Ashley Steed

Taking all of the tropes of “a band of misfits come together to save the day”, Robot Teammate has created another musical that — although committed — doesn’t take itself too seriously. Set in 4242, this group of Earthlings must race the far-superior Martians around the sun with a ship made out of tuna cans. Needless to say, the odds are against them. Having created the show based on their musical improv, this show combines energetic rock music with catchy and witty lyrics in a tightly woven 55... full review

This modern adaptation of the Narcissus and Echo myth blends it with current environmental issues surrounding clean and accessible water. Written and directed by Elizabeth Lanier and original music by Ian Michaels and Jetta Juriansz, this crew has created a show that is both humorous and affecting. Echo (played Jetta Juriansz, who displays a gorgeous voice) works as the marketing director for Watair, a synthetic water company owned by Zeus. Hera, Zeus’ wife, owns a rival synthetic water compan... full review

Adaptations of absurdist authors, such as that of Daniil Kharms, must be met with the greatest care with crisp and sharp performances. Thankfully adaptor and director Olya Petrakova and her ensemble have done just that. Having gone in with no knowledge of the Russian author and thus having no context for the work, I thoroughly enjoyed the series of sketches largely due to the phenomenal performances. Done in wonderfully traditional clowning, the ensemble perfectly embodies the absurd and surre... full review

When I opened my press packet and saw a headshot of Jesus, I knew I was in for comically blasphemous night. As the title suggests, this series of sketches explores the faith behind Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Now that’s a huge topic, which is why some of the sketches work better than others. The evening is framed as a 1975 Human Improvement Conference, with an opening by Dr. Doug Delante (Brennan Kelleher) welcoming us to the conference and the future of science. Then immediately after is... full review

Dear Regan Linton and Laura Alsum, you are such an inspiration. No seriously, if I leave a show actively wanting to work with people that’s pretty damn inspiring. This series of sardonic sketches by Linton and Alsum explores the plight of the gimplecapped (a portmanteau of gimp, crippled, and handicapped) mainly in interactions with often well-meaning non-disabled people. Some moments need re-working and fine-tuning but for the most part Sore Thumb Group has put together a collection of hil... full review

This beautiful movement-dance piece directed by Sam Szabo and Samantha Shay, is wonderfully inventive and stunning. The ensemble of eight moves with great control and dexterity and have expressive and engaging facial expressions. Although there’s not much of a story line here (and when you think you have some sort of a narrative it changes pace completely), the sheer beauty of the piece washes over you and is incredibly interesting to watch. Again, the ensemble’s focus and dedication must be p... full review

There’s no doubt that body image is still very much an issue for most women – at least most women I know (myself included) have expressed some sort of dissatisfaction with their own body. Here we meet four women at a liposuction clinic. The play is interspersed with monologues, childhood flashbacks, and playground songs. The text is highly problematic as it tries to be too many dogmatic issues into one 40-minute play, but there are a few lovely poetic moments. The only reason the play doesn’t ... full review

This play manages to be both high-concept and emotionally powerful. Done entirely verse rhyme, Mikle Maher’s play about two William Blake professors who the night before were caught making love on the college green are now to apologize to the student body. Tiger Reel’s direction keeps the poetry accessible and rhythm and pace never drop. Jack Young’s exuberant Bernard who gives a lecture on Blake’s “The Song of Innocence” brings you into the world of the play and speaks the poetry with aplomb.... full review

Love can drive you mad – as evident in this well structured dark farce by Steve Yockey. There is not one sane character in this play, which could’ve gone completely wrong if it weren’t for Tom Beyer’s sharp direction and his ensemble’s finely nuanced performances – I believed they were all functional crazies just living their crazy lives. The plot centers on accident prone Evan’s (Alexis Delarosa) latest injury – a supposed stabbing while he was jogging in the park. His flakey sister Ellen (Es... full review

Do you get off on danger?! Do you like watching two guys walk on glass, put nails up their nose, swallow needles and shoot at each others faces?! Then you need to go see David and Leeman! This duo is definitely a delight to watch. They bring together traditional magic tricks and stunts mixed in with great banter and self-deprecating humor. Overall this was a very polished and entertaining set. The theme of danger is wonderfully incorporated throughout the show with the human blockhead, glas... full review