Ian Federgreen

This is a weird one. The problem, I think, is two competing ideas- the comic notion of children performing Shakespeare's "most violent play," and then their director having a mental breakdown, which is not played for laughs at all. The kids are so good, and present the actual bits from the play so well, I sort of resented the interruptions. The director (credited only as "Mr. Benjamin") is finely acted, but his going mad doesn't really ring true, as the kids continue to act around him, and espe... full review

This is the Fringe version of a long-time Sacred Fools tradition- five short plays enter, and the audience votes on which three return for another installment. [Eventually the best will face-off and a winner declared]. Terry Tocantins hosted with a Mad Hatter energy, shouting out production credits somewhat needlessly, since that same info was in the program. The shows ran the gamut from filthy musical to time-traveling detective to horror to sci-fi and romantic-comedy. While the writing was a mi... full review

For all it's post-apocalyptic stabbing and rat-eating, the biggest surprise about Thug Tunnel is what a classically-structured, well-made musical it is. The 80s-style score is bouncy, fun, and semi-annoyingly still in my head. And while the book needs some tweaking, this actually feels like it could be an even longer piece. The cast plays their parts to the hilt- it seems unfair to single out anyone, though how could you not give a shoutout to Stabby Rick? Dave Reynolds has a Jack Black energy wi... full review

This show is a big silly blast. I've seen various versions of these mini-musicals (and was even in one), but this production is probably definitive. I laughed a ton, even knowing what was coming. That's thanks to smart writing and an energetic, creative cast. Everyone gets a chance to shine, and every single line is played for all it's worth. Some neat choreography and fast-moving direction complete the picture. If you don't have fun at this show, you're kind of a jerk...... full review

I first saw Rebecca Larsen in a short show that was funny, moving, and beautiful. When another actress took over, I realized the show was stupid and it was Larsen herself who was funny, moving, and beautiful. Here, she plays Beryl Swiver, a slightly self-involved chanteuse whose life story "just so happens" to set up clever, tuneful trunk songs from Richard Levinson (also accompanying). Larsen is a riot and sings beautifully. But the real magic is watching her walk the tightrope between real pers... full review

The show is an extended character sketch. The character is a cross between Bill Murray's lounge singer and Jennifer Coolidge from Best In Show. A has-been celebrity regales us with stories and her spin on old pop songs (I especially liked a rumba take on The Sounds Of Silence). It starts out very funny, but certainly loses steam as it goes. Interspersed video pieces keep killing the momentum. Still, Mimi von Schack (Julianne) has sharp timing and a great voice. Accompanist/ MD Dan Ring lends inva... full review

This show was adapted from (what I assume is) a religious-themed self-help book. That said, it is so well-crafted and well-performed, even those who wouldn't touch the book should find something to enjoy here. Lynn Downey Braswell, who also adapted, is an incredibly winning performer. She relates her story (learning to calm the voices in your head, be happy with what you've got, etcccccccc....) with warmth, energy and deeply felt emotion. She is helped immeasurably by a trio of talented women (pl... full review

It's not surprising Tell Me On A Sunday is rarely done- a one-woman sung-through show where the only person onstage seems not to be the main character. That is to say, she is almost entirely defined by her relationships with a series of men- I believe this show, ironically, does not pass the "Bechdel test" since she discusses (or sings of) little else. It is also not hard to see, though, why the role would be an attractive challenge for Shannon Nelson. Her wide eyes and small frame seem tailor... full review

Generally strong performances buoy but can't really save this sort-of-amusing show that aims for the irreverence of Urinetown but is rarely that clever. Wesley Tunison and Danny Fetter have fun in multiple roles, Jared Reed distinguishes well between nerdy Melvin and his hero alter ego, and Kim Dalton displays sharp comic timing plus pulls off the neat trick of believably playing blind. Even the stage crew gets some laughs. But the book is more silly-dumb than silly-funny, the score is mediocre, ... full review