Cleaner Than Blood

Take three disparate characters with vengeful agendas, add a basement, a weapon, and some very good liquor, and you have the basis for an intense evening with good performances. Alex Scott has directed a complex piece with a deft hand. Think dark. From the script to the stage lighting. A moody but intriguing piece of theater. It starts mid action and never lets go. ... full review

What starts as a Tarantino-esque scene between two guys in a cellar twists, turns and transforms into something much deeper and more moving over the course of a tight hour. The direction is crisp, creating a palpable sense of tension that intensifies as secrets are revealed. And all three performances are fully committed, making these characters come to life in all their darkness, struggle and tragedy. A damn fine show that deserves an audience. If you're looking for something on the engrossingly dark and thought provoking side--check it out!... full review

Jen Silverman's new play "Cleaner Than Blood" is a psychological maze through the minds of three young people who have all been tormented by a single figure. The fragile, desperate figures bare their teeth to one another, the fissures of their own resolve beginning to spread. Strong performances from the cast all-around: Kjai Block, with his honest and delicate portrayal of a man wronged so many years ago shines in the moments when he seems most at ease with what he must do. Austin Ireland's "Paul" is menacing and yet somehow magnetic; you're never quite sure whether to slap him or to share a drink with him. Maggie Blake's "Marr" is wonderful; every line is a weapon, and every flash of the whites of her eyes a warning - like a snake, she... full review

I found this to be a refreshing piece of theatre. The richness of the characters, the surprises in the plot, the actors' commitment, the director's compassion for his work all contribute to a complex, intriguing and beautiful piece of work in which everyone very clearly gave there all. This dark show that somehow makes you laugh, keeps you still in your seat and wanting to know more. ... full review

Alex Scott brings another fantastic show to Fringe this year. Cleaner Than Blood should be on everyone's must see list for this year's Festival! The simple but detailed set and dimmed lights set the mood immediately for what is going to unfold over the next hour. The actors are spot on in their roles and the dialogue keeps you on the edge of your seat for the full hour. Alex Scott does such an amazing job bringing this piece to life. This is a show that will keep you thinking afterwards! Make time in your schedule to see this one!... full review

"Cleaner Than Blood" seems to be the kind of play that is perfect for the Fringe Festival. Slightly on the edge and giving a new writer the opportunity to have a play in front of an audience. The play is inconsistent in its style, but I was particularly impressed with Austin Iredale who was given the opportunity to fully explode emotionally.... full review

Director/Producer Alex Scott is in love with drama. And so is the rest of this excellent crew. I liked Scott's 2012 Fringe offering, Nostalgium, and Jen Silverman's taught Cleaner than Blood is even better. This is a focused, well directed evening of creepy tension, dark humor, and good acting from Maggie Blake, Kjai Block, and especially the rangy and dangerous-looking Austin Iredale who totally inhabits his edgy character. From the music that precedes the play to the set and lighting, all enhance this satisfying evening of theater. I have a friend who goes to the theater alone and sees lots of Equity Waiver and Fringe plays. He says, "I like it live, and I like it up close." I told him he has got to see Cleaner than Blood.... full review

Several reviews have called this show a "psychological thriller." I wouldn't call it that. Instead, it was a wonderfully-acted, fast-paced mystery about love and injury.... full review

Alex Scott and I have been friends since last year's Fringe, so I knew I wanted to see this show. I just didn't expect to be blown away by it. The story was unique with lots of surprises. The acting was superb in every way. The lighting and set design were just the right combination to convey the subtleties of the subplots. Plus they were smart enough to allow the audience to use their imagination. Add them all together and you have a Fringe hit. Don't miss it.... full review

Definitely a must see. This is one of those projects where everything melded together in such an extraordinary way and made for some great theater. The storytelling by all three actors was intriguing and there was not a single beat missed. The writing and character development from the playwright is some of the best I have seen during his entire fringe season. The direction was superb and the designers nailed it on the head. ... full review