al rahn

"Waiting For Godomino's" is nothing like you'd expect. And yet... exactly what you'd expect? I mean, U2 waiting for pizza delivery in a Samuel Beckett nightmare? It's nothing short of genius. I was howling from start to finish. Richard Lucas has created a bizarre new genre of post-modern-absurdism. Like a snake eating its own tale, the comedy constantly collapses on itself in your mind, "Inception"-style, which only makes it funnier. And yet, there is a poignant message about celebrity, wealth... full review

"Hot Combs" etc.! A fun, eccentric, and quirky series of sketches featuring a cast of dazzling African-American actresses. This is a funny, sometimes weird, interactive show, showcasing some real talent. I had a great time!... full review

I'm not always a big fan of jukebox cabaret type shows, but I had a great time with the inmates at "Psychosical"! This talented cast of the 2 Cents Theatre Co. are the real deal, and took me on a crazy fun ride. Seriously incredible vocals. Seriously. Super fun direction. A killer band. And at its core, a big, beautiful heart. If you're looking for a raucous, rocking night at the Fringe (one you can drink through), what more could you ask for?... full review

"This Our Now" is a sweet, complex drama about modern relationships that really showcases the talents of a passionate group of young actors. I was shocked to learn that actress Olivia Cordell is also the show's playwright, as the script has the maturity and an awareness of a seasoned vet. Aubrey Rinehart's inventive direction also shines in this piece, with movement that perfectly matches Cordell's flowy, overlapping dialogue. I think these two are a dynamic duo who really have the talent to m... full review

Poignant, intense, beautiful! I had all of the feels seeing "Ladies In Waiting". James Canfield has written a wonderful script, performed with great poise by the author himself and 6 OUTSTANDING up-and-coming actresses. These Ladies are the real frickin' deal. If you love historical drama, don't wait to see this show (see what I did there? ;) ... full review

Katie Molinaro is a stand-out performer in "RSVP: RIP", bringing cleverness, comedy, and relatability to a character who would otherwise be so easy to hate. The music was fitting (if a little 'dated' - kind of an Avril Lavigne pop-punk thang), Molinaro & guitarist Dana Wells work great together, and Molinaro has great intonation (#choirnerd). A funny and original concept about the nature of "living the Hollywood dream" may leave non-Angelenos feeling a bit out-of-the-joke, but the scathing commen... full review

Thomas Christenson's "Divine Teat" is a bizarrely funny piece, placing the audience as, well, the audience of a retro, spiritual self-help session led by quirky guru Juergen Liebedich (played by Christenson himself). While I was a big fan of the character (it reminded me of something straight out of SNL), and Christenson's charm and confidence was the definitive highlight, the script was a little loose for my tastes and left me wanting more from this German madman. I got the feeling that writin... full review

Though I missed her performance at Fringe, I saw Michelle's "(Refried) Bean" (aka Bean REDUX) at another solo show festival earlier in the year - and was blown away. Michelle takes a fresh approach to the well-traveled road of "one-human show about relationships", masterfully juggling over a dozen vivid & distinct characters, and not losing the audience even for a moment. Where many one-human shows tend to feel a little too self-aware and/or conversational for my taste, "Bean" is a polished per... full review

Reading a synopsis of "Bonnie's Future Sisters" may turn some average dudes off (what with all the sisterhood & emotion & what-have-you). But as an average dude myself, I must say I had a fantastic time at this show! Sascha Alexander is a STAR, and the rest of the all-female ensemble played their roles pitch perfectly. Though I wasn't completely in love with the script from a story perspective, I was absolutely in awe of Meagan Gambling's hysterical and spot-the-f***-on dialogue. This group of ta... full review

"Germaine" is certainly a stand-out for me, and thus far my favorite show at the Fringe. Rachel Germaine's near-universal story of sibling rivalry still manages to stay unique and dramatically interesting, taking all the right twists at all the right times. The audience was captivated. Rachel is an incredible storyteller and, though her style was a bit more improvisatory and stand-up-y than I would have liked for this setting, she does it in her own way, and you can't help but respect her choices... full review