Michael Franco

M.A.D.D. About The Boy

michael franco · June 24, 2023 certified reviewer
This is one of those shows that makes Fringe exciting and fun. This show is a diamond in an over full field of coal, just a wonderful surprise. Written and performed to perfection, Ms. Gayer has us from the moment the lights come up. Her mane of wild curls bouncing madly as she spits her lines from the perch atop her peloton. She looks like a lion closing in at full speed on its prey. Feral and Ferocious, laying down a little science while working a hula hoop. The Charlie Brown adult squawking gi... full review

Stuck

michael franco · June 22, 2023 certified reviewer
I'm somewhat shocked to find that this was written by a woman because I just felt like this play didn't like women very much. In fairness the cast was lovely, accomplished , got a few laughs and were for the most part committed. engaging and delivered an excellent performance. ... full review

The Movement You Need (a work in progress)

michael franco · June 22, 2023 uncertified reviewer
Hunt is a national treasure and this work in process far surpasses most fully realized shows. It's devastatingly personal and honest and lovely. So happy to have had the opportunity to do it.... full review

Not My Grandmother's Daughter

michael franco · June 22, 2023 certified reviewer
I loved this show. I jumped out of my seat to applaud. I was chastised by a fellow audience member who didn't share my opinion - it wasn't edgy enough, it didn't have teeth. I suppose and thats why I love this piece. It's just a story. A story told with love and care and craft and it's not trying to be anything else. It's pure, it's warm, we love this performer from the moment she greets us. She connects, she welcomes us into a memory, asking us to go some place in our minds and then brings us i... full review

Boy Crazy Psycho Slut

michael franco · June 22, 2023 certified reviewer
Solid story by a skilled performer. A fifty year journey through a life. Highs and lows marked by music and hair choices. Honest and poignant.... full review

Oh, Lorraine!

michael franco · June 21, 2023 certified reviewer
Laugh out loud funny. Stellar performances by the Fluet and Keranen, surrounded by a wonderful ensemble. Fluet's play flourishes under Victor Issac's direction and delivers this roller coaster of a production. A first date between Lorraine who has some issues and a hit man might be their last.... full review

School for Love

michael franco · June 21, 2023 certified reviewer
That I was at a dinner theater in the Catskills in the 1950's. It's a great tongue in cheek take on a bunch of great love songs sung by an amazing cast of singers. Great voices and Great performances!... full review

The Ho Who Got A Bad Review & Tracked Down...

michael franco · June 17, 2023 certified reviewer
A skilled and engaging performance.... full review

I'm Just Not That Girl

michael franco · June 17, 2023 certified reviewer
This a woman who knows what she wants and is down and no bullshit and that was this performance. A flawed character to be sure, fucked over by men who don't deserve her, to be sure. But we are with her, rooting for her because she is self aware and because she takes responsibility for her behaviors and ultimately out grows her neediness and that is in and of itself, attractive. Ultimately we want her to succeed and are left with the confidence that she will be. ... full review

BRAVE FACE

michael franco · June 17, 2023 certified reviewer
This show was difficult for me and I suppose to a certain extent as a man, it's supposed to be. THIS SHOW DESERVES BETTER ATTENDANCE than what they had the night I saw it. As for the play, I think at its heart this show is about the line between sexual violence and consent and wanting to start a conversation and come to some degree of understanding in that, but I also think it's about power. Sex as a tool. In this play the fucking rotten excuses for men that exist in this characters world o... full review

michael franco