What I liked
- Emily Blackwell’s Performance: Her portrayal of Tensil Newbottom is nothing short of fantastic. Her comedic timing and improvisational skills are impeccable, making each performance uniquely hilarious and memorable.
- Audience Interaction: I’m usually someone who doesn’t like to be called on during shows, but every time I’ve attended “Show Em Your Best,” I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the action. Emily’s interactions with the crowd are engaging and lively, making me even hope to be picked for whatever activity Tensil has in store.
- Fresh and Spontaneous Content: Despite its structured format, the show feels new and fresh with each viewing. Emily’s improvisation keeps the experience exciting and unpredictable.
- Blend of Comedy and Wisdom: The self-help seminar theme is not only hilarious but also surprisingly insightful. The advice given during the show is genuinely good, adding depth to the entertainment.
- Overall Enjoyment: Each time I’ve seen the play, I’ve left with a big smile, thoroughly entertained and uplifted. It’s clear that everyone in the audience enjoys themselves immensely.
What I didn't like
• Sound Check: During the last performance, there were some mic issues. However, like a true professional, Emily Blackwell fought through it and performed without the mic, sounding fantastic. If she’s going to use a mic, a simple sound check prior to the show would be helpful.
• More Audience Participation: Because the crowd is so into the show, it might be even more engaging to have additional moments where the audience chants certain slogans out loud together. This could enhance the interactive experience even further.
My overall impression
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing “Show Em Your Best with Tensil Newbottom” starring Emily Blackwell as Tensil Newbottom three times now, and each experience has been a delightful revelation. This one-woman show is a masterclass in improvisational comedy, blending a structured format with spontaneous, fresh content every single performance.
Emily Blackwell’s portrayal of Tensil Newbottom is nothing short of fantastic. Her ability to engage with the audience and make them a part of the show breathes life into every moment, ensuring that no two shows are ever the same. Her comedic timing and improvisational skills are impeccable, making each performance uniquely hilarious and memorable.
The premise of the play—a self-help seminar led by the quirky and endearing Tensil Newbottom—provides a perfect backdrop for Emily’s talent. Amidst the laughter and lightheartedness, the show actually offers genuinely good advice, which adds an unexpected layer of depth to the experience. It’s a rare and wonderful blend of entertainment and wisdom.
Every time I’ve attended, I’ve seen people leaving with big smiles, discussing their favorite parts and the clever interactions they had with Tensil. It’s clear that everyone thoroughly enjoys themselves, making “Show Em Your Best” a must-see.
If you haven’t seen this show yet, I highly recommend it. Emily Blackwell as Tensil Newbottom is an absolute joy to watch, and this play is a brilliant piece of theater that promises laughter, interaction, and even a bit of insightful self-reflection. An amazing play that continues to captivate and entertain with each performance.
