BOBBYWOOD: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BOBBY THE BELLBOY?

Fellow Des Moines native Bill Ratner effortlessly transports us to back to the golden age of Hollywood and exposes it for what it truly was (and still is in some cases). If you've ever had a dream about making it big - and who hasn't in this town - go see this show. ... full review

Bill Ratner is one of the best storytellers around. His ability to provide a wide range of voices for the various characters creates a wonderful sense of both reality and theatricality. This story is about his relationship with Bobby Jellison, his uncle, a journeyman actor who was famous as Bobby the Bellboy on I Love Lucy. It's poignant, funny, and tells the real truth about the trials and tribulations of a life in Hollywood, one that Bill took to heart when he first came to Tinseltown. You'll laugh and be moved, and learn something in the process. ... full review

Bill Rartner is an expert story teller. Weaving film noir-like trips thru "old" Hollywood with the touching, funny, sad story of his Uncle "Bobby the Bellboy." With music. A wonderful 55 minute journey you'll be happy you went on. If you Love Lucy, if you love Hollywood, if you love showbiz, and most of all, if you love superb story telling, go see Bill Ratner's "Bobbywood". You will love it too. Plus, it's very cool to be in this theater space. It's small and cozy and just so "theatery". From the Heart, Sheryl B.... full review

Great, heartfelt one-man show by voice over legend Bill Ratner about seeing the truth behind the glitz and glamor of Hollywood through the eyes of his uncle, a former TV regular. Shout out to the spot-on accompaniment by Jonathan Menchin. Don't miss it. ... full review

There's a moment in Bill Ratner's fictionalized departure from reality as he knows it, that even though based on some few flimsy family threads, transcends autobiography and fiction, and that's when he describes his Uncle Bobby's connection to the world as an actor. The price of admission is fulfilled in that moment. <> Bill Ratner is an award winning story teller and one of the more sonorous voices in LA, - a voice that lends maturity, humor and kindness. <> His work ethic is not to be believed- I have watched him over the course of the day, and no where is this ethic on better display than in his current well worked and tightly woven one man play, Bobbywood. <> Ratner takes what little he knew of the life and downfall of his last re... full review

Funny and moving. Ratner's vocal abilities really make you feel 3 or 4 people are on stage. You don't have to be a Hollywood insider to enjoy the show either - anyone who's had to deal with their own family, or their own hopes and dreams can relate.... full review

Just saw Bill Ratner's new show at the Hollywood fringe and it was fantastic. Anyone who loves LA, old-style Hollywood and an amazing performance should check it out.... full review

What can I say? The man is a master storyteller. Bill Ratner took us back in time for a glimpse of old Hollywood that only he could reveal. (He even provided a live soundtrack for the trip!) Both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our evening out and - if ya like your bourbon straight and your tales twisted - this show is for you!... full review

So this is not an objective review at all--I've known Bill for a while, we travel in the same storytelling circles, he's a friend. All that said: this show isn't like anything I've ever seen him do before. Watching Bill inhabit the various characters--his parents, his aunt, Uncle Bobby and others is like watching a Nascar driver expertly shift gears. The story itself is stirring, poignant without diving into melodrama. Bill is an effortlessly engaging storyteller and his tale swept me along on a well-paced ride of nostalgia and discovery. Good stuff!... full review

Excellent story-telling by Bill Ratner. Great impersonations of Desi Arnez and dear old Uncle Bobby the Bellboy. Great observations about Hollywood; like any great story, there were great anecdotes (i.e., how the interventionist who showed up in a jaguar for Bobby looked so familiar because he happened to have been in Jail-House Rock with Elvis Presley!). And of course, Bill exposes us to the dark side of Hollywood and we see just how success and failure can be one and the same. Bobbywood was heart-felt and funny. Bill kept his audience captive and me at the verge of tears towards the end. I am really glad I went to see this performance.... full review