Take Me To The Poorhouse

Originally posted in Bitter Lemons http://wp.me/p1ZQLV-adR Man. It's not all that often that you see a solo show where you want to take the performer home with you. The pocket-sized Liz Femi is just about the most adorable actor onstage ever, and her story of growing up middle-class in Nigeria - and being captivated by the "fiery tongues and fierce temperaments" of those around her who're living in poverty - is pretty much irresistible. The outrageously talented Ms. Femi portrays an 8-year-old girl who begins her onstage journey in dogged pursuit of a secret love, a poor boy at school. She takes a route that's at once familiar and unexpected; Jane Morris directs with a sure hand that grabs every comedic opportunity along the way, and ... full review

Liz Femi Wilson's brilliant juxtaposition of many character's kept me completely enveloped in this story. The use of physicality, speech and stage blocking made the story easy to follow. I truly enjoyed the familiarity of this Nigerian little girl's plight to gain a boy's attention, through her love of books, and American TV & film pop culture. Just shows the human condition is evident no matter what part of the world one resides.... full review

Liz is just mesmerizing to watch, we all were so engaged in her performance. Great experience, great group!... full review

Liz will make you fall in love with one woman shows again. My first comments,just after curtain, were, "Liz could have told this story with no dialogue at all." Due to her amazing use of physicality. I cared not a bit that there was no set (but for two blocks and a few slides). She held me in her power every minute. Well done.... full review

Liz is such a powerhouse! She's inspiring to watch.... full review

Liz Femi is positively effervescent! This is a beautifully told story that kept me laughing and "awww-ing" beginning to end. Don't miss it!... full review

What a brilliant performance! Thank you Liz.... full review

Liz Femi is a deliciously charming comic performer with exquisite control of her lithe, athletic frame and warm expressive face--a pleasure to behold. Solo performers would be wise to attend a performance of this show to see how Femi frames and focuses characters, seamlessly moving from one to another. And that face...oh, my. Such warm, sassy, funny, loving, and sardonic looks, telling it all in a glance. Alas, the acoustics in the back room of The Lounge where Femi performs this Fringe run are abominable. Most of the laughs in the packed room--and they were plentiful--came from the front two rows, because behind that, Femi's stage-Nigerian accent when given full voice bounced mercilessly between the brick walls and the wooden beamed ceili... full review

Amazing performer and great show. We felt it needed a bit more work on the plot as it felt a bit unfinished in some parts. And while it was hard to understand her speech/accent sometimes as she spoke so fast and confidently, that didn't matter -- her gestures, emotions, and intent were so clear and fantastic. See this show if you can get a ticket! More more!... full review

Liz Femi Wilson is an sophisticated expert performer, good enough to play Sat Night Live or any level. Here's she's mostly... comedy. Her performance is a tour-de-force of characters (mostly in her native Nigeria) who are exquisitely human and universal. The play is a true slice-of-life in a well, "adorable" little girl's life, so maybe it's a cheerful puddle of school, friends and family. The family meet adversity, the poorhouse may loom and Wali's hot square room where they end up is tough, but Liz's incredible performance ability shines right through it like a search-light. Bravo, Liz.... full review