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The Time Machine

Dramatic Theatre · Benjamin McFadden · Ages 12+ · United States of America

Family Friendly Pay What You Can World Premiere
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the time machine

Review by DAVID PARKE

June 24, 2025 certified reviewer
tagged as: puppetry · minimalist · inventive

What I liked

The acting in this show was top notch all around. The cast’s ability to seamlessly move in and out of the “story” and the “scene” was quite literally marvelous—fluid, precise, and funny when appropriate, without ever feeling forced..
The puppetry, too, was a standout surprise. Inventive and full of character, it added a tactile sense of wonder that elevated the show’s visual language. It honestly made me wish for a Labyrinth/Henson-style film adaptation. The blend of performance and stagecraft here sparked the imagination in a way that few adaptations manage.

What I didn't like

I would love to see it moved to a larger space with a larger budget but it worked so well in this space, it didn’t require it – just would be cool to see what else they could do with it!

My overall impression

I had a blast! What an achievement, what a cast, what an adaptation. I haven’t read the novel but I just picked it up to see how closely it aligns with the show. I enjoyed what I remembered from the 1960 film.

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the time machine