2023 Audience Reviews

Company: Alex Church
Show: Primary
Venue: Augsburg Studio

Got Democracy?

VOTE and BUY YOUR TICKET to this profoundly impressive show now. Snappy and smart, this show embodies Lincoln's quote: 'A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand' in more ways than one. It somehow manages to cleverly work in an autopsy of what winning really means in our modern political system while holding space for both the unjust discrimination and heroic triumph of the LGBTQIA+ community. The writing is stellar weaving in soul-crushing moments, sick burns, and snarky bits that land oh, so damn well. (I won't ruin it, but I will be for sure using one of the smart-ass remarks as my new go-to catchphrase.) The audience was totally into this show, guffawing at one moment and audibly gasping the next. Everything is done with perfection in this production: the poster art, the promo video, and the attention to all the details. The actors are solid and believable. They leave you feeling like they all need a hug. I will never look at a family photo in a campaign ad the same way again. If you're looking for the full meal deal, this is it. And, I approve this message.

Company: Snikt! Bamf!Thwip!
Show: John Wick by Tim Wick (no relation)
Venue: Theatre in the Round

Now I have to watch the John Wick movies, damnit!

This show is user-friendly, y’all don’t need to know one darn thing about John Wick but dang, if it doesn’t make you WANT to binge the movie series (as I will be soon). As for the Fringe show, the tone was set from the get-go. As the audience entered the theatre, it was hard to miss Nerf bullets splattered across the stage and another prop promptly on display that was wrong in so many wonderful ways. This show was going to have some fun. I wasn't sure how that mixed with a notorious hitman, but was open to a wild ride. I'm glad I buckled my seatbelt because each scene flew by like a wraparound background in an old cartoon on speed. Of all the performances I’ve seen at Theatre in the Round, this one takes the cake for using the space so comprehensively. One of my favorite aspects of the performance was that Tim Wick inserted himself into the madness. He gave the audience insight into the John Wick movie plotlines along with other fun facts I won’t ruin but love. Tim wasn't playing the role of an omniscient narrator, he was just being Tim Wick, the playwright and the brilliant brain behind one of the smartest shows I've seen in a long time. His wildly talented ensemble cast worked their tushies off making the cerebral candy and foam bullets fly with balletic movement. The audience was howling and totally at their mercy. All the actors played multiple roles and nailed every single one. They’d leave from one exit and teleport to another… maybe? Like seriously some fast action happening behind the scenes too to make the performance fluid. I legit don’t know how someone didn’t effe up an entrance. This show is WICKed in every sense. I’m seriously going to check out the movies now. I may or may not end up a John Wick fan. What’s certain is that I’m going to follow Tim Wick’s future productions around like a little doggie… a sweet, not-real, completely safe dog.

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

Madonna would love this!

WOW!!! Jason is the Trapper Keeper King of storytelling. Check out Jason's bio! I've seen him perform several times, and he's absolutely pee-your-pants funny. His Fringe shows are different than his stand-up comedy which allow him to do a deep dive into his life experience and give the audience all the feels. At last year's Fringe, his show was a tribute to Louie Anderson. The way he seamlessly wove in heart and humor was so very unexpected, tender, and hilarious. I had high hopes for this customized-for-Fringe show, and he crushed it. Jason takes you back in time to his days in elementary school and eventually brings you to the present. He gets real as he recounts incredibly poignant moments layered with snark, 80s/90s nostalgia, and situational comedy that punches. The audience was roaring at times and quietly sucking air moments later. In the end, it's all poetic justice. I was so very satisfied. I just want to know, where is Kirk now?

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

This show will stay with me.

Maggie Thompson gives an incredible and memorable performance. This fairy tale runs the gamut of emotions. Never missing a beat through her intense storytelling and powerful choreography, the audience is in the palm of the artist's hand. Simply a profound experience. Bravo.

Company: [Un]Qualified
Show: H.G. Wells' THE INVISIBLE MAN
Venue: Southern Theater

Get your butt to H.G. Wells' The Invisible Man!

What a mind-blowing trip to see the iconic Invisible Man brought to life in a rapid-fire farce. This adaptation is brilliant with 4 incredible actors bursting with talent and serious skills in the physical comedy department. Buckle your seatbelt for an energy drink speed show with hilariously choreographed scenes. But it's not just laughs, the story has meat. It's mysterious and will keep you guessing. The times when the Invisible Man is seen covered in clothing were so intriguing and will feed your curiosity. Later when he physically disappears yet is still in the room, the illusion is gifted through clever pantomime and stage magic. I remember being in awe of the Invisible Man as a child. This production not only rekindled all the nostalgia for me but lit it on fire in the most exhilarating way possible. Bravo!