DADDY ISSUES

Loads of fun and heartfelt. Spencer touches on his life and challenges in a way we can relate to and have compassion for. Psychoanalysis was depicted fairly and realistically in this brief yet deep performance. Loved it. ... full review

This was an honest and tender piece that left me feeling full and empty at the same time. Spencer is a terrific performer that takes you on a poignant journey — every word is intentional and pregnant with meaning. It's a real masterclass in how a performer can be engaging without needing to be dramatic or overly comedic, but just truthful!... full review

It's one of those rare pieces that feels deeply personal without ever feeling self-indulgent. From the moment Spencer Waldner welcomes the audience in, you're invited into the story rather than asked to simply observe it. I found myself completely trusting where he was taking us. The writing is incredibly intelligent, heartfelt, and genuinely funny. It explores identity, family, and the stories we tell ourselves with such generosity that I never felt manipulated—I just felt held. That's a difficult thing to achieve, and it's what made the experience so moving. As someone who sees a lot of theatre, I'm always grateful when a playwright trusts the audience enough to let us do some of the work. Daddy Issues does exactly that. It doesn't shout... full review

The piece is a love letter to the ghosts passed down over generations that haunt us all, where It seems the only way to escape them…