Brian Knudson

BULGER BOYS

brian knudson · July 24, 2024 certified reviewer
Joe is coiled intensity in this fascinating history lesson of two brothers on divergent paths. Joe's ability to switch roles at lightening speed makes for electrifying dialogue and a consistently engaging story. Bravo!... full review

No Sabo (formerly “Habla y te Salvas: True Stories of a No Sabo Kid from Queens & his Guayaco Dad”)

brian knudson · July 23, 2024 certified reviewer
I've never seen a show where a son shares the stage with his biological father and much of the dynamic is unscripted, raw and authentic! It was quickly apparent that father and son have inhabited two different worlds, not just in personality, temperament and language but also literally, as they were once estranged. They have now reunited to mine through their messy relationship right in front of us, in a loosely scripted format in real time. I applaud Christopher for his uniquely intimate appro... full review

Convenience

brian knudson · June 28, 2024 certified reviewer
It took guts for Janya to perform a show about her psychosis. She manages to let us in to her over-analytical and often disorganized thought process without alienating us because she weaves her "episodes" together with guiding side comments and interludes to the audience, demonstrating she can think normally, be fully cognizant and charming. ... full review

ASTROLOGICALLY SCREWED

brian knudson · June 25, 2024 certified reviewer
With her boundless energy, big heart, smokey voice and strong writing skills, Pam has once again proven herself a local treasure! Although I've enjoyed all of Pam's solo shows over the years, this particular story absolutely fascinated me. Psychic phenomena has always invited skepticism and even ridicule, but Pam's very personal and moving story just might make the dismissive types reconsider their beliefs. This show pulls you in and makes you wonder. And when in the hands of a captivating storyt... full review

The Godmother

brian knudson · June 20, 2024 certified reviewer
To portray an infamous Colombian drug lord convincingly, an actor needs explosive charisma and swagger. Melina has this in spades, along with an impressive athleticism that results in a commanding solo performance!... full review

DND Betches!

brian knudson · June 18, 2024 certified reviewer
I've never played DND and after seeing this play, it really didn't matter! The host explained the rules clearly, the three amusing players were quite different personality types, the challenges were easy to follow, and the actor portraying the monsters was hilarious! ... full review

Parlour Games

brian knudson · June 18, 2024 certified reviewer
I became a fan of Elizabeth's writing after seeing her award-winning HFF23 play Dream Big. She's on a hot streak as this play is every bit as imaginative, but more fun and twisted! With a whimsical lead character and a Fringey plot twist, I was thoroughly and happily entertained.... full review

This Was Never Supposed To Be A One Woman Show

brian knudson · June 26, 2023 certified reviewer
This show was THE most moving experience I had at Fringe this year. It's so smartly written. Samantha's improvisational background informs her storytelling ability, which comes across unscripted and spontaneous. It's as if she's simply sharing with a close friend in the moment, and there's plenty of humor throughout! But the real magic and power lies in her ability to stay emotionally present as she moves through her struggles with her mental health. And that final song left me in tears.... full review

Jolly Playtime

brian knudson · June 05, 2023 certified reviewer
Funny show! Jace and Molly had good chemistry and sharp instincts when bouncing off audience suggestions/participation. Much of their improv was hilarious! For me, the key to their magic is nothing appeared forced. They stayed connected and listened, while letting their imaginations run amok. Amazing to watch!... full review

Oleanna

brian knudson · June 04, 2023 certified reviewer
My review is with fresh eyes as I admittedly have never seen this Mamet play, which he wrote way back in 1992. (It was also adapted into a film, starring William H Macy). Fortunately, actors Jean- Michel Richaud and Claire Wagner were up to the task of tackling Mamet's language and they did it brilliantly! Miguel Perez's smooth, organic direction also deserves accolades. This is a searing drama, a power struggle between professor and student and it left me stunned at the end. It's still so releva... full review

brian knudson