Alex Knox

The Devil and Billy Markham

alex knox · July 02, 2013 certified reviewer
Watching this show, I kept thinking of the phrase "actor meets role." As in, Aaron Lyons was BORN to do this show. With masterful ease, he inhabits the roles of the Narrator, the Devil, Billy, God, and a host of colorful characters, bringing Shel Silverstein's brilliant words into the audience's lap, literally. Make no mistake, Aaron owns the show, but every element in the production contributes to making it a truly special experience - the band (Carlos Felipe Flores, Kevin Katich, and Hank Dough... full review

Cleaner Than Blood

alex knox · July 02, 2013 certified reviewer
This play is a breath of fresh air in the midst of a humid summer where lighthearted fluff is all too common. Like the cool, metal innards of a grandfather clock, this play's cogs and wheels click and turn with precision and deadly certainty. Jen Silverman's writing is sharp and economic, and the actors are excellent - Kjai Block displays heartfelt vulnerability, Maggie Blake contains her pain behind a hardened coldness, and Austin Iredale is a live wire, exuding quiet torture. Director Alex Scot... full review

Fancy! A Southern Gothic Camp Parable

alex knox · June 26, 2013 certified reviewer
As Fancy Jean Baker, Chris Farah is the epitome of beauty, wit, and sass. At the sold-out closing show last night, Farah expertly worked the raucous crowd with polished comedic timing and even acknowledged the intrusive sounds of a rock band rehearsing next door without missing a beat (no pun intended). But what appealed to me most about Fancy was the childlike innocence with which she approached the sometimes coldhearted world. Her sweetness could melt any heart. Fancy, you did NOT let me down.... full review

Sewer Rats at Sea

alex knox · June 24, 2013 certified reviewer
To me this play felt like a poem, gliding along effortlessly and revealing surprising depth and heartache beneath the breezy surface. I can't wait to see what this young playwright produces next - her writing already sparkles with the wit and confidence of someone far beyond her years. Gently helmed by Aaron Lyons, the show clips along, without sacrificing moments softness and vulnerability. Special kudos to Cameron Miller - in his brief stage time he brings striking honesty and truly delivers so... full review

Shakespeare's "King Phycus"

alex knox · June 17, 2013 certified reviewer
The Flynnsmen present a spirited, galloping romp through Tom Willmorth's good-natured send-up of Shakespeare's canon, with all the zeal and unbridled delight of kindergarten class let loose in a candy shop. Highlights include Belene Green's ball-crushing dominatrix MacBetty, Drew Doyle's sardonically professorial Chorus, Buck Zachary's endearingly Uncle Fester-like Gloucester, Patrick Wenk-Wolff's snarling, hapless Phycus, Abby Wilde's lisping soothsayer and vivacious Juliet, and Jason Thomas' m... full review

EXORCISTIC: the Rock Musical Parody Experiment

alex knox · June 10, 2013 certified reviewer
An explosion of theatrical inventiveness and rock and roll energy, EXORCISTIC is not your average rock musical. I came to this show expecting a rollicking, clever, horror movie send-up, and though I did get that, I also got a wildly creative, meta-theatrical mind-trip that was shocking, hilarious, and inspiring, overflowing with talent and ecstatic rock-n-roll zeal. Kudos to Michael Shaw Fisher, Michael Teoli, and the fantastic live band for the insanely catchy melodies and director Pat Towne for... full review

Little Pussy

alex knox · June 10, 2013 certified reviewer
John Grady epitomizes the usage of economy - with the tiniest gesture, a dart of his piercing eyes, or a single word, he speaks volumes. He paints pictures with his body and voice, each brushstroke deliberate and masterful. We meet John as a boy and see him grow into a man as he wrestles with his vulnerabilities. Grady's performance is at times heartbreaking, quietly beautiful, and laugh out loud hilarious. Don't miss this chance to see a master performer at work. ... full review

JESUS RIDE

alex knox · June 10, 2013 certified reviewer
From the moment you step into the theater, you know this show is going to be uniquely delightful. Heck, you know before you even step inside - but I don't want to give anything away. Just be prepared for a theatrical experience that is truly a RIDE -- sharp-witted solo performer Mike Schlitt and his ninja-like production team whisk the proceedings along with the fluidity and unexpected twists and turns of a really excellent theme park roller coaster. Schlitt brings scholarly insight, manic cartoo... full review

BOBBYWOOD: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BOBBY THE BELLBOY?

alex knox · June 07, 2013 certified reviewer
Bill Ratner creates a heartfelt and eloquent tribute to his uncle Bobby. Meeting Bobby is at times shocking, hilarious, cringe-worthy -- but Ratner navigates his uncle's charms and foibles like an Olympic hurdler. The ultimate tribute (and to me, one of the most magical onstage moments of recent memory) is watching Ratner re-enact a classic radio drama live on stage. With seamless musical accompaniment and Ratner's deft vocal characterizations, a bygone era comes to life before your eyes. And if ... full review