BOBBYWOOD: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BOBBY THE BELLBOY?

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

Bill Ratner easily transitions from greeting guests in the lobby to being the star of his own show. With his comfort and confidence level you know you're in good hands from the very start. Bill's vivid story telling and his overwhelming charm make this a quick 55 minutes. Then you spend the rest of the evening missing Bill. Go see him. More importantly, go hear him. ... full review

I fell in love with the storytelling of Bill Ratner last year, and this year's offering is even better. I love his personal story about his journey to Hollywood to learn about his famous uncle, Bobby Jellison, who portrayed "Bobby the Bellman" on the I Love Lucy show. The story is portrayed with the right amounts of background, commentary on the events and a perfect retelling of the tale told him by his uncle. Don't miss this show!... full review

Everyone may know Bill Ratner is a master storyteller. Hearing how he was introduced to Hollywood makes me wonder how he ever stayed. The more I thought about it, the more I realized everyone has these stories:success, loss, destruction, getting screwed and falling back into the soft pillow of addiction. Hearing it through the eyes of a bright-eyed actor new to Hollywood years after he carved a successful niche for himself gives a shiny silver lining to this ultimately sad tale. Someone told me the postcard to "Bobbywood" scared them. Don't let it scare you away from hearing Ratner's entry into this town of fables.... full review

Bill Ratner has such ease on stage that you feel like you're in his living room. Like last year, again this year Bill has created a solo-show that all industry people must watch. He masterfully guides us through a beautifully sad and often very funny story. That's the beauty of this show! Even as you laugh you're never bereft of the sorrow that lurks underneath. A moving story! Kudos Bill. Congratulations!!... full review

Again, Bill Ratner has delivered! This was a wonderful show that was beautifully written and performed. I highly recommend it.... full review

Bill never fails to allure and amaze. His one man shows are clearly a result of his poignant life and unusual childhood - which someone other than Bill might not have turned into such a positive way of looking at the world, and sharing that with audience members in such a way that our own lives resonate. Pathos is the word that comes to mind - and there are so many more. He has the humor of Woody Alan and the brilliance of David Mamet - all wrapped up into a unique package that IS Bill Ratner. Additionally the music by Johanthan Menchen that accompanied his performance was so well concieved, and fitted the time periods and the ethos of the piece perfectly making the entire evening a tour de force. BRAVO. Juliette Gray - Voice Arti... full review

A fascinating story, especially the part about going to Hollywood Forever; funny and poignant. Amazing what one guy can do with a little background effects and music. See it if you can.... full review

Bill Ratners Bobbywood is AMAZING!!!! It's funny, It's heartwarming, It's an adventure, It's brave and It's a must see of the festival. GO SEE IT!!!!... full review