Lost In Bear Country: Birth, God, Death... and the Berenstain Bears

ADHD Personified

I didn't know what to expect, but what I got was a high-energy, non-stop trip through the whirlwind of thoughts and humor that is Phil Gonzales. I found the content relatable, interesting, and poignant (as the overall message is "be kind"), and I learned more about the Berenstain Bear books than I expected was worth knowing. Shows like this are why I Fringe!

An unexpected jewel

Similar to other reviewers, we didn't exactly know what to expect. How can a performer take us inside his ADHD-addled brain? Well we know now!! Very high energy and informative (both about ADHD and about the Berenstain Bears. And not just the Berenstain Bears (maybe slightly interesting on their own), but about how they address cultural topics (death, race, etc). Take the risk, this is a good one!

Insane, but in a good way!

No, Phil Gonzales isn't on speed. His body, brain, and mouth are just on hyperdrive. And yet it all makes sense, it's all deeply engaging, and the many big laughs come from a combination of his phenomenal ability to read a crowd and his skill at delivering truth in a hysterically funny and highly entertaining way. The show tackles big subjects (a few of which are in the title) through the lens of the Berenstain Bears, of all things, and Phil's life experiences and, um, personality traits. The particular subjects treated at any particular show depend on the spin of a wheel of fortune, and every show is different. Come see this highly original show and be prepared to emerge looking at Phil, the Berenstain Bears, and yourself in a new light.

A Thrilling, White Knuckle Roller Coaster

As someone with ADHD, the description of this show called to me and cannot express how happy I am to have seen it. Phil demonstrates exactly how one can turn ADHD from a liability into a superpower. He has deep humanity, wit, and intellect all wrapped up in the guise of mania. This show feels like drinking from a firehose and I loved every moment of it. Come for the red twine cork board, stay for the illuminating, insightful dissertation on God and faith. Highly recommend.

The Weird Wonderful World of Phil

On the first night of Fringe previews, I vaguely remembered reading the blurb about the show that had the Berenstain Bears when I had done my schedule planning the week before. And I remembered not really being interested in the show. Then I saw the preview. And I was so intrigued, bumped another show off my schedule so I could see this. And it did not disappoint. Phil's brain is delightfully weird. His mania is infectious (in a good way) and his storytelling is thought provoking.

This one's special

I was lucky enough to catch Phil’s 2019 solo show “Deep In Bear Country” which was a fun and unexpected dive into the Berenstain Bears, their creators, and the fascinating mind of Phil Gonzales. I thought this Fringe production, created by Phil and his daughters, would be an update of that earlier one man show, and I suppose it is on some level. But Phil has experienced some life changes since then, and it feels like his personal leap forward is echoed in the skill of his storytelling here. “Lost in Bear Country” is somehow that much richer, funnier and more compassionate than its predecessor. Which is saying something. The show is designed to be a different experience each time out, so maybe see it twice if your schedule allows. The joy of Phil’s crowd work alone is worth it.

Beautiful Chaos

Didn’t know what to expect but loved every minute of this glimpse into the mind of Phil! I am so glad my family and I had this experience. Thanks Phil for sharing!

Charlie from always sunny looking at a board meme

You know that meme of Charlie looking at a board filled with red twine lines connecting a complex idea? This show proves that type of connecting the dots thinking, often experienced by those with ADD or anxiety, is actually a superpower! Through personal tales weaved into the moral takeaways from the Berentstain bears this show entertains, educates, and elevates.