Jim Martyka

It’s not often you get to see someone willingly break themselves apart in front of your eyes for the purposes of not only personal catharsis, but to also share the very important lesson of how only you can define you. Solo shows often include the artist revealing themselves in front of an audience, but I’ve never seen anyone do it more real and raw than powerhouse performer Holly Sidell in “Deconstructing Holly.” Without giving too much away, it was incredible to watch Holly as she explored the l... full review

I can't remember a show at Fringe I've had more fun attending. Full disclaimer, I'm a huuuuuge baseball fan so this show had me smiling at parts, audibly cheering, and yes, tearing up. But the beauty of this show is that you don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy it (though by the end of it, Brett Moore just might make you one!). "Batter Up" is more about mesmerizing storytelling from the guy next door, the wonder of nostalgia, mixed with some of the most impressive parlor tricks you'll ever se... full review

Great casting and chemistry from all the actors. A fascinating sneak peek behind the scenes of a crucial moment in The Beatles' history. Would have loved to have seen more, as this was entertaining from start to finish. You don't even have to be the biggest Beatles fan to appreciate the context of this show. But for those of us who are big fans, there are also some fun subtle tidbits sprinkled throughout the show. One of my favs that I've seen thus far!... full review

This was a fascinating show. Equal parts heartbreaking and (oddly) inspiring. I was completely blown away by this world that these two incredibly gifted artists created and how they were able to pull you into it within the first few minutes. As it went on, you not only understood their "longing," you felt it with them. They also provide the space for you to identify your own longing as they gently, but strikingly make the struggle universal. This is a very artistic show, one meant for Fringe, and... full review

If you like biopics, this is a great one to check out! Very fine acting, directing and writing that brings back one of the literary world's most intriguing personalities and the scandal the defined the latter part of his life. Full of insight and heart, the show is a fascinating look at the effects of our obsessions.... full review

Just a fun, funny, short and sweet collection of one-acts! A talented cast keeps things light and clearly has a blast playing with each other. Very solid work by everyone!... full review

Simply put, Laura Jo Trexler is glorious! This show is almost unreal in how good it is! This is a Broadway level performer tackling some of the most complex characters in all of theatre and doing so with original material. What stuck with me the most, beyond the clever and captivating songs that capture a side of The Bard's heroines never seen before and the brilliant talent Trexler has as a musician is that this is an actress who could play all of these roles! That's damn near impossible to find... full review

Catch Steve Chang doing some standup and storytelling right now, while you can still afford it because pretty soon, he's gonna be headlining. Raw, brutal, honest and just f***ing hysterical, this is a no-holds-barred look at three rather incredible experiences in his life. He holds your hand through the journey even as he's slapping you along the way, which makes for great fun. A dead-panned performer who gets his crowd rowdy and ain't afraid to say to get things uncomfortable, Chang is a daring ... full review

Anyone who has ever seen Chris Piehler perform knows he is simply charming to watch and his new solo show is no exception! He is an extremely heartfelt performer who knows how to generate the laughs (often at his own expense) and guide his audience through the tougher times. We're right there with him and it's an incredibly rewarding and purely "human" experience. This show is a wonderfully refreshing new approach to dealing with grief, a true treasure. Plus, there are baked goods!... full review

The first thing you notice when you watch this show is that Star Stone is a fearless performer who connects with her audience and commands the stage. Simply put, she is a PRESENCE. Her story is a truly unique journey through an issue that is shaping the future of our society and what she has to share is important to hear. And she is so honest through all of it, the good and the bad, that you can't help but be right there with her. A common problem with solo shows is that the range of characters a... full review