Month: June 2019

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Awards Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre

HFF19 day 17 – see it or skip it

I only took in three shows on Saturday, out of the seven I had originally planned, giving me time to spend some time talking to friends at the Plunge and actually eat a sit-down meal before hanging with my bestie Kimleigh Smith for a while.  Before we get started on those reviews, I’m sure you’re all anxious to know who won the Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence, so here we go:

SOLO SHOW – Blackboxing

ENSEMBLE SHOW – An yet Another Evening with the Sistahs

Both shows have been extended, and we strongly recommend them both, so grab your tickets on their individual Fringe project pages.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Olivia Wilde Does not Survive the Apocalypse

VENUE:  The Complex (Ruby Stage)

REVIEW:  Another of the Matts, this time Matt Robinson, has come through with an amazing addition to HFF19.  This show is a masterpiece and his hand-selected cast are comedic geniuses in pulling out all the stops to make this the funniest damn show of the Fringe.  Featuring Sean-Michael Bowles as the “hack director” and Emilie Martz as the “snooty actress,” the amazing cast also included Francesca Manzi as Rodeo, Chelsea Langenderfer as Chandler, Everett Dailey as Marcus, Chris Bunyi as Crenshaw, Asia Pitts as Abbot Kinney and Ashley Frances Hoffman as Dr. Kelli Hu  The show was directed by Robby DeVillez, and he was brilliant.  My sides hurt so much from laughing, especially at all the inside jokes.  We will be quoting lines from this show for a long time.

RECOMMENDATION:  Although this was their last performance, they have been granted an extension, so we advise you to be first in line when tickets become available.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Transference

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Black Box)

REVIEW:  Certain Fringe actors have earned their reputation by consistently delivering quality work.  Two of those particular performers are Esther Mira and Lisa K. Wyatt.  They have brought this show to life which was written and directed by the equally brilliant Jim Blanchette. In what might be one of the most challenging roles of their lives, they play a therapist and her client, who is unintentionally “made aware” of her past lives during the therapy.  I will not give away the great story, but suffice it to say that this one is definitely worth your time and money, making it one of the best dramas of HFF19.

RECOMMENDATION:  This was their last performance, but if they do an extension, we strongly recommend that you attend.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Hell’s Kitty

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Main Stage)

REVIEW:  After hanging around the Plunge for a bit, Kimleigh showed up from a long day of work and we shared dinner from the food truck before heading in to the movie.  I had previously met Nicholas Tana at Starbucks and he invited me to see this show because of my history with horror films.  He had also invited Kimleigh, so we thought it would be a great chance to catch a memorable show.  It was that, although not the type of memories you necessarily want to remember.  The show was very campy and dark, and will probably be enjoyed by a much younger demographic.  It also seemed like the cast was not quite up to the challenge, as their were serious vocal issues.  The one shinning star was the over-the-top performance of Maeve Thompson Osgood as Lisa Graves.  Although not a total bomb, it could use some additional rehearsal time and maybe some recasting before going forward.  i truly see the potential in the show, but felt it was not nearly as strong as NMI‘s other entry, The Bully Problem.

RECOMMENDATION:  This was their last performance.

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Awards Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre

HFF19 Day 16 – see it or skip it

Yesterday was a very bad day for me personally, and because of that I will be unable to attend this year’s Fringe Awards Show and present the Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence.  The past two years have gone to solo shows, and this year would have been different. Since we can’t do it live and are no longer limited to just one award, we’ll do it online, and we are including both solo show and ensemble categories.   Every show that we checked out for this award was marvelous (and we considered more than 30), but we  felt these ten shows were especially amazing in showing the power of music within the context of a play.  We’ll announce the winners tomorrow, but here are the nominations.

SOLO SHOW

Blackboxing

Hollywoodn’t

Keith Moon:  The Real Me

Drought

Jessie’s Messy Mind

ENSEMBLE SHOW

Silent Joy

An Yet Another Evening with the Sistahs

The Last Croissant

Come Back!

Meg Jo Beth Amy & Louisa

Since I will not be at the Awards Show or Closing Party, I wanted to say my goodbyes and thank each and every participant that I met for your kindness and great work.  Hopefully I’ll see you around the Fringe today or tomorrow, but just in case, thanks for making my first year as a participant a memorable experience, even though it was cut short.  Special thanks to Jessica Lynn Johnson for helping me develop my story and directing my show; Greg and Jenn Crafts, Erin Moore and Michael Lutheran for taking care of me at Studio/Stage; Lara Repko, Patrick Daly and Rasika Mathur for being my viewing buddies, and all my fringeships past and present.  Your support over the years, and especially yesterday, are what drew me to and kept me involved with Fringe.  May each of you be blessed in every endeavor.  Here is my sole review from yesterday.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Red, White, Black & Blue

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Studio)

REVIEW:  At Matt Martin‘s insistence, I witnessed a powerful hour of solo shows featuring Adam Meredith in Drowning (written by Leilani Squire) and Blaine Vedros in Black & Blue (written by Ron Fromstein.  This was powerful theater about the effect hope has in keeping us from making bad decisions.  Both shows were skillfully directed by Martin, and gave us plenty of food for thought.  Because of my own personal experiences with the military and domestic violence, these stories left a lasting impression on me.

