Daddy Didn't Die, Did He?

Wow. I just saw the most fabulous play. Daddy Didn't Die, Did He? is presented as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. It was written by and performed by Will Matthews and Casey Christensen, with direction by Jeffrey Addiss. YOU'VE GOT TO SEE THIS PLAY. It is so funny, smart and full of unexpected moments, both in terms of the twists of the play and the uniqueness of the characters. Will and Casey are fantastic. It zooms along, and yet you feel like you know each of the characters very well. When it ends, you wish it would keep going. Most of the time, when I see a play, I'd like to take a red pencil to it. But I wouldn't change a thing about this one. I'm hoping to see it again. And I'm hoping to see you there!... full review

Great show! Alternating between outrageously funny and sweetly tender, it moves at a great pace and rotates through a cast of delightfully divergent characters. Tightly written, with jokes that come fast and frequent. The time flies by and leaves you wanting more. Definitely worth it! ... full review

To be fair, I've seen Casey and Will perform together before and they were ridiculous (in that awesome way), so I came into this show with high expectations. They exceeded them by far. This show is such a tight 45 minutes of farcical genius and these two are so stupidly talented (again--in that awesome way) and on point that it just makes me upset that I can't get more. They both have a wonderful versatility and a grasp of character--and it's readily displayed in the various characters that they play. Also, they make it look so easy. It's not easy. They're working like a well-oiled, highly functioning machine--but you're seeing life in every moment because they're so present and connected and HILARIOUS. Casey and Will, stop being... full review

This show was hilarious! It was witty and engaging, I loved the staging and versatility of the two performers. They seamlessly and effortlessly transformed into numerous characters throughout. It was very well written, directed, and performed. Can't wait to see more from these guys! GO!... full review

What a delightfully fun piece. This is Will and Casey's seventh performance together and it shows. It shows in their effortless comfort with one another. Their crazy cavalcade of characters jousting with one another is terrific. It takes a moment to adjust to the non-costume change character swaps, but they embody the latest character in gesture, and it helps. It's like a professional grade improv exercise taken to the next level, and blown out to wonderful extremes. And it's a brisk show which doesn't overstay its welcome and manages to be hilarious, fluid, and heartwarming. Anyone can do funny voices. Will and Casey make you actually give a damn about the people behind them. ... full review

I really had no idea what to expect from this show, and was pleasantly surprised at the depth of humor contained in it. Both actors were amazing in their multiple roles, but truly shined when they were the evil twins. My sides hurt from laughing at their antics. This is a wonderful show - don't miss it!... full review

Full disclosure: I'm friends with the one of the performers, but I'd never seen their work, and as my Dad had only passed away two months ago, this was not the show I was most looking forward to see. But I'm SO glad I went! Matthews and Christensen are character wizards, deftly jumping from persona to persona at the drop of a hat. The comedy is both nuanced and broad, with fast one-liners, visual gags and screwball conflicts that make this the "big cast" farce to see at Fringe. And that's the greatest part: so incredible is the character work, it's easy to forget that you're watching 2 people and not 20. Extra kudos to the duo for managing to lightly touch on the "truths" of life/death, giving a little depth to all the hilarity. ... full review

Do not put be put off by a terrible title- this show is hilarious from start to finish. I repeat- laugh out loud from beginning to end. Two performers play a multitude of characters with such precision and skill that you often know who's who based on physicality alone. The characters are so funny and well-realized, the story so snappy (and sometimes sweet)- it is easy to believe the actors have worked as a successful comedy team for 12 years. Ace direction, too. This is one to see. fringeblog.webs.com... full review