The BEATING

The Beating is perfect Fringe material...taking the everyday we feel we know and turning it on its head...in this case, the proceeding in a courtroom are turned into a farcical battle between attorneys, jury members and a judge who'd rather be someplace else...all done to a syncopated beat that replaces dialogue. Don't miss this play. ... full review

Fascinating way to take us into a trial and jury deliberations -- and if you've ever had to serve on a trial, you'll identify. The question on the table -- did a father hit his son with a belt & its belt buckle -- was gripping. To top things off, the play is full of movement and rhythm, something I'd never seen before with this type of play. Bravo to the writer, director and cast -- excellent job!... full review

A game cast cannot save an inane script- an "absurd comedy" about child abuse which is about as funny as you'd imagine. http://fringeblog.webs.com/... full review

Fierce Backbone returns to the Fringe this year with Mona Deutsch Miller's experimental, cerebral Court Room play "The Beating". While I don't agree with hardly any of Sam Szabo's directorial decisions or some his casting choices, I do believe this is a show that some people at fringe might find enjoyable - and it is by far the "fringiest show" I've seen so far. Jessica Richards and Karla Solarte shine as Juror's # 4 and 5, and towards the end of the show Michael Khanlarian is a joy to watch. Overall though, the beating seems to beat it's audience over the head with too many choreographed dance moves and choral reading to be worth it's admission price. In my mid, it's an experimental piece that never quite gets there, and falls a little bit ... full review

This is not your typical courtroom drama - yes, it happens in a courtroom and yes, it is a drama, of sorts. What separates this production is the physicality of the show - sound effects, spontaneous tango dances, excellent use of the sparse set. If you're bored with the straight dramas, then check out this show for something different. A great effort. Check out my review on examiner.com for more details.... full review

Unusual play, well cast and well directed. You should try to see it.... full review

An interesting production, but might ultimately be a victim of mismanaged expectations. While the case before the jury does in fact involve spanking, the play itself is not an exploration about that. It is much more a satirical look at the American Criminal Justice system as a whole, and the case presented to the jurors is interchangeable with any other case. The cast, as a whole, was strong, but the production failed to engage me.... full review

Outstanding and great fun! We've been so bombarded with courtroom dramas it is an unexpected surprise and true entertainment to see such an original take on what is really going on with all the courtroom players. Really had me wanting to clap my hands, stamp my feet and especially join in the refrains of the jurors. Embodies the best of the festival - my hat is off to writer and director - great work!!!... full review