Carol M. Becker (she/her)

Director, Dramaturg, Performer, Composer, Writer, Reviewer

Cross My Heart

carol m. becker · June 16, 2023 certified reviewer
From concept to execution, this whole show pretty much stole my heart. Who doesn't love an honest heart-to-heart conversation with their 11-year old PUPPET-like self? Who wouldn't want to call their adult-self out on some of the b.s. coming down the pike? Who wouldn't be both surprised or terrified of several truth bombs being hurled at you by yourself, while also finding comfort from that same self? All I can say is that Hannah and Cole were both thoroughly entertaining from start to finish ... full review

Rotten Apple

carol m. becker · June 16, 2023 certified reviewer
Inspirational showcase of how strong the human spirit can be in spite of the unimaginable! With a blending of the courageous, the devastating, the humorous, the religious, Mariela Castillo's solo show was indeed, one worth journey this audience member enjoyed being transported on. The overall messaging about when one rotten apple is able to be planted, my... the things it is able to do was spot on glorious!... full review

YONIVERSE (formerly: YONI KI KAHANIYA)

carol m. becker · June 15, 2023 certified reviewer
Female empowerment personified and brought to life straight from the "source" or yoni by four EXTREMELY gifted actresses, each formidable storytellers in their own, unique right, a top-notch, detail-specific director, and exceptional designers who highlight the best of what the Fringe can do... I declare this is a MUST SEE!! The moments of laughter coupled with moments of fear, anger, uncertainty, and exploration were so brilliantly woven together, I just applaud this team of talent and wish con... full review

Fishbowl Sonata

carol m. becker · June 12, 2023 certified reviewer
Hypnotic. Dark. Mesmerizing. Resonant. Those are the first four words that come to mind when I think of this show a few days after seeing it. Many parts were haunting and deliciously performed by this talented ensemble of CalArts students. No doubt, experimental theatre is alive and kicking in this very unique and original drama by Skylar Shen and her team. Kudos on some truly striking work!... full review

At Capacity!

carol m. becker · June 10, 2023 certified reviewer
While I will honestly say this show is most definitely still a work-in-progress, it does not diminish the fact that the topic(s) it addresses are heavy, heartbreaking, and ones that are most often swept under the rug. This is an incredibly ambitious undertaking and we need to applaud artists and shows that dare to take risks. I have no doubt that this creative team is not where they want to be, but I'd encourage audiences to come in with an open mind and allow your imagination to go where this ... full review

Rhythm Delivered

carol m. becker · June 05, 2023 certified reviewer
Cleaning supplies, buckets, boxes, and bubble wrap never looked (or SOUNDED) so badass! My favorite kind of dancing - TAP coupled with a whole lotta drumming?? Yes, please!! This family-friendly, wham-bam rhythm explosion was a lot of fun! And the fact that the audience was at many times, an active participant made this 60-minute show a frolic for the eyes and ears! What a high-energy, strong, and cohesive ensemble of performers!! ... full review

GETTING THERE! Winner! BEST SOLO SHOW! 2023

carol m. becker · June 03, 2023 certified reviewer
Come ready to feel all the FEELS!! This solo show is chock-full of such blissful humor (most of it, stand-up comedy level worthy), such endearing tenderness, and such raw chutzpah, it's impossible not to cheer for Cancer THRIVER, Rebecca O'Brien! While describing her various encounters on the bus and along the way to treatment, you get to meet a glorious hodgepodge of individuals, some friendlier than others. At the end of the show, I loved the message about finding your TEAM and allowing them... full review

The Shape of Me

carol m. becker · June 26, 2022 certified reviewer
Women flaunting their unique, beautiful, curvaceous shapes in all their glorious splendor? SIGN. ME. UP. At times, brutally heart-breaking tales were shared and other times, pure celebratory positivity came out. I really found myself THRILLED to be an audience member of The Shape of Me!! How could you not? Anyone suffering from any type of body dysmorphia (guilty party, right here) could relate to what Amanda and Vejune shared. I found myself clapping so much, tearing up, and laughing behin... full review

No One Will Be Immune and other plays and pieces

carol m. becker · June 25, 2022 certified reviewer
Brimming with a constant, energetic pulse, No One Will Be Immune, et. al., explores the lesser known works of frenetic playwright, David Mamet. Luckily for the audience, the performers were up to the task of keeping pace and delivering these provocative, probing, humorous and sometimes, emotionally distraught pieces to life! I definitely see great things in store with this company going forward and look forward to seeing them flex their acting and directing chops on other playwrights' works or ... full review

25 Plays Per Hour

carol m. becker · June 25, 2022 certified reviewer
A fun pastiche of writing styles/genres explored by an ensemble of flexible, strongly versatile performers equals an hour of enjoyment!! For those familiar with the improv show "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind," this theme of moving from one piece to another and then another, etc., will seem familiar. Clever idea that was very well executed!!... full review

carol m. becker