Except Myself

A high-concept, high energy journey into the mind of a timorous writer, and the multifaceted identities that conflict and complement each other to create one complicated human. Cleverly disguised as a "five person solo show", the play opens up with a "am I in the right theater moment?" Then, while things start....shifting (trying to keep this review spoiler-free).... the audience has an nice "aha" moment when the whole concept is revealed and the plot really starts to step on the gas from there. A nice balance between thought-provoking and absurd, with so much detail and care to the technical elements to the show. The possibilities and directions this play could go are endless - Petriello and Karsh have truly imaginative minds and true... full review

I knew little about this show going in to it, but boy am I glad I took a chance on this wonderful little show that deftly rides that line of lampooning the solo-show concept and celebrating it at the same time. By the end, I was charmed by all five "solo artists," and truly enjoyed the inventiveness of the play - fourth wall breaking, but with purpose. Sharp, quick, fast paced, funny, but also deeply vulnerable highlighting the need we all have for connection and to be seen by artists. A must for any rabid theater goer like myself.... full review

Except Myself is the Inside Out of theatre, and I cherished every bit of it. One of my favorites of Fringe this year, for sure! Fantasticly written by Drew Petriello, Except Myself draws the poignant honesty that's in us all - all 5 parts that are in us, that is, and showcases how each facet of who we are create the essential building blocks of everything we're made up to be. I left the show thinking about my own life and how sometimes we can neglect or not honor our truths and push aside feelings that ultimately we need to nourish and show the same love to every part of ourselves. Paired with great directing and one of the best ensemble casts I've see all Fringe, this is a must-see show.... full review

I LOVED this play! Drew Petriello has written a hilarious, touching play that races to the finish line. It’s an incredible representation of what can happen when despair takes over. It’s an incredibly timely story that I think we can all relate to right now. ... full review

Knowing the playwright Drew over the course of some Fringes now, i’m always excited to see his work as it continues to sparkle with an exuberant thirst that seems like it will never quench itself. He’s got a raw youthful energy that drives his works, SO MUCH MORE TO SAY than any single work could ever contain. He strives for honesty though clever repartee and experimental attacks. EXCEPT MYSELF, his latest piece, is nothing less than that: a mad cap exploration of the various aspects of a person’s psyche, all driven through the Meta medium of a play within a play, and watching these various personalities duke it out is a lot of fun. The show embraces chaos from the start, but as it goes on, defines itself, clarifying its message, and ultim... full review

Drew Petriello has done it again! Buckle up for a jam packed excursion into the psyche of Devon with all facets right up front and in your face. You may not know Devon off the bat but you'll see yourself in there as the show plays out; all of us trying to come to terms with that pesky dark-side that we can't seem to shake. It's a perfect Fringe Show and a testament to Drew's creative and adventurous spirit. ... full review

This was such a fun and inventive take on the concept of what makes a person who they are. Each actor embodied their emotional facet with passion and humor before delving deeper and showing that every individual side of a person has its own sides that enrich what feels like a single aspect of oneself. The staging was some of the best use of minimalism I've seen in a show (minimal except for an expertly utilized slideshow projection).... full review

A CLEVER, SLICK, AND ABSOLUTELY ENTERTAINING DECONSTRUCTION OF THE SOLO SHOW CONCEPT. THE ESSENCE OF WHAT “FRINGE” IS MEANT TO ACHIEVE. ... full review

What a fantastic examination of solo shows and the interplay that makes up our identity! A tight, emotional, funny exploration of the artist's psyche. One of my legitimately favorite Fringe shows I've seen. ... full review

Turning the solo show concept on its head, "Except Myself" could've just been a bit about that. But it goes far deeper, analyzing the fights we all have with the different parts of ourselves. Deep-thinking, funny, and moving, "Except Myself" is performed, written, and directed with nothing but love for the characters. And that love reverberates through the audience. ... full review