Shari Barrett (she/her)

Caroline O'Meara dances on toe shows through thre3e different lives of a mysterious ballerina, born into poverty in the 15thh Century who rises to dance at the French Royal Court. But the show begins as she is auditioning for a 21st Century dance company which turns out to be less than a classical company. But what makes her show so engaging is the amount of improv she incorporates into it by calling upon several audience members to read lines as her cat, agent, the woman who runs the 21st Centur... full review

I have seen several productions of Poe poems and stories over the years. But none compared the artistry, intensity, and total immersion into his characters better than Stephen Smith. When I walked into the theater, he was sitting at a small and simple table composing a summary of the action sequence of an alcoholic who commits acts of great violence when drunk, often aimed at his beloved pet, a "black cat" devoted to him. Terrifying in the build up to the horrendous crimes he commits, for which h... full review

Not much to share about the confusing storyline and weakly-drawn supporting characters in this one. Much refining is needed to fully realize what the point of it really is. But I did enjoy how much the John Lennon impersonator really does resemble John.... full review

Don't go to this humorous take on the world of psychic mediums if you expect to really have your mind read. It's more of a generalized look at the ways in which readings can take place from your palm to your aura to tarot cards. Lots of improv needed to keep up with all the possibilities of asking strangers to participate with her onstage. But at least half of the time centers around the sexual antics between she and her husband who keeps time for the 5-minute readings. And with each of her "... full review

Kayla Boye is a powerhouse performer whose ability to step inside the soul of her characters will astound you, beginning from her intimately revealing portrayal of legendary Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor in 2022 to her current tour-de-force performance as Hollywood and Broadway dancing icon Ann Miller. I enjoyed Kayla's enthusiastic tap dancing and her recounting so many stories about how Ann, starting at age 14, met and danced her way through RKO Studios, MGM, and then took Broadway by storm. ... full review

It's difficult to believe that Jean ever felt self-conscious sharing about her life and body, given how self-assured she now appears when telling her story of developing her sexual awareness and awakening sure to resonant with all audiences members. With her stories sharing humor and heartbreak, Jean's open-armed loving nature will certainly make you want to share a hug with her after the show.... full review

Sam Lebrecque moves from self-deprecating humor through all the human emotions anyone trying to make a name for themselves in Hollywood will understand. Voiceover conversations, often with herself, take us from audition to audition, then from rejection to rejection. And all the while Sam's "Energy Bunny" choreography accompanying song parodies from stage and cinema will keep you entertained during her 50-minute show.... full review

Rainee Blake's portrayal of Joni Mitchell was amazing in its authenticity and offered a quiet respite from the craziness that is Fringe. It was like stepping back in time, entering a small club on the Sunset Strip below Laurel Canyon where Joni called home. A totally relaxing way to enjoy a drink and experience what the folk singers of the 60s were really like. ... full review

Although I am a "boomer' I can still appreciate the struggles of those millennials now finding the reality of living a financially stable life, given the job market, an impossible task. This musical. loosely based on the Les Mis characters, had me laughing from start to finish. I loved the idea of Javert being a bill collector, not able to collect a cent while Jean Valjean remains in school. So she (yes Valjean is female) goes about collecting degree after degree, but never able to get a job. A p... full review

Definitely my favorite Fringe show this year - so much so, I went to see it twice. Loved immersing myself into the action and getting to roam among the entire cast, speaking to all to gather clues about what happened to the Don during his Wake. I spent a lot of time assisting Wil, the detective hired to find out exactly who killed the Don. No two shows will be the same as different clues are given away, leasing to different people being guilty. The fun is in trying to figure it out. Oh, and be su... full review