Well, previews are now official complete, and the fabulous Opening Night Gala is tonight. During previews, we took in 22 shows as well as doing our own preview of Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey). Tomorrow is the first “official” day of HFF19, and we are ready, but tonight we party. Here are our final two reviews from the previews.
TITLE OF SHOW: The Dating Game
VENUE: The Hudson Theatres (Guild)
REVIEW: I try to see at least one cabaret each year, and this year I stumbled upon this one by up and coming musical comedian Darcy Rose Byrnes. She is doing a total of five different show during Fringe and joins with the amazing Sam Johnides (who contributed to the amazing Robot Teammate musicals Turbulence and Thug Tunnel) on this one to provide a comedic look at the current dating scene. Byrnes may be the next Carol Burnett. She is funny and extremely talented with a voice that deserves a shot at Broadway. Catch her now before she becomes a huge star.
RECOMMENDATION: This one is worth checking out. Remaining performances are June 21 at 6:30 p.m. and June 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.
TITLE OF SHOW: Saving Cain
VENUE: The Hudson Theatres (Guild)
REVIEW: There are only a handful of “can’t miss” writers at the Fringe, and Aaron Kozak is definitely on that list. His latest, Saving Cain, is an extremely well crafted masterpiece that shines new light on the religious right and those that can’t meet their standards. He has assembled an all-star cast that includes the incomparable Leah Verrill (star of last year’s masterpiece The Women of Lockerbie) as the hard-right leaning helicopter mom, Lenny Hernandez as her hell-raising son Levi, Jim Martyka as guidance counselor Ed, and Christian Blake Splitt as her son’s best friend Bryan (who just happens to be gay). Cindy Chavez (Nancy, Daniel Cirilo (Peter), Travis Joe Dixon (Bobby) and Tiffany Walker (Dr. Zeliner/ Pentecostal woman) likewise provide amazing support, making this one of the best dramas at this year’s Fringe, and most worthy of extending their run afterwards. Like Guilt, this one is best viewed when you leave your religious prejudices at the door.
RECOMMENDATION: This one is a “don’t miss.” Remaining performances are June 15 at 2 p.m., June 16 at 4 p.m., June 22 at 4 p.m., June 23 at 8:30 p.m., June 29 at 4 p.m. and June 30 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.