Dan Ruth

McKinnon Powell is a compelling performer who dips deep into his well, amid a whirlwind of dark family chaos. Loaded with dark humor, and hair-raising stories from his journeys from Savannah to Los Angeles, "6 out of 10" is fueled by carefully etched, vivid characters and an uplifting and redemptive ending. This solo show, beautifully directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, far exceeds the score of its title.... full review

What a beautiful way to wind down the Fringe! Kylie Vincent’s show “Lesion Lady” is a true gift, I’m so grateful I got a chance to see this magnificent and intimate stand-up show! So funny, raw and honest, did I mention funny? Thank you, thank you, thank you! ... full review

I waited the entire festival to see Tuesday’s wildly irreverent show and it did NOT disappoint. With so many stories to tell, it was side-splitting evening of sight gags, and well, actual gags and since I’m of a certain age, I caught many of the music references. Thank you, April May June Cornflower Johnson for a hilarious and memorable show! ... full review

Terry Ray has written an astonishingly good, if not great play about a subject that is fresh and to my knowledge, uncharted on the stage. With a stellar cast of performers, Ray and company study, analyze, critique and dramatize this well-executed (pun intended) play about Lincoln's unspoken male besties. Amid a carefully illustrated timeline, we meet Mary Todd (different show), along with Lincoln's male partners, and their partners and so-on. "The Lincoln Debate" Is a remarkable, hysterical and t... full review

The subtitle of this clever and riotously funny musical could be, "I feel you, girl." For anyone who's ever wondered why Mr. Right has never come along, this show is for you! Don't fear, Julia Lopriore has had plenty of Mr. Wrong's and the twists, tales, old letters and jokes keep coming. Lopriore has a terrific legit singing voice, and her songs are infectious and fun. A wonderful musical to tame your inner relationship demons.... full review

"Bombshell" is Alli Herman's very well-researched solo play which takes place on a certain very dark night in Hollywood history. A true-to-life look at Anna Nicole Smith, and the demons that plagued her after the death of her husband, J. Howard Marshall, "Bombshell" is a surprising, riveting and entertaining send-off. Herman's portrayal is magnetic and full of surprises that you would need to see to fully comprehend. The detailing and use of props did not go unnoticed.... full review

We all need a Mrs. Claus like Tanya Dickson in our lives! If Mrs. Claus skipped out to Hollywood more often, the world would be such a better, light-hearted (albeit dirty) place. But what would Santa do? Who cares! "Roast Your Chestnuts" is a laugh-riot of a show that I hope Dickson takes to performing and honing for years to come! Full of dirty Christmas jokes and audience participation improv, "Chestnuts" is sure to brighten your world, even if Christmas isn't your thing, it will be now! Go see... full review

Stefan Marks is a spellbinder of a storyteller. Watching "My One Woman Show" begins with what seems a simple look at the honesty an artist goes through to create a solo play, but ends up somewhere completely different. It's a rocky journey and a celebration of life, love and devastating loss, with an impeccable actor who commands our attention the moment he steps foot onstage.... full review

"Ball Boy" is Ben Fisher's love letter to baseball. This show is loaded with stand-up stories of growing up on the East Coast and existing somewhere between the Yankees and the Red Sox with an Umpire father and dreams of breaking free from the social norms of the straight game. Growing up gay in a family where everyone played sports not only hit close to home for me, but Ben Fisher's experiences and stories hit the ball out of the park altogether. Fisher who admits to looking a great deal like Ji... full review

"Anxiety: The Musical!" is Jasmine Elist's autobiographical musical work, relating stories of fear, isolation, and self-deprecation through jubilant and entertaining sketches and songs. High praise for Elist from the start, as she admittedly wrote and performed this show because it made her face her performance fears head-on. With music by Adam Elder, Jasmine is to be further commended for penning the lyrics, for which she has a great gift. Zeroing in on one of the biggest trends in this year's f... full review