How to Eat a Bear

Hilarious! The best kind of “dumb” comedy, brought to you by great performers that really bring a cartoonish quality to the whole thing. Not my first time being surprised at something being a musical, but probably the most I’ve ever enjoyed a musical surprise. ... full review

A lovely comedic play that has true heart, you could tell that the actors absolutely adored performing in this play, and you can't help but smile at seeing the sincere joy on their faces. The musical numbers were a huge highlight for me. I appreciate how fast-paced the dialogue was and the momentum of the play started at a 10 and stayed there the entire time, making for an engaging theatrical experience ... full review

A farcical coming of age story that examines the very real epidemic of young men struggling to find role models in a machismo focused world. Written and starring Max Stine and Luke Balagia, How To Eat a Bear plays like a wild episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia or Mitchell and Webb’s Peep Show, especially the latter, all the way down to the charming, if not extremely misguided, comedic duo. You truly enjoy watching these two venture through a comedy of errors, with some fun supporting performances from Katelyn Berrios and Bevin Hamilton showing off their versatility in multiple roles and narration provided by the titular Bear himself, played by Ben Paddon, with a voice like honey. ... full review

How to eat a bear has everything you could ask for. The actors are so energetic and the shows pace goes by at a hilariously rapid pace as the two dive more and more into their idiotic idea of fighting and eating a bear. They did'nt let the restrictions of budget or the fringe guidelines limit them everything was still incredibly bombastic and over the top. Really enjoyed how each part and individual scene has something different keeping the play refreshing and interesting. I was a huge fan of all the Musical Elements. The rap was absolutely hilarious and the two did not miss a beat with the energy. It was a silly show with a nice message and of fun! Brimming with creativity and passion. Definitely go check this one out!... full review

Dumb as hell (complimentary)... full review

HOW TO EAT A BEAR stars two knuckleheads on a quest for individuation. This show has a strong hooliganist voice but is still coming into its own, its strength lying with its acting performances. Perhaps my personal favorite part was the bear himself, whose actor presented a charming and sophisticated animal in a brashly cartoonish world. The two leads did a good job of differentiating their characters from one another, both taking different approaches to the buffoonery fun. This show has heart and with some tightening of the script, it will carry its own momentum with more ease. A rowdy, rambunctious romp. ... full review

Felt like I was watching a live action cartoon. Great energy and commitment and non stop bits.... full review

I love stupid and silly when it's well done and this did not disappoint! Fast paced and broad, great use of supporting characters. And props. Kudos to the craftsmanship of the props! Luke and Mack have an easy repoire and great comic timing - great pair to watch together. The mighty bear grounds the chaos with his philisophical demeanor - well done! The songs gave an extra layer of fun an honestly, I could have handled a couple of more! ... full review

I'm the tech. Funniest shit I've seen all month. ... full review

This show has so many great bits and big laughs. The writing and performances are aggressively dumb in the best way, and amidst a festival full of shows where people are baring their souls (which I do appreciate and love to see), How To Eat A Bear is a refreshing change of pace where the only thing taken seriously is the commitment to being funny.... full review