Reviews
"The Rental" at The Flight Theater
A smart, funny, unexpectedly satisfying play that made me think about myself and about what empowerment means today. The escort begins the show as confident and cool, but by the end, that same confidence explodes from a place of pain and self-protection as she holds her own in a whole new way. The client makes a similarly explosive turn from timid to abrasive and offensive, in a way that beautifully incites the climax of the play. The intricate details and hidden metaphors tied in so clearly that I wanted to watch it again to see what hidden messages I might have missed the first time—every word keyed the audience in to a new aspect of these two characters and I was wrapped the whole time eager to find out what would be revealed next.
"A Life Behind Bars" at the Lounge Theater
I talk a lot about Thinking About LA Theater, and boy did this show make me think. It is by far an Dan Ruth was incredible! I couldn’t fathom the emotional journey he must go through bringing this show to life every night. He is a truly talented performer and has created a show that takes the audience through the full spectrum of human emotion. The show’s many diverse characters brought me in to the world of New York City in the 1990s and had me in awe of his performance at every turn. outstanding piece of theatrical composition and its true beauty, for me, manifested in the time I spent thinking about it after leaving the theater. Chris Burden is unquestionably complex and troubling as a character, and Ben Hethcoat masterfully preserved the audience’s ability to form their own opinions about the person he portrayed. I could watch the show again and again and have new things to say every time, but at least for now, I will simply say: Bravo!
"A Beast/A Burden" at The Broadwater
I talk a lot about Thinking About LA Theater, and boy did this show make me think. It is by far an outstanding piece of theatrical composition and its true beauty, for me, manifested in the time I spent thinking about it after leaving the theater. Chris Burden is unquestionably complex and troubling as a character, and Ben Hethcoat masterfully preserved the audience’s ability to form their own opinions about the person he portrayed. I could watch the show again and again and have new things to say every time, but at least for now, I will simply say: Bravo!
"Sink or Swim" at Studio C
A smart, funny, and moving show filled with witty dialogue and a lovable, touching story-line. This show swam beautifully, the only thing that sunk was me… into my seat for an enjoyable experience. The performer, Chris Piehler, was so entertaining and enjoyable to watch. His humor was infectious and his heart was wholly authentic. The technical aspects appeared to need a bit of work, a glitch or two here and there, but I was not too distracted to enjoy the evening and leave only focusing on the positive experience and the riveting performance.