What I liked
What I loved most about DEAD MAN was its incredible balance of comedy, style, and emotional depth. The writing is exceptionally sharp, packed with gut-busting jokes that consistently landed throughout the performance. The show features an unforgettable montage sequence, wonderfully inventive clown work, and a surprisingly dark emotional turn that gives the story real weight beneath the laughs. The ensemble is outstanding from top to bottom. Jeffrey Johnson is undeniable as the hard-boiled private eye at the center of the mystery, while playwright and director Ann Noble delivers remarkable work both onstage and behind the scenes. With their amazing performances, Robin McDonald and Christian Haines round out a terrific cast, with each performer fully committed to the show’s unique comedic world. The direction is confident, the pacing is excellent, and the entire company works together like a finely tuned machine. It’s also worth acknowledging the incredible year Ann Noble is having at Fringe, directing six productions—four solo shows and two ensemble pieces—with consistently impressive results. Wonderful Producers Carolina Rodriguez and Michael Perlmutter have helped bring a truly special production to life. DEAD MAN is hilarious, inventive, emotionally resonant, and one of the most memorable theatrical experiences I’ve had at this year’s festival.
What I didn't like
N/A
My overall impression
DEAD MAN is not only one of the best shows of the 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival—it may be my favorite show of the entire festival so far. This brilliant clown noir combines the visual language of classic film noir with fearless clowning, razor-sharp comedy, and unexpectedly moving storytelling. Imagine Dick Van Dyke meets The Naked Gun filtered through a theatrical clown lens, and you’ll begin to understand the show’s unique voice. The production constantly surprises, moving effortlessly from laugh-out-loud comedy to genuinely heartbreaking drama before delivering one of the strongest endings I’ve seen at Fringe this year. Smart, inventive, and expertly executed, DEAD MAN is a masterclass in ensemble comedy and theatrical storytelling. I would happily see it again, and I sincerely hope this team brings it back for an encore run. Highly recommended.
