Cindy Marie Jenkins

The Divine Madness of Isabella

cindy marie jenkins · June 15, 2012 certified reviewer
This piece is a decent introduction to life as a female with poetic tendencies in the 16th century, with decisions being made for her and fighting with the more bawdy diva in the troupe. Being encouraged to try on masks and take pictures in the lobby made for a jovial start. I just wanted more depth, more breath, less of a fever pitch throughout the entire 90 minutes and much more distinction between characters. Next week I'm writing more on the themes and Isabella for LA Female Playwrights I... full review

pool (no water) by Mark Ravenhill

cindy marie jenkins · June 14, 2012 certified reviewer
A friend suggested this production and I'm glad I got the experience. From the first images and spot-on costume for the artist who "made" it, I was totally riveted. The story made me question experience of life vs art and everything in-between. Ultimately, however, it made me question what the creators think of artists as a whole. Except in very rare cases when characters barely considered acting civil for a split second before indulging in selfish, drug and unhappiness-fueled actions, everyone c... full review

Round Rock

cindy marie jenkins · June 10, 2012 certified reviewer
I only started loving westerns in the last few years, and "Round Rock" was a rocking good time. The relationships balanced nicely with the action, and the layers of history added a nice reality to the story. Especially interesting were some characters struggling with the new rules, new territory and laws newly made in a typically lawless land. Everyone in the large cast held their own and I especially loved the female special agent, and two actors who played a few different roles and made eac... full review

Tape

cindy marie jenkins · June 10, 2012 certified reviewer
Seeing this play made me really happy I'm selective about which friends I stay in touch with from high school.... Fascinating story and excellent performances. You can tell this team delved into all the sides of these characters and not just the ones they understood. I knew a little more going into the show than others because of my interview with the director, but even so, the twists and turns and trap doors into which they fell kept me spellbound the whole time.... full review

The Last Five Years

cindy marie jenkins · June 09, 2012 certified reviewer
Wonderful storytelling and imagery, anyone at any stage of a relationship will be affected by The Last Five Years. I went into it naive of the music and details, and the two actors Nate and Aly completely drew me into their internal and external lives. Brown's lyrics and timing give great insight into how two talented people in love in their twenties can...well, let's just say they don't make the best choices all of the time. When they do, and their timing actually works out for the best, you wi... full review

Four Clowns presents That Beautiful Laugh

cindy marie jenkins · June 09, 2012 certified reviewer
Just go. Have a great time, feel that the world is beautiful for 80 minutes and leave with a magical lilt. There's good reason that 4 Clowns have the reputation they have.... full review

Altarcations

cindy marie jenkins · June 09, 2012 certified reviewer
Brave. That word came to mind after seeing "Altarcations." Add difficult topics to complex characters with a dose of the Holy Spirit and that might begin to describe my experience seeing this show. From the poignant imagery of the very first scene through powerful acting and surprises, you truly don't want to miss this show. Minus one production element that said a little too clearly the thoughts running through my head, the strength of this story and the people trapped within it will hau... full review

Headscarf and the Angry Bitch

cindy marie jenkins · June 20, 2011 uncertified reviewer
I heard this show was fantastic and sold out in earlier Fringes, and I was not disappointed at all. Zehra Fazal delivers a wonderfully conducted bumpy journey through her Muslim upbringing through song and just the right mix of props, lazzi, and pure entertainment. She treats delicate subjects lightly enough but with sincere emotional foundation, which lends itself beautifully to the cultural questions exposed in her story. 4 more shows and I seriously suggest that everyone see it before she leav... full review

Endgame

cindy marie jenkins · June 20, 2011 uncertified reviewer
Endgame is a fun one-act by David Wisehart that keeps you guessing. Sometimes it sacrifices character for rhythm, but soon the actors win you over and the story evolves into an introspective journey. Simplicity works completely in this production's favor, though it felt like it needed a subtly different feel when the story takes a new turn. ... full review

Evolution of a Kiss

cindy marie jenkins · June 14, 2011 uncertified reviewer
Evolution is a beautiful story told by a great storyteller. Brinkman is completely present, talking to her audience and letting us into the private lives of these three generations of women's first kisses. She and her director crafted the material and people she portrays with a gentle ferocity, immediately connecting the audience to their stories. I cannot say enough of her performance. Brinkman didn't just change voices or intentions or how she was dressed, she seemed to change her soul for ... full review