Carol M. Becker (she/her)

In Edward Mulryne's and Sahar Yousefi's play, Eggs, they share a story about a couple trying to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year with a long-distant parent reachable by FaceTime. While the show is told via the viewpoints of characters Eamon and Shaparak, the story might equally be pertaining to the relationship between Edward and Sahar. Certain questions come up: In a country full of immigrants, why is it so difficult to feel a sense of belonging? How is space created to respect each o... full review

Just like Green Gartside (lead singer of the band, Scritti Politti), Tabatha Myers is one-of-a-kind. In her solo show, How Do I Hold It?, Myers recounts a childhood fraught with medical ailments, issues being believed, and a platter of Jesus-Saves all your worries. Raised as a bi-racial child, music becomes a source of passion and escape. However, then, the unimaginable happens on an overseas trip to see and hear her favorite band play. Horrifically assaulted by a stranger, Myers grapples with... full review

Anyone looking to experience a taste of what a real vaudevillian performer would sound like, you've come to the right show! Heavenly performer Laural Meade, and her pianist/sidekick, Fred Cassidy, bring the essence of famed comedienne/singer Sophie Tucker to life in their Cabaret show, Ms. Tucker Will See You! And even if you have never heard of Tucker (I knew next to nothing), I promise you will enjoy learning about her and Meade. Expertly, Meade fuses Tucker's life with her own detailing so... full review

Any musical theatre fan knows that it takes more than great music and lyrics to make a show soar. It takes a heroic protagonist, a contemptible antagonist, and a captivating story with an arc that combines all the elements. Look no further as One Up: The Musical delivers the aforementioned plus 15 original songs, creative choreography, and a cast of 9 that rises to the occasion! As a child of the 80's who avidly played Nintendo, Playstation, and even the earlier Atari games, when I heard about... full review

Dolores is not an easy play to watch or digest; however, that does not take away from the importance of its messages. This two-person play deals with sisters and their dysfunctional relationship. Both of them are past victims of domestic abuse. And while one constantly attracts violent partners to her, the other feels she has moved on to a better life. A few questions the play asks are as follows: If siblings are estranged, are they obligated to be there for each other in times of turmoil? Do... full review

What starts as a comedic portrayal of a type-A, over-achieving woman turns into a serious exploration of what happens when disorder enters an otherwise by-the-clock life. Performer Abi Watkinson pens and performs an intimate solo show as a character with a story to tell. And that story focuses on appreciating life's untidy moments versus striving for perfection in them. While this is not Abi's personal story, her character, Maya, communicates with the audience in a straight-forward, matter-of-... full review

What do you get when you combine a sociopath, her PTSD suffering Dad, her younger suicidal brother, and some random Craigslist record buyers together? You get one of the funniest, most disturbing dramas the Hollywood Fringe is boasting this year! In Pam Eberhardt's play, Family Fries, she not only breaks the dial off of family dysfunction, she obliterates it. Full of manipulation, discord, and massive doses of insanity, what hope is there for this family? What are the options? Can a new and ... full review

In a show that questions what it means to be young, allow me to say that Pump Up the Volume: The Musical is as relevant today as in the 1990's (when the show takes place). While billed as a "Staged Concert," do not let that classification diminish the amazingly high production values present. This show, taking place in the Hudson's Backstage theatre, is the same caliber of any Hollywood Bowl concert I have seen. Every single element of this show is spectacular! Whether describing the talent o... full review

Part TED Talk, part history lesson, and part stream-of-consciousness introspection, Haig “Hike” Chahinian's solo show is a quiet, reflective journey. The youngest of three children to Armenian parents, Haig realizes that inherited trauma shapes him in unsuspecting and unsettling ways. Realizing that he is a homosexual who aches for partnership and children, his show highlights the adoption and challenges of raising of his bi-racial daughter. Some of the self-discoveries he shares include a man... full review

Saturdays at 10am is an ambitious, new musical that features a fun cast of performers. This show features an abundant supply of songs that highlight the talent of multiple cast members. As for the messaging, the heart of it speaks to attaining work/life balance and difficulties achieving success in today's workforce. Some big questions are at the crux of the musical: Why is bad behavior rewarded (or overlooked) in work settings? And, what happens when the promise of capitalism fails? If you wo... full review