30 April 1975: How We Left

What an incredibly moving piece, told with such heart and nuance and subtlety. The emotional moments were surprising and grounded and effortless. I have a feeling this piece has a long and exciting life ahead.... full review

Like no other show I've seen at the Hollywood Fringe this year. Such emotional depth in a piece which also seeks to educate and share a deeply personal family story about Vivi's family's escape from Vietnam as the war came to a close. A harrowing tale you can't help but get swept up in and Vivi is so magnetic and holds the audience with such care and an open heart. Considering the life or death stakes of the story, you leave feeling hopeful for the humankind's capacity for kindness and community and taking care of each other even in the face of the most impossible and scary circumstances.... full review

Moving, heartfelt account of a family escaping Vietnam in 1975 I have to admit that I had never even considered the families being trapped in Vietnam after the conflict that swept through and devastated the region in the 1970s. This account was so illuminating--and human, from a survivor's point of view. I loved the opening, where Vivi played and sang White Christmas. And the emotion and humor in the storytelling. Not just another Friday night out in LA, this felt like an important part of understanding history that I had never fully realized before. So good!... full review

A really beautiful and educational demonstration of how kindness prevails. Thai is a charismatic and engaging performer and presenter, and I look forward to seeing a longer version in the future.... full review

Vivi is a beautiful storyteller. Her writing and honest delivery in retelling the tragic events her family had to go through were powerful. She is so detailed and vivid in her imagery as she describes the events, it feels like you are there with her family. And her message that kindness is a means of survival is more important than ever. ... full review

I loved this show! Vivi has created a beautiful, deeply personal piece of compelling historical storytelling--a heartfelt exploration of her family history with a lovely balance of humor and emotional depth. This is one of the best Fringe shows I've seen in a long time—10/10, highly recommended.... full review

Vivi Thai lays out the incredible tale of her families' flights from Vietnam in a way most Americans have never heard, and she does it with emotion, a sense of suspense, and in an affirmative and affable way that roots you to the story and emotionally invests you in the lives of two dozen people you'll likely never meet. Wonderful work! ... full review

Excellent, emotionally effective storytelling. ... full review

Captivating! I was riveted. Weaving humor amidst heartbreak, this show gets to the heart of what truly matters in this world: kindness. Watching this show was medicine for my soul. ... full review

I loved this show, despite its length. Vivi brings to the Fringe a story beyond personal. We are not only seeing where her parents came from, but we are witnessing a side of history that the majority of Americans have no idea about. What happened after the Vietnam War to the locals. Her ability to share with us the struggle that both her parents went through, as kids, and what it took to escape a communist war zone is excellent. But the story is too short. She's able to get the entire audience invested in her story and we just want more. ... full review