The Wake

HIGHLY recommended. Just loved this one. Very dark, VERY funny. This writer/performer is a treasure. I will see anything he puts on in future.... full review

This is a solid piece of theater! Ben Moroski in this one-man show doesn't lose your attention for a second. The energy fluctuates and the story jerks in ways - in GOOD ways - that keep the viewer anxious to see what comes next! And it's been a while since I've seen such clever use of the fourth wall. Catch it while you can - you'll see what I mean!... full review

Writer/Actor Ben Moroski returns to Hollywood Fringe after taking a year off from his 2012 debut This Vicious Minute (review: here). His new one-man show (about a one-man show) centers on Pete Harrisburg, a damaged soul attempting to turn his pain into art by telling an audience about his most recent brush with love. Unfortunately, he’s in love with a corpse. Pete starts the play with an intense optimism that’s bound to waver under the weight of his story. Moroski judiciously chooses when to let the cracks show – deftly moving from confidence, to anger, to shame in an appropriately unhinged performance... Please read the rest of the review at <a href="http://cinesnatch.blogspot.com/2014/06/2014-hollywood-fringe-round-up-shame.html">Ci... full review

There is a reason this guy has won "Best of Fringe" in the past! I was riveted by his performance. He was honest, open, and had the audience leaning forward in their seats the entire time. The entire idea of the show was fun, engaging, and fluid. He starts the show by introducing the show and breaking the fourth wall with the audience. We are in a theater, watching this man perform. BUT it's all an act! You have to see it to really understand it! I found myself thinking that he was a sweetheart, a complete asshole, a pathetic horndog, a misunderstood gentleman, a crazy person, and a lonely heartthrob throughout his entire performance. GO SEE THIS. ... full review

As soon as Ben Moroski enters the space as Pete, a substitute teacher doing a one-man show, you know that this man is cracked. Unlike Moroski, Pete is not a natural performer and as he starts to do his show about his ex-girlfriend he breaks down as starts to tell us about this new girl he met, well ran over and took home after a party. Moroski’s insane energy pulls you in as he recounts the weekend with his new love, who to us is clearly dead. Nick Massough’s direction keeps the story running at a manic pace while allowing the calm quiet moments seep into our bones. Moroski somehow managed to create a character so deranged and damaged but surprisingly and oddly sweet. It’s dark, twisted, strange, creepy and hilarious. Don’t miss it! - ... full review

Meticulous writing/storytelling skills paired with intense, raw, delivery are the hallmark of Ben Moroski as a talent. The Wake dubs him a de facto force to be reckoned with. Read the full review: http://giaonthemove.com/2014/06/29/fringe-up-the-wake/... full review

The Wake - review by Pauline Adamek. ***This review first appeared on www.ArtsBeatLA.com ***   At the beginning of his one-person play The Wake, Ben Moroski — posing as ‘Pete Harrisburg’ — rushes in, introduces himself with a self-deprecating “I’m the asshole doing this play,” and then hands audience members flyers for this show. Moroski thus places an important distance between him — the writer and performer — and the character’s tale that unfolds. A hyperactive guy in a black suit and thin tie with slicked-back hair, Pete gives us a bit of a prologue to ‘the play’ by illustrating his recent backstory and explaining how an actor’s workshop has helped him get through “the heavy shit.” So at first, we are invited to attend the ‘wake’... full review

HOLYSHITTHISWASAWESOME. I *hate* one-person theatre with all the fiery passion of the nine hells, and I think this show is INCREDIBLE. Ben Moroski, raconteur nonpareil, takes the craft of solo storytelling to a new level with this dark, twisted, yet somehow endearing exploration of unconditional love. My pick for Best Solo Show 2014. ... full review

Ben Moroski is truly talented, and he and director Nick Massouh have created a very memorable night of theater. "The Wake" is a rambling, bizarre, impassioned story about a man who (accidentally) runs over a woman with his car and then falls in love with her. It's a strange, unexpected reflection on intimacy and human connection. It's also, surprisingly, a sort of meta-reflection on one-man shows and the idea of performance, as it's staged as a one-man show within a one-man show. I would recommend it just as a chance to see all that of which live theater is capable: just one man and one chair, onstage for an hour--and it's captivating.... full review

AWESOME show! Do not be mistaken--this is not an autobiographical one man show, it's a play with a wild story and a tour de force performance by Ben Moroski. Rarely do we see a performer so capture every second of our attention (and his script does the same), and Nick Massouh's direction is so seamless you're not even aware of his presence. Ben's going to be huge one day, see him now!!:)... full review