Darren Mangler

Fathers at a Game

darren mangler · June 29, 2013 uncertified reviewer
I read the writer's input on the script in the program. It said he wasn't a football fan...so why right about football? It was painfully obvious that he didn't know about the game or the culture and it was just a vehicle to "surprise" us with the true message of the play. The only reason I liked it is because the actors did incredible things with what they had to work with. The set was imaginative and simplistically outstanding. Wendy Elizabeth Abraham only had a moment but nailed it. I wish she ... full review

Rodeo Town

darren mangler · June 29, 2013 uncertified reviewer
The acting was outstanding. Story wise, you knew you should be tense but you didn't know why. I loved that. A lot of questions were left unanswered but that just gives us as an audience leeway to come up with our own solutions. Very Pinter. Good stuff. ... full review

Aesopera

darren mangler · June 26, 2013 certified reviewer
Thank God for Jefferey Stackhouse! He is a powerhouse on stage. From a back-stabbing father to a bitter frog, Jeff brought incredible timing, acting and song. The other singers were very talented! The only gripe was I couldn't understand most of their words even though they were singing in English. The show itself was constantly trying. Trying to do what, I don't know, but I could see it trying. I'm glad I saw it. It should definitely be in the Fringe community. ... full review

Fancy! A Southern Gothic Camp Parable

darren mangler · June 26, 2013 certified reviewer
If we don't see this actress on the silver screen soon, I'd be surprised. ... full review

Daddy

darren mangler · June 22, 2013 uncertified reviewer
What many playwrites and screenwriters miss when writing a deep, dark drama is that there are moments that are so tense and ridiculous in life that it's funny. The subject matter of a shunned sister trying to make her way back into her family by confronting her sister on their father's sexual abuse couldn't be more serious. Yet, there are moments of genuine hilarity. And not just the comic relief of the significant others, but by the banter of the sisters. My biggest laugh came off the mother's l... full review

David and Leeman: How to Convincingly Fake Honesty

darren mangler · June 21, 2013 uncertified reviewer
Both these guys have incredible stage charisma. Their interaction with the audience was pleasant and made us want to be a part of the show where most other magicians make you cringe at the thought. The show was fast paced and never lagged. It's a show where you can sit back, not care about how they do it, and let their magic blow your mind. I could not recommend this show enough. Top Notch. ... full review

Go Ahead, Make My...

darren mangler · June 17, 2013 certified reviewer
A play written, cast, directed, memorized and performed in 24 hours. Holy Expletive! The greatest thing about this idea is that the writers all have different techniques and styles. The actors have to go on first instinct which is very often refreshing. This group of 7 short plays was a great showing! The actors looked like they were having fun and the directors all put their stamp on each piece which was pretty impressive. I hope TU makes this project a permanent piece of the Fringe ... full review

[title of show]

darren mangler · June 14, 2013 uncertified reviewer
When a cast loves each other and the show they are in, it's super evident on stage. These four actor/ singers were engaged, playful, monster talented and crazy charismatic. This will be the one show this year I'm jealous as hell I'm not in. The songs are catchy and the story line is a writers best and worst dream. Although it's very centered around New York and the Broadway scene, the references don't matter when you see the excitement in the actors face when talking about it. The music director,... full review

25 Plays Per Hour

darren mangler · June 14, 2013 uncertified reviewer
The director Aaron Kozak killed it. Courtney Bell and Lee Pollero crushed it. Bethy Poluikis nailed accents and timing like a champ. New TUer Anthony Rutowicz was throwing great stuff all over that stage. Hire Danny Grossman for all your politician and dad roles! Alessandra Bonetti and the rest of the cast had some great moments. With 25 ultra short plays, you are going to get some gems and some stinkers. But as a show, it's totally worth your time. Created by Jacob Smith for Theater Unleashed, t... full review

The Pokemusical

darren mangler · June 13, 2013 certified reviewer
Even if you have never seen the cartoon, played the video or card games, go see this just for the pure joy of absurdity. Actually I'm kind of envious of those who don't know the Pokemon saga, they might actually walk away with a totally different interpretation like seeing a Pinter or Beckett play. Although the music was pedestrian, the singers and actors brought solid energy and likeability. If for no other reason, go to this show and let the Jigglypuff song blow your f'n sane mind! ... full review