Fall of the High School Valedictorian

Deeply honest

Super compelling show that I think everyone will be able to relate to hearing the things that are often not said out loud. Well executed. Great songs. Lots of heart. This a raw and sometimes tough listen because of tough content, but life is tough and this is real. I noticed a lot of the audience was there on their own and was having a real connection, which is what great storytelling should do. Thank you Philip.

Outstanding and tough and dark

As Phillip noted, it is almost wrong to say we "liked" this work or even to applaud after the musical numbers. But we are heartfelt in our appreciation for Phillip's talent and openness about mental illness and self-harm. Phillip's singing with guitar accompaniment was a highlight, though his story telling and story arc were also great. We appreciate that he wore a suicide prevention t-shirt with the phone number on the back.

Powerful

A fiercely honest and brave exploration of the darkness and struggles that lie beneath the visible surface of a life. Philip's powerful story telling and songwriting invite the audience to connect in their own way within the shadows he conjures.

Impactful

All I can really start this review off with was it was an impactful show for me. Even the preshow playlist helped set the scene of the struggles and ups and downs that Philip talks about in this show. It's a dark but very well crafted walk through a dimly lit, grungy, and pain studded memory lane.

Thanks!

I feel we’ve been given a gift that Philip Simondet had the courage to open the painful folder of his past and share with us his journey. Heed the trigger warnings, and appreciate clear writing; strong musicianship; clean, simple staging, and a whole lot of straight-forward heart.

From the Heart

A difficult subject masterfully delivered. The Writer-performer shares deeply personal experiences that have shaped his life. He uses music and humor to portray how he fought depression, self- harm and suicidal attempts. In the end he leaves the audience feeling hopeful and filled with a desire to give someone a hug.

Listen, Learn, Be There

Thank you Philip for your show. I could not watch the videos due to a disability and not wanting to see some images because a loved one completed suicide last year. I came to support a traveling artist with a serious topic. I'm glad I did. The ending was perfect!

Important

Philip takes us on a journey of pain and survival with a twist of humor and hope.

Radical Honesty at its best.

Philip is an artist. He is a performer. He is a great performer. He is also human. Who he is now and how he's made it to this point is a success story. The fact he is willing to share is struggle, which is ongoing, is commendable. Sometime we all need a reminder to offer grace to our fellow peeps because we all have struggles we are dealing with. This show is definitely worth watching.