RECOMMENDATION:  This was their last performance, but if they do an extension, we strongly recommend that you attend.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 day 15 (part 2) – see it or skip it

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

TITLE OF SHOW:  Jessie’s Messy Mind

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  There have been three powerful shows this year about mental health awareness, and this one impacted me the most because of my personal connection to the disease.  Jessie Knowles is transparent and lays her soul bare in this stirring production that is filled with original music and brilliant storytelling that shows what it’s like to be involved in a manic episode.  I felt like I was reliving the drama of my first marriage, as my ex-wife suffers from the same illness.  As Jessie says in her closing remarks, “This show does not have an ending because I’m still living with it every day.”  Three cheers for her bravery in sharing her life with us.   It is no mistake that this show was a Pick of the Fringe.

RECOMMENDATION: There are currently no remaining performances of this show, but if she gets an extension, you should be the first in line to get tickets.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Batter Up!  My Brain on Baseball – Extra Innings Edition

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  Brett Moore is a walking, talking baseball freak, and we love him for that.  We previously reviewed this show on June 9.  This was a special midnight edition of the show with added content and beer!  It contained additional material, including him reciting all the World Series losers from the first one through the most recent one.  It is no surprise that not only was this show a Pick of the Fringe, but it is also being considered for a SoHo Playhouse run in NYC.  All of this from a Fringe rookie performer.  It just goes to show that talent will always rise to the top, and Moore has it in spades.  We wish you well, Mr. Moore.  Thanks for sharing your love of baseball with us.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  There is one remaining performance on June 29 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 15 (part 1) – see it or skip it

Thursday was a remarkable day at Fringe, as we had time to pick up a couple extra shows, bringing our current total to 74 on our way to 85.  Tonight we close our show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey) with a final performance at 7 p.m. at Studio/Stage.  Please come check us out, because we will not be extended.  In the meantime, here is part 1 of our reviews from Thursday.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Ed Goodman’s Ol’ Timey Brainwash

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Studio)

REVIEW:  Every once in a while you get lucky enough to see a master of improv at the top of his form.  Unfortunately, that was not this show.  The humor is dry, the timing was off, but it was still an interesting show, primarily for the M&Ms being passed around.  It became quite obvious why he was such a perfect fit for Revenge of the Root Beer.  Surprisingly enough, Goodman is a better musician than a talk show host.  That being said, Mark Twain would have warned us, “This show is rated RFS.”

RECOMMENDATION: This one is an acquired taste.  If your palate for comedy is not too refined, check out one of his two remaining performances on June 28 at 7:30 p.m. and June 29 at 4 p.m.  Tickets are available on their project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  A Bit Much

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  I met Stacy Dymalski last year when I saw her show The Other Side of that Razor Ribbon.  This year’s show revealed an entirely different side of her amazing life.  This one was more relatable, and filled with brilliant comedic moments.  She held the audience in the palm of her hand, and we will forever be changed by her willingness to make herself vulnerable.  The glaring lesson I learned was how stupid it is to try and hide who you are just to get people to like you.  If they can’t take you at face value, then they don’t deserve to be a part of your life.  Don’t sell yourself short.

RECOMMENDATION: There are currently no more performances of this show, but we recommend you check it out if and when she gets extended.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Becoming Peace

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  There have been quite a few politically charged shows at HFF19, but this one is unique among them.  It tells the story of the nonviolence movement started by Mahatma Gandhi and perfected by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  It is told in story and song, and will stay with you long after the final bow.  There is a lot of information contained in this show that will need to be properly digested, but suffice it to say that the knowledge gained may change your life or at least your outlook on life.

RECOMMENDATION: There are currently no more performances of this show, but we recommend you check it out if she gets extended.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 day 14 – see it or skip it

Last night we took some time out from our busy Fringe schedule to celebrate at the Fringe Prom.  It was amazing seeing all the gorgeous costumes and having a chance to mingle and socialize with my fellow participants (feels so weird to say that).  Hats off to the Fringe staff for organizing such a fun event and to the folks at Black for hosting us.  I still managed to see three shows and am now up to 69 on my way to 83 shows at HFF19.  Here are our reviews of yesterday’s shows.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Sins

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Second Stage)

REVIEW:  This show will shock you to your core, but not necessarily in the way you think.  It is a brilliant piece written and directed by, and starring William Thompson.  The cast also included the lovely Willa Adaire, as well as George Parker and Mary Baker.  Thompson’s story hits a nerve and provides a stirring look into a valid social issue.  We don’t want to ruin the surprises in this show, but leave you with two words as a clue to what lies in store for you – Noises Off.

