEW: One of the reasons I have always loved solo shows is the depth of honesty and relatability. Leaving Prince Charming is further proof of that fact. Lara Repko delivers a masterpiece of solo theater with another in a long line of unfortunate stories about domestic violence. Unlike so many others, she is not bitter about it, although her emotions came through loud and clear. She tells the story in a humorous way that kept the audience at ease while she hit us with one startling revelation after another. Her courage was evident and I left the show feeling empowered, as I have had a similar experience. Thank you once again to Jessica Lynn Johnson for helping Repko tell her story. This is one of the best solo shows at Fringe this year.
RECOMMENDATION: Don’t miss this one – it could easily change your life. Remaining performances are June 16 at 6 p.m. and June 29 at noon. Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.
TITLE OF SHOW: To Richard!
VENUE: The Lounge Theatres
REVIEW: Death is not normally a funny topic, but the brilliance of the script and the shear power of the performances by writer/ director Jessica Durdock Moreno and Nicky Romaniello turn this somber subject into a hilarious romp. A chance meeting between a grieving widow and a former candidate for priesthood creates a roller-coaster of emotions, and leads to healing for both of the protagonists. We don’t want to give anything away, but suffice it to say that this one will have you laughing and crying at the same time. This is the first self-directed show I have ever truthfully been able to recommend.
RECOMMENDATION: Don’t miss this one – it could easily change your life. Remaining performances are June 13 at 8 p.m., June 15 at noon, June 19 at 6 p.m., June 21 at 8 p.m. and June 29 at 4 p.m. Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.
TITLE OF SHOW: Tattered Capes
VENUE: Studio/Stage
REVIEW: Theatre Unleashed has earned its reputation for consistently delivering Fringe hits, and this show does not deviate from that pattern. It was one of our Most Anticipated shows of HFF19. Written by the uber-talented Greg Crafts and directed by the equally brilliant Corey Lynn Howe, Tattered Capes delivers where only DC and Marvel have delivered before. The star-studded cast includes Travis Joe Dixon and Joanna Mercedes as Kevin and Stephanie Connelly, a couple with major secrets who are trying to celebrate their fifth anniversary. Major props to the “5” – Tanner Risner as Maximus, Ann Hurd as Lady Voodoo, Courtney King as The Owl and Chris Clabaugh as Jonathan Strong – the best superheros since the Justice League. This was a truly different type of Fringe show for TU, and proved that there is nothing they cannot do. Hats off also to the “Shadows” for their amazing assistance and support to this show.
RECOMMENDATION: Don’t drag your feet getting tickets for this one – it’s almost sold out for the entire run. Remaining performances are June 16 at 7 p.m., June 21 at 10 p.m., June 24 at 7:30 p.m. and June 29 at 1 p.m. Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.