Ian Federgreen

The Peanuts are grown up and gathering for a funeral. Expertly written, expertly performed. Directed with inventiveness and honesty, this show is simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking. But mostly hilarious. Brendan Hunt, who also wrote, gives a true tour de force performance as Pig Pen- now crazy and homeless, but still incredibly human. Hunt amazingly manages the crazed rants, deadpan asides, and emotional outbursts all while hula-hooping. (It's his cloud of dust, I believe). The entire ens... full review

This is an amusing story with a really likable cast, and the most on the nose of the "life in LA" shows I've seen [at least until the struggling actor- spoiler alert- books a pilot]. Interestingly, social media is a backdrop for but not really the focus of this production. This show is what the "like" button was made for- it's not stellar, but it's entertaining. fringeblog.webs.com ... full review

Do not put be put off by a terrible title- this show is hilarious from start to finish. I repeat- laugh out loud from beginning to end. Two performers play a multitude of characters with such precision and skill that you often know who's who based on physicality alone. The characters are so funny and well-realized, the story so snappy (and sometimes sweet)- it is easy to believe the actors have worked as a successful comedy team for 12 years. Ace direction, too. This is one to see. fringeblog.web... full review

I wish the actor related honestly to the audience rather than stare over our heads. I wish he had a better grasp on his material and wasn't struggling for lines. I wish it was funny, I wish there was emotional or vocal variety, I wish there had been even a single blackout so I didn't have to walk out in light. fringeblog.webs.com... full review

This is a really interesting show that needs editing. Billed as a dark comedy, it is much more successful when played straight- because the serious scenes are gripping. Bethy Poluikis leads an excellent cast that truly made me believe this family's dark history. fringeblog.webs.com ... full review

This show suffered from my high Lost Moon expectations, but it was still clever and well-performed, with live music and fantastic costumes to boot. fringeblog.webs.com ... full review

After starting 17 minutes late, this show was a mixed bag. The performers are definitely talented, but I didn't love a lot of the material, and I'd be surprised if there was any direction at all. I also wish the mic volume wasn't set so high in a room that doesn't even require a mic. fringeblog.webs.com... full review

A hilarious and unique theatrical experience. A melodramatic and speech-impeded private eye narrates his own film noir, casting the audience as all other parts- from whores to cops to bodies- along the way. Of course the chink in this plan is that not every audience member is witty and willing, but Deanna (Butt) is quick enough to handle whatever comes her way. I appreciated that she effectively brings the entire crowd together as one theatrical ensemble. Once the culprit is caught, there's an od... full review

Infidelity threatens a marriage in an unlikely way. A bizarre little theatrical bon bon- fascinating, funny, and well-performed. fringeblog.webs.com ... full review

A Japanese woman recalls growing up with her domineering father. She is a winning performer ("so much fucking heart" in my friend's words), although I don't think it was quite for me. I had reports of people leaving in tears, though by the end I was just checking my watch. fringeblog.webs.com... full review