RECOMMENDATION: We highly recommend you check out this show.  There are two remaining performances on June 28 at 8 p.m. and June 29 at 11 a.m.  Tickets are available on their project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Come on Down

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Black Box)

REVIEW:  I have come to the realization that the team of Jeff Scott Carey and Emily Clark is just as formidable as that of Michael Shaw Fisher and Alli Miller.  Their latest effort, Come on Down, is further proof of that fact.  Due to the illness of one of the cast members, Carey had to perform the role of Trevor, joining his brilliant cast that included Lucas Alifano as James, Clark as Lydia, Isaac Deakyne as Clint, Pam Quinn as Zealon, Victor Isaac as Hunter, CJ Merriman as Jeanna/Doug.  Everjohn  Feliciano as Marlon, Meghan Allison as Tina and Eric Curtis Johnson as AJ.  Could Joan Osbourne have been on to something?  This was definitely an ensemble performance, and worthy of recognition as truly one of the best shows of HFF19.

RECOMMENDATION: You MUST see this show.  There is one final performance on June 27 at 11 p.m.  Tickets are available on their project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  An Excuse to Behave Badly

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  This show may well be the launching point for the brilliant comedic team of Drea Garcia, Jenni Halina, Alex Owens-Sarno and Stephanie Sherry.  Not only did they write this hilarious romp (with a little help from their amazing director Kelsea Burke), but they also brought it to life, transporting the audience to those wild and crazy things we did when we were much younger.  It was the perfect dessert after a wonderful Fringe Prom, and the candy was a nice touch.  Thanks to executive producer Matt Morillo for bringing us another gem.

RECOMMENDATION:  If you love to laugh, and take that trip down memory lane, then you MUST see this show.  There are currently no remaining performances, but we strongly recommend you see it if it gets extended.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 Day 13 – see it or skip it

After a very stressful day at my AirBnB, it was wonderful to return to the Fringe for an attitude adjustment.  The two shows I saw hit me from totally different directions, and made me sad that HFF19 is drawing to a close.  Here are my reviews.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Silent Joy

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  If you know my backstory, then you know that mental heath is important to me.  That was the underlying reason why I had to see Silent Joy.  But there is so much more to their story.  Inspired by Dante’s Inferno and adapted from the graphic novel by Zach Beckert, the stage version was written by Melissa Ordaz, with musical score composed by Matt Ordaz.  Maggie Dorfman and John Michael Logie were magical in the lead roles, taking us through every emotion available to lead us to the goal.  The supporting players were led by Carolina Reynoso as the young girl, Ramzi Kelley as the mother, Joshua Lopez as the father and Christopher Flores as the brother.  Additional support came from Brian Bautista, Aaron Griffin, Janette, Valenzo and Megan Walker.  In addition, Matt Ordaz (xylophone and percussion) and Chrissy Johnson (cello) underscored the show with music that made a difference.  You will be changed by this show.  Hats off to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for their support and for being there.

RECOMMENDATION: You MUST see this show.  There is one remaining performance on June 29 at 4:30 p.m.  Contact the venue for more information.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Revenge of the Root Beer

VENUE:  The Three Clubs

REVIEW:  Michael Shaw Fisher is anything but stupid.  Last year he regaled us with the insanely stupid Night of the Root Beer, the show everyone loves to hate.  This year he has created a sequel that is every bit as bad, and the audiences loves it even more.  On top of that, he has assembled a cast that reads like a who’s who of Fringe veterans, and even included our beloved Fringe founder, Ben Hill.  Special props to Alli Miller, Heath Butler, Madeline Heil and Jim Hanna, whose over the top performances stood out, despite their desire to blend in.  Kudos also to Nikki Muller for her delightful portrayal of Jazz.  DISCLAIMER:  No actors were (apparently) harmed in the production of this show.  The world is safe until next year . . . or is it?

RECOMMENDATION:  This was the final performance for this year, but who knows what next year will bring.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 Day 12 – see it or skip it

The final week of HFF19 began with Matt the Gathering.  After a fun time collecting cards from the seven Matts aka the #wizardsofthefringe, the lucky winners gathered at a secret location to celebrate and collect their bounties.  What an amazing social media campaign by Fringe photographer Matt Kamimura, who has created a Fringe event that will live in infamy.  Now, on to the reviews for Monday night.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Drought

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:  Kate Radford is from the UK and has brought to the Fringe a remarkable story that combines spoken word with storytelling and music.  She is adept at the proper use of the looper, and weaves her stories into the underlying musical soundtrack that she has created with the looper.  She sings in two ancient languages (Hebrew and ancient Greek) while telling a remarkable story in poem and prose that screams about the ancient problems women have faced for millenia.  This show should be required viewing for every man alive today, to truly understand what women have been dealing with for so long.  This one may make you mad, but it is worth the emotional backlash.

