Heather Dowling

GETTING THERE! Winner! BEST SOLO SHOW! 2023

heather dowling · June 22, 2023 certified reviewer
What a powerful and authentic "slice of my life" one person show - that is about SO much more than this one person. Rebecca shares a very funny and very real look at her life, riding daily on public transit in LA while being treated for breast cancer. We get to witness her journey through illness that holds up a mirror to her relationship to the world, to her family and to herself. And along the way, the characters we encounter are delightful, distinct and even lovable.... full review

Oh, Lorraine!

heather dowling · June 12, 2023 certified reviewer
I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that Vengeance Productions – the writer/actor/director trio of HFF16 Best Comedy Winner, Lamprey: Weekend of Vengeance – would deliver something so solidly funny on stage with OH LORRAINE! But what a fun, farcical, and tender rom-com. The writing was a joy even as it examined the possibility of a mentally impaired “Lorraine” and an unexpectedly dangerous “Del.” ... full review

Am I Really Jewish?

heather dowling · June 12, 2023 certified reviewer
This one-hour solo show lets us experience Art’s playful thought process as he considers this question, "too old to change?" He does not lean too heavily on stale wisdom with age musings, instead questioning if he is wise at all, or still just “silly and stupid.” All to say, there is nothing silly or stupid about this show and his performance. It was charming, thoughtful and packed with grand-Dad jokes. ... full review

Unwrapped: Life After Giftedness

heather dowling · June 12, 2023 certified reviewer
This young woman’s exploration of life as lived through her unique perspective – labeled by some as “gifted” and others as mental illness – she sends an extraordinary message of self-awareness. ... full review

The Toughest Man In Chicago

heather dowling · June 14, 2022 certified reviewer
What an exceptional example of how a one-person show can be entertaining AND relevant. Playing the legendary Chicago columnist, Mike Royko, Mitchell Bisschop brilliantly weaves together Royko's own columns to paint a picture of a man unafraid to use the report of his typewriter to take aim at some of the most corrupt and dangerous people (and prejudices) of his time and of the town he loved. ... full review

CAMP GINGER: AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL

heather dowling · June 14, 2022 certified reviewer
Steve is an exceptional performer, using his library of talents - acting, singing, writing AND playing the flute! The show is charming, allowing us to gently engage with some not-so-gentle themes. ... full review

DOG

heather dowling · June 14, 2022 certified reviewer
Extraordinary writing and a beautifully crafted performance. At the edge of my seat, and at the edge of tears at times. A powerful look at addiction and the pull of that desire to go numb. ... full review

Emergence: First Flight

heather dowling · June 14, 2022 certified reviewer
The search for purpose and self-expression is a frequent theme for Fringe shows. But Jenna Wadsworth McCarty invites the audience on a most intimate ride into her own exploration of purpose using all she is as an artist – poetry, song and even painting. With every note, and every brush stroke Jenna allows herself to be exposed and connected to everyone in the audience with passion and… well, purpose. It’s a beautiful journey honoring art and artistry as a way to express and connect.... full review

Ascension Day

heather dowling · June 14, 2022 certified reviewer
A charming and nostalgic piece, gently asking us to consider that "simpler times" may not have been so simple. ... full review

(It's Been 76 Years And We're) Still Waiting for Lefty

heather dowling · August 14, 2021 certified reviewer
STILL WAITING FOR LEFTY pulls back the curtain on some of toughest ethical questions and social concerns that have been pulled to the forefront in these incredibly trying times. The writing tackles these things from the micro, versus the macro, inviting us into intimate, personal conversations that demand you to examine your own point of view - and what you are willing to stand for. Beautifully written and beautifully executed by the team at Theatre Unleashed.... full review