Ceremony

"Ceremony" is a moving and fascinating story anchored by a strong, compelling performer who takes the audience on a ride with a sure hand. Michael Kass is warm, engaging and funny - a skilled actor the audience can trust. I didn't know anything about Ayahuasca before seeing "Ceremony" and didn't need to in order to connect with the deeply human themes of finding danger and joy while taking risks, discovering compassion for ourselves, and the sheer pleasure of adventure. Go see this show for a smart funny night in the theater.... full review

This show was great! It was honest and heartfelt and sweet. With out being schmaltzy or self indulgent. Michael Kass takes us through his childhood up to his adulthood with whit humor, and emotion. The story is intimate, and moves along quickly leaving the viewer wanting more. More!... full review

This show was the most moving performance I've ever seen on stage (and I have seen a great many). It's a story about losing your mind and finding yourself (but not necessarily in that order) that remained surprisingly hilarious, given the subject matter. It was beautifully acted and written... with excellent sound direction. I truly felt Kass' emotion throughout. It was obvious that the experience had a profound effect on him, and he effectively projected this onto his audience with a story that was both incredibly engaging and brutally honest. I wish more shows were like this. You must see Ceremony.... full review

If you are seeing just one show this Fringe Festival, this is the one to choose. Kass, an award-winning storyteller familiar from The Moth Grandslam and other venues, brings the audience along on an indescribable journey that begins in Washington, DC and culminates in the Andes of Peru. Touching, poignant, laugh-out-loud funny, and ultimately beautiful, Kass's inspiring story will appeal to people of all stripes, and anybody who has ever pondered "is this what I want out of life?". Through crisp writing, sharp direction, and impeccable sound design, Kass and company remind you of just how magical theater can be, as they transport the audience to a distant world that is simultaneously completely familiar and totally alien. DEFINITELY A... full review

It's proving hard to write a review that doesn't reek of cheese. I laughed and cried and barely budged an inch. Raw, engrossing and inspired, Michael's honesty and humor are all his own and yet, his journey is universal. He's a kick ass storyteller. Go see and hear and remember. Go. You'll be glad you did. Congrats Mike!... full review

Go and take this journey with Michael Kass. You won't be sorry. This story is so vivid and well performed you'll forget there's only one person on stage. A must see!... full review

Michael Kass carried me along with him on a journey that covered a lot of “ground” in a short time. I felt I was flying with him, experiencing in turns, transformative moments and plummets toward the rocky bottom of reality and our shared vulnerabilities. Brilliant. ... full review

GO! Michael Kass is a master storyteller, and this is his meisterwerk. Ceremony is about so many things, but what stands out is the delicacy, dark humor, ease, honesty, and pure artistry and technique with which Kass weaves his tale. He is in complete control of his sometimes very personal material. He is eminently likable on stage while telling a story that is riveting, sometimes scary, strange as hell, and yet a universal tale. And cudos on the detailed and alluring sound design as well. I work in audio, and I kept wondering, how the hell are they doing that?!? ... full review

Best show of the Fringe. No contest. Go see this show. It will make you want to get up and DO SOMETHING. It will make you want to create or live or take a chance, to break out of the bubble you currently live in. And a great show, that is expertly written, acted, designed and directed that also makes you want to change your life is kind of the best thing you can hope for when going to see a play.... full review