Jim Blanchette (he/him)

A great piece to show off all the things that Scott can do as a performer, not the least of which was his ability to do crowd work. The video elements accentuated the theme tension of the story, but mostly, this felt like a grand event whose purpose was to get to know Scott. And we really did. Neither illness nor technical difficulties kept Scott from reaching our hearts.... full review

It is no surprise that this innovative show arrived with accolades from other Fringe Festivals. The absurd relationship between a man (Prith Khalsa) and his banana. Wonderfully comedic and surprisingly touching, Prith takes us on a relationship journey that bends the laws of believability yet feels comforting and familiar. It is amazing that this is his first solo effort, but I am certain it won't be his last. It was simply pure comedic excellence.... full review

This show was magic to me! Not only did I get to experience an honest to goodness parody of an old-timey Melodrama, but Suzanne Seyfi's smart and hilarious script made sure that if you had NEVER seen a Melodrama before, you would still enjoy the heck out if this show. Every member of the cast was chewing the scenery with vigor. I was absolutely delighted by this family friendly romp. I can't wait to see what this ensemble does next, but I hope Pining at the Prickly Pear Patch has another life pos... full review

Peyton Ashby's bawdy yet poignant exploration of transgender life in the current climate, under the guise of the iconic Lucinda, aka Lady Satan. The club atmosphere is cut expertly with political commentary, transgender history and some good old-fashioned roasting of incompetent ne'er-do-wells. Even after a few moments of despair, Lady Satan rises to bring us all together in love and support. Peyton tells it like it is, and you absolutely love her for it. ... full review

I came solely on the recommendation of another Fringer and didn't quite know what to expect. If he had explained it to me, I would have still had to experience this delightfully absurd theatre piece. Part sketch show, part surreal mood piece, Claire Robin takes us on a ride of strange delights, including surprising burlesque, an avant-garde communion, and, of course, light housekeeping. Wonderfully weird doesn't begin to summarize this show, but I hope she makes a return to Hollywood for a future... full review

Dinosaurs makes its triumphant return to HFF 2026 in a preparatory run for its Edinburgh debut. Mandy Rubelli's smart script blends the insane reality of a time travelling dinosaur with the exploration of trauma born from sexual assault. These two seemingly disparate plots weave through each other and give us a wholly satisfying hour of entertainment. This show will take Edinburgh by storm.... full review

This campy rock opera hits on all the classic tropes as a troubled rock band finds itself in a supernatural murder mystery. This all-female cast couple fantastic harmonies that legendary rockers Heart would be jealous of. The story has enough twists and turns to keep the story moving, while the music melts your face off. It's easy to see why they added a performance after Fringe. Lots of fun.... full review

Shahin Sayadi beautifully presented folk tale kept us on the edge of our seats, a thinly veiled nod to the troubles in his native Iran. Through dance, myth and well-crafted character work, Shahin gives us an unrequited love poem to his country and its unrest. A simply beautiful hour of theatre.... full review

Mozhdeh Rahmanzaei gives a very personal account of the personal struggles of an actor who is trying to grow in a country that severely limits creative endeavors. Reminiscent of the story of the graphic novel Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, her path through life is fraught with obstacles. As someone with extended family members that escaped from Iran after the Shah was deposed, it is sad but unsurprising how little has changed. A powerful and meaningful evening of theatre.... full review

If you play a tabletop role playing game (TTRPG), you have been at this table. The campaign has a successful ending, but then the real-world creeps in. When friendship bonds are tested, the group tries its best to keep the room convivial, with mixed results. This is a great slice of life play from a life more and more of us are becoming familiar with. An excellent Fringe debut effort from Stray Rat Media... full review