Jim Hanna

LIGHTS - CAMERA - LYLA! The Second Act

jim hanna · June 14, 2017 certified reviewer
Great news, Fringe! LYLA'S BACK! Fringe legend Jeffrey Wylie has brought his eternally beloved Lyla back and I grinned stupidly throughout (between all the laughs). Lyla is so damned likable and funny and earnest. The silliness is always rippled with sincerity and a little heartache and it makes for the most delightful hour you'll find at Fringe (or two hours if you catch her re-mount of "Lyla Loves Texas.") ... full review

Fuck Tinder

jim hanna · June 14, 2017 certified reviewer
An utterly engaging, honest, hilarious and at times disturbing solo show. The wickedly funny and incisive writing made spectacular by the singularly gifted story-teller. You could read it and be entertained but when brought to life by the wildly compelling performance of David Rodwin, it's explosively entertaining. Go see it!... full review

The Faggot King or The Troublesome Reign of Edward II

jim hanna · June 14, 2017 certified reviewer
Scarcely a surprise but The School of Night folks have killed it again. I always marvel at their ability to cram so much (fights, music, elaborate costuming, raves, first-rate performances) into so little (short run time, small space). It's a wildly entertaining spectacle that deserves all the eyes it can get. Go see it!... full review

Bono and The Edge Waiting for Godomino's

jim hanna · June 14, 2017 certified reviewer
One of my favorites of the Fringe so far. I'm not too well steeped in the intricacies of "Waiting for Godot" (nor U2 for that matter) but when the writing is so silly/smart and the performances are so outstanding, it really doesn't matter. This is a brisk, hilarious, thoughtful production you should definitely add to your "must-see" list.... full review

Definition of Man

jim hanna · June 12, 2017 uncertified reviewer
A striking and beautiful blend of language, physicality and acting; just when I thought one aspect was the most dominating, I was thrown for a loop. All three elements are given their due in this thought-provoking and gorgeous production. Connection and communication are perpetually maddening, necessary and often transcendent. Each quality is brought into stark relief when boiled down from the crush of humanity to the struggles of two individuals aching to crack this eternal human puzzle. The pow... full review

Dead Dog's Bone: A Birthday Play

jim hanna · June 27, 2015 certified reviewer
This is thoroughly outstanding and well-executed show; charming and lovable actors, crisp, inventive writing and a few little tech and staging miracles. Really touching and funny! One of the gems of this year's Fringe!... full review

The Poe Show

jim hanna · June 26, 2015 certified reviewer
I'll be brief. This is by far the funniest thing I've seen at Fringe this year. Not. Even. Close. So smart, so stupid, so inventive, so everything. If you miss this, may God have mercy on your soul. Well done Ed, et al!... full review

Shakespeare's Last Night Out (or What? YOU, Will??)

jim hanna · June 26, 2015 certified reviewer
Ever see a show and snort quietly, smugly to yourself, "I could do that"? I have never once said that watching Michael Shaw Fisher. My head was about to fly off my neck trying to figure out which element had me reeling the most. "It's the near-demented commitment to character. No, No, it's the shockingly inventive lyrics. Nope, the most jaw dropping thing is the music itself. Fuck it...I give up." At root, the best thing about this show is the certainty you'll have that Fisher is KILLING himself ... full review

Why Water Falls

jim hanna · June 26, 2015 certified reviewer
This is a truly lovely production. Leigh writes beautifully and tells her story so sweetly and simply. Plenty of laughs and a couple of emotional gut-punches will you keep you totally engaged. Well done, Leigh!... full review

BEYOND - Unemployed. Finally.

jim hanna · June 23, 2015 certified reviewer
The impossibly engaging Heather Dowling starts off on a traditional solo show track: A charming and hysterical storyteller spins out a winning tale stuffed full of funny and touching characters. But something else is going on here. And when she finally takes you to some of the darker, more touching moments, she kicks you right in the teeth. I think my favorite part is that there's a spoiler right in the title! You know where she's going, especially since you see her right in front of your very ey... full review