Cookie & The Monster

Take something personal and make it universal. That's a credo most writers strive for (ones that hope for connection, anyway.) Jaime Andrews' COOKIE & THE MONSTER does just that, taking the specific hell of her adolescence during the late 80's and early 90's (a guesstimate going on the Jesus and Mary Chain tee one character wears and the strains of Depeche Mode's Violator eking out) and making it infinitely relatable to anyone who ever wanted out. Out of town, out of the house, out of their own seemingly miserable lives and bodies. Andrews is a genuine stage presence, taking us from kindergarten through high school, all the while accompanied by her inner voice, (portrayed by a genuinely rollicking Scott Leggett) dubbed Monster. No matte... full review

This wonderful show starts out---it seems---as a light childhood tale, but it doesn't stay there. Come and see where it takes you. Funny and moving, I highly recommend it.... full review

What brave and honest story telling. Jaime Andrews has written a heartbreaking and at times hilarious tale populated by her immensely talented ensemble cast, most of whom play multiple roles. Well directed and staged by JJ Mayes.. A great theatrical experience. ... full review

This is an amazing, brave and insightful show. Jaime Andrews takes us on a journey through a young girl's life from kindergarten into college. Not only is it all well acted, but it has a depth that surprises. All this with hysterical moments and painful heartbreak. This is a wonderful show. Please go and see it, you won't be disappointed.... full review

Fun stagecraft and comedy combine with honest, moving writing and subject. You should definitely go.... full review

I saw the review night & then went back Saturday for more. The play is so well written. A tough storyline told with youthful enthusiasm filled with happiness, sadness & angst. The cast is so well placed. Everyone shines in this dark gem. Jaime Andrews is my hero & I applaud her amazing work with this. ... full review

Cookie & The Monster was funny, disturbing and poignant. Performers nailed it. Sort of a twisted after school special. Loved it!... full review

Fearless. Fierce. Honest. Dark. Funny. Imagine a girl growing up with a monster from "Where the Wild Things Are." Autobiographically-based plays are hard: they're hard to write, to perform, and to watch. Ms. Andrews succeeds where most artists fail in this genre. She wrote and plays a character that is subjected to and participates in the urges of her monster, and we take that ride with her. It ain't preachy or didactic, just experiential. It's based on Ms. Andrew's life, but I bet there are a lot of other people who can personally relate. This is the kind of play I'd like to see touring high schools with paid actors. I think it could be a catalyst for dialogue between parents, teachers, and students. And have the students moderate the ta... full review

This real-life fairy tale celebrates all of the very worst humiliations a suburban dystopia has to offer a young anti-heroine. With clever direction by JJ Mayes and well-balanced performances across the entire ensemble, Jaime Andrews as the cute but committable Cookie leads a rag tag cast of high octane utility players through the maze of school reputation angst, drug-fueled "decision" making, and almost relationships with so-called friends. It was hysterically painful and laughably bleak and I loved every minute of it.... full review

Go see this play!!! The writing and the acting are fantastic. You will laugh, cry and after the show...days later you will think about your own monster when you hear him/her in your head. I can't say enough good things about this play. Read all the great reviews and go see it for fringe sake!... full review