2023 Audience Reviews

Company: David Graham
Show: The Spell of the Yukon
Venue: Rarig Center Arena

Needs an audience

Someone called this a poetry reading; it's not that at all. These poems are memorized, and told exquisitely using props, costumes and perfect mannerisms for the character of Robert Service. He told a couple classics and introduced some new ones to me too. I felt bad that he had an audience of 6 on a Saturday night at 8:30; He deserves a bigger audience. Highly recommend.

Company: Paper Soul
Show: NPC! (Non-Player Character)
Venue: Rarig Center Xperimental

Lottsa Motza!

I like Motz's work but am not a gamer, so I was on the fence about seeing this, but am glad I did. His storytelling is compelling, and I was engaged throughout. Coming from a senior citizen who had seen 2 other shows that day, plus performing in one, that is saying a lot! Way to go!

Company: Eli Sibley
Show: Born of a Fairy Tale
Venue: Rarig Center Xperimental

Lovely to watch

The dancer is really beautiful to watch! At the beginning, I thought maybe ASL (sign language) would be used throughout the show; Alas, that was not the case and I wish there was more sign used. I have made a study of fairy tales, which is why I put this on my Must See list. While it used elements of many classic tales, it did not feel like there was enough follow through and I found the ending a bit confusing. Still, the movement was beautiful, and I enjoyed it.

Company: Marie Cooney Stories
Show: JONAH & JOANNA... And the Great Big Fish
Venue: Mixed Blood Theatre

A whale of a tale!

This retelling of a classic tale was very fun and kid friendly. A traumatic brain injury has given Marie Cooney an almost childlike sense of wonder and she is very open and affirming with her audience. She has a big voice and may not have needed the microphone, but as a hearing impaired senior I did appreciate it. I loved all the toys and chachkas that lined the stage and her invitation to give them a closer look. Great job!

Company: Jason Schommer
Show: 1992: Mistakes Were Made!
Venue: Rarig Center Xperimental

Terrific storytelling and comedy!

As a storyteller myself, it has been such a treat to watch Jason's star rise. This look back on his high school days was very funny and very relatable. There were times when I thought he was a bit vindictictive towards his enemies; then again, there are a number of folks I would love to tell off, but could never do it with that much sarcasm and humor. I loved his letter to his 14 year old self at the end. Kudos!

Company: Black Lives Black Words International Project
Show: Baldwin's Last Fire
Venue: Theatre in the Round

SO glad I saw this!

This was an amazing theatrical experience. The stagecraft was so inventive and the actors so versatile. Harry Waters Jr. has my vote for best acting in the fringe. So far this gets my best of Fringe vote. Sorry, it closed Wednesday - If you did not catch it you missed the boat!

Company: Helena K Cosentino
Show: Gilda: A Tribute to the Beloved Comedienne Gilda Radner
Venue: Southern Theater

wonderful tribute

Like Gilda, this actress can dance sing and has great comic timing, The costumes and costume changes were terrific, and she just channels Gilda throughout. Some of the segments went on a little too long for my taste - wanted to know more about the person than her goofy characters. All in all though, a really wonderful show, and I love that the proceeds go to charity!

Company: Nightfall Productions
Show: Fargo Allegro
Venue: Rarig Center Thrust

loved it!

This was such a great, fast paced adaptation of the movie! The Fargo story as told by Paul Bunyan and Babe! So inventive and fun with top notch staging and cast! I just wish they would have provided programs - your cast and your audience deserve it, and c'mon, you don't want us staring at our phones to see who's who, don'tcha know??

Company: Phoenix Theater
Show: Phoenix Presents
Venue: Phoenix Theater

A dark horse

Rob Ward is extremely energetic and entertaining, but animal lovers would not approve of the subject matter. Luckily he makes that pretty clear so you know what you are getting into. This foray into historic bad boys really packs a punch, and Rob is a consummate actor, singer and movement maniac. See it if you dare!

Company: Timothy Mooney Repertory Theatre
Show: Breakneck Midsummer Night’s Dream
Venue: Rarig Center Thrust

best cliff note Shakespeare !

Mooney is a fringe veteran who always puts together entertaining work! I was glad to see this was not a solo show and he used talented local actors to fill out the cast. As always, Mooney was terrific, especially as Bottom. Funny and fast paced!