BOBBYWOOD: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BOBBY THE BELLBOY?

solo performance · bill ratner · Ages 12+ · United States of America

one person show world premiere
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MARC CASHMAN certified reviewer July 01, 2013
Bill Ratner never lets you down--he puts 110% into everything he performs. His story is true, funny, sad and thought-provoking. It's a side of Hollywood that's not so glamorous.... full review
NATHAN TURNER certified reviewer June 20, 2013
I just walked out of the theater, having spent an absolutely delightful hour listening to Bill Ratner's expert story telling savvy. He chronicles the memory of traveling out to Hollywood years ago to meet his uncle (a washed up tv star of a bygone era). This meeting, which didn't turn out at all like he'd imagined it would, led to one of the most fascinating series of events I've ever heard. But as Ratner moves us seamlessly from 1985 to 1973 to 1953 to now, we're reminded quite simply of the impact a single person's life can have on those around them.... full review
MINDY PFEIFFER certified reviewer June 17, 2013
Bill Ratner definitely has a way with words! From the moment he starts speaking he draws the audience into the world of the story he is telling. Bobbywood is entertaining, and there are parts that are hysterically funny. I even learned a thing or two about I Love Lucy! I highly recommend the show, lots of fun, the time whizzes by, you won't be sorry you went!... full review
LYNETTE PADWA certified reviewer June 27, 2013
Bill Ratner never fails to move me, make me laugh, and totally captivate me with his performances. This is the third one I've seen, and it is masterful, as always. Thanks, Bunny!... full review
KENYON BROWN certified reviewer June 22, 2013
Really good stuff. Meaty, funny, touching. I was sorry when it was over. A great storyteller (duh!), with a wonderful voice (well - voices!) GO!... full review
SCOTT K. RATNER certified reviewer June 23, 2013
I can't deny that among my original reasons for seeing the show is that I share the same last name as the performer/writer. To my knowledge, we're not related, though seeing his show gives me the secret wish that somehow we are. Bill Ratner is an amazing storyteller and has a very amusing and moving story to tell. He keeps his entire audience enraptured through every second of his show, and the bittersweet saga of his relationship with his uncle is both unique and at the same time symbolic of the exciting yet heartbreaking reality of that place/industry/state of mind that is Hollywood.... full review
COREY CHAPPELL certified reviewer June 23, 2013
I very much enjoyed this real-life story of Bill finally getting meet his radio/TV actor uncle Bobby. From his wide-eyed little boy amazement when he learned that he had an uncle on television through his excited & nervous first introduction to his final goodbye, Bill held my attention. I loved the way he used the microphone to recreate the "old time" feel of radio & early tv days. The keyboard also helped set the tone for each scene. Every character was well distinguished through the talented transformation of Bill's voice. The story was charming and heartfelt. All in all, this was an entertaining hour well spent:)... full review
IRENE GABRIEL-THOMAS certified reviewer June 22, 2013
Fabulous performance- great story- must see!... full review
GARY HAROLDSON certified reviewer June 26, 2013
Bill turned in a flawless performance.His energy kept us entertained for the entire show. ... full review
JERRY CHAPPELL certified reviewer June 23, 2013
Despite the fact that there were many television references that I was unfamiliar with. I really liked this show. Bill Ratner has the perfect "Hollywood" announcer voice which seamlessly slides into and out of new characters throughout this story if his own first encounter with his once famous uncle. The story is compelling and leaves you wanting to know more about Mr. Ratners family. While my generation might not be as familiar with the backstory and history of the golden age if television, I took my grandmother who was and who thoroughly enjoyed this show. If you want to score some points, take grandma and grandpa out to see this show. They will be glad you did.... full review