RECOMMENDATION:  Go and see this show.  She has one remaining performance on June 29 at 5:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on her project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Last Powerpoint

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:  Blackboxing was an incredible show, and now we can add The Last Powerpoint to the list of shows that actively involved the stage manager.  Ben Nicholson has created a comic work that on its face looks like a frustrated young salesmen that has been put in his place by an irate tech guru (played by stage manager Pam Noles), who has not been paid for their services.  Nicholson’s sheer brilliance is best illustrated by his engagement with the audience and enticing them to sing the “Kars 4 Kids” ditty with him, over and over again, to a techno beat.  This one is so much fun and was the perfect culmination to an interesting day of fringing.

RECOMMENDATION:  The show has now closed, but we highly recommend it if it gets extended.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 Day 11 (part 2) – see it or skip it

We continue on with the second half of our Sunday reviews.  You can find part 1 here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Meet me in Mizzery

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Studio)

REVIEW:  Lindsey Mallard is an amazing comedian who has written and delivered one of the best sketch comedy routines I have ever seen.  Not only that, but this woman can SING!  I haven’t laughed so much in a long time, and she kept the audience engaged and entertained for an hour.  This woman deserves her own television special and her show should be extended.  She also deserves a recording contract, because I think she could sing the phone book and people would buy it.  I am so glad I got to experience this Fringe show, and taste the magic.

RECOMMENDATION:  This show has now closed, but if it gets extended, I highly recommend you see it.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Come Back!

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Main Stage)

REVIEW:  Sacred Fools has mounted some amazing shows since moving to the Broadwater, and this production is one of their best.  Springing from the Serial Killers series, Come Back! has it all – a great story, interesting characters, and the perfect integration of music and words.  The show was written by Tony Foster, directed by Marisa O’Brien and stars Amir Levi and Demetris Hartman, with amazing support from Evie Abat, Andrew Villarreal, Julia Sanford and Brian Allman.  The finale is truly worth the price of admission, and will leave you hungry for more.

RECOMMENDATION:  Their final performance is June 28 at 5 p.m., and we highly recommend you see it.  Tickets are available on their project page.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 Day 11 (part 1) – see it or skip it

Sunday was another amazing day of fringing.  Not only did I get to see five great shows, but also did my fourth performance of my solo show, surrounded by the love of a bunch of my fringeships, including my muse and best friend, Kimleigh Smith.  It was an amazing time I will never forget.  Here is part 1 of my reviews for Sunday.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Extraordinary

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:  Chambers Stevens is one of the best playwrights to come out of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Since he first came to my attention with his Greasy Grimy Gopher Guts several years back, he has continued to perfect his craft, and Extraordinary is truly the cream of the crop.  Ashley McQueston is sheer perfection and makes us believe this fictional story is her own.  She is a truly gifted actress who has a bright future ahead, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.   I cannot give enough praise for her performance, the remarkable script she had to work with or the brilliant work of her young director, Jae Head.  This one is truly a “must see.”

RECOMMENDATION:  Definitely check out this amazing show.  She has one remaining performance on June 28 at 6 p.m.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Orangutan

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Black Box)

REVIEW:  My dear friend and Fringe veteran Ben Moroski practically begged me to see this show, and I am so glad I was able to squeeze it in.  Beginning with the amazing script by Troy Deutsch, the brilliant diretion of Tinks Lovelace and the Tony-worthy performance by Kristina Mueller, this show should win the Top of the Fringe award hands down.  It is truly thrilling to be totally engaged in a show from start to finish, and this show takes you on a roller coaster ride worthy of an amusement park.  Don’t miss this imaginative and highly entertaining show.

RECOMMENDATION:  Definitely check out this amazing show.  There are two remaining performances on June 27 at 9:30 p.m. and June 30 at noon.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Paper Trails

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:  I have done administrative work all of my life, so this play intrigued me from the start.  The fact that they could present three complete plays in only 30 minutes was a major coup, and all three stories were truly relatable.  Hats off to Off the Page Productions, which has presented these three amazing stories:  Dear Diary, starring Helen Burak (writer/co-director and Dana) and Audra Leffingwell (young Dana); Egucchi, written by Isabelle Moreau and starring Amanda Noriko Newman (Isabelle); and Snow, written by CJ Hoke and starring Timothy Dvorak (Glenn) and Christine Weatherup (Lacey).

RECOMMENDATION:  Their final performance on June 29 at 9:30 p.m. is sold out, but definitely try to get on the waiting list.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

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.