Matthew Martin

SO PROUDLY WE HAILED

matthew martin · June 11, 2023 certified reviewer
What a truly moving show. And I can only attest to the second group of shows, since there are two sets. And the ones I saw, of the three musicals, were brilliant. Just breathtaking. All three of the actors dug deep and disappeared into these incredible stories that at times I forgot they were actors and thought they were the real vets. It's so powerful. All the music and songs were on point and each piece was so well contained. I was moved several times and can't wait to check out the rest... full review

Befok (or the desperate attempt to impress Iñárritu)

matthew martin · June 11, 2023 certified reviewer
I had so much fun at this show. The work that Asta put into her character Lola is incredible. She truly disappears into this over the top struggling actress that you can't help but smile throughout the show. And as much as it is funny, this show has a lot of heart. The work between director and actor is very evident here and we the audience get taken on a wild ride that shows just how crazy things can get here in Hollywood.... full review

Things to Avoid in a Eulogy

matthew martin · June 11, 2023 certified reviewer
Just wow. There's only so many words I can find to describe this show. It's truly brilliant. It's smart. It's witty. It's emotional. It's deep. It's dark. And it is one of the best plays you will see at Fringe this year. The chemistry between the two actors on stage is incredible. They both push the other and continue to raise the bar from start to finish. You will find yourself laughing and crying. The director did a phenomenal job handling the pacing of the show to such a degree tha... full review

Keeper

matthew martin · June 09, 2023 certified reviewer
Wow! This is the second time I have seen this show, the first being a preview performance last year while Michelle was working on it. And let me tell you, the growth in this piece is amazing. Michelle's writing and performance are easily some of the best you will see at Fringe this year. Her story will break your heart, bring you to tears, and lift you up. It's hilarious at times. It's incredibly heartfelt at times. And thanks to the space, this show is in your face. It's bold and unforgiv... full review

Unwrapped: Life After Giftedness

matthew martin · June 06, 2023 certified reviewer
What a truly brilliant, witty, and heartfelt show. The journey Kira takes us on is not only hilarious at times, but also pulls at your heart. You get a true sense of just how special she is, and how hard her journey has been thus far. It is obvious from the beginning that she is not an actress, she actually tells you this, but that is a huge part of why her show works. It's honest. It's vulnerable. And it is the kind of show that will make you smile, make you laugh, and even make you cry. S... full review

The Sad Life Of A Happy Man

matthew martin · June 03, 2023 certified reviewer
First, I can't believe I'm the first review. How are people not exploding over this show and gushing about it. It is currently my choice for Pick of the Fringe. Ty's performance, and writing, is just incredible. He not only takes you inside his mind to give you a severe taste of what someone with Depression might be dealing with, he does it with such grace and ease. His transition from character to character is not only seamless, but effortless. He has such amazing control over his talent a... full review

YONIVERSE (formerly: YONI KI KAHANIYA)

matthew martin · June 03, 2023 certified reviewer
What a show! These four women take you on an incredible journey through the lives and struggles and it is brilliant. You get such an view of what they dealt with, what probably so many women deal with, and it is not only emotional, but hilarious and strong. Each actress brings to the piece something different, allowing us to get several perspectives on the subject of their Yoni. And even for a guy, it is a relatable and wonderful thing to see. I highly recommend this piece to everyone!... full review

Asexuality! The Solo Musical

matthew martin · June 21, 2022 uncertified reviewer
Breathtaking! Emotional! Heartbreaking! Rewarding! Passionate! Hilarious! I could probably go on with adjectives for this show, but I won't. Let me just say this. Rebecca McGlynn is not only one of the best performers you'll see at Fringe this year, but she is one of the most talented writers I have ever met. This show covers so much ground. The depths of emotion that Becca goes to is just incredible. I found myself laughing, crying, getting angry, and feeling so much joy that I couldn't ... full review

The Toughest Man In Chicago

matthew martin · June 21, 2022 certified reviewer
Bisschop lights up the stage in this incredible solo show that proves to audiences that he is one of the best actors in Hollywood. Taking on the roles of Mike Royko and Studs Terkel, Mitchell digs deep and gives so much to his performance that you feel you are actually listening to these two journalism giants chronicle some of the most powerful moments in history. It's amazing. The pacing is on point as he takes his audience on a journey they are not expecting, but so glad they attended. If y... full review

Bunny the Elf LIVE!

matthew martin · June 20, 2019 certified reviewer
OMG! I loved this show! I am a huge fan of Christmas films and the season itself, and this show delivered 100%. From the first moment you meet our main character, the audience is in love with her. This show takes us on such a fun ride through the eyes of such a great character. We believe her naivete and at the same time feel for her when things don't line up for her. We cheer for her. We cry for her. Christi has created one of the funnest, most endearing characters you'll see at Fringe t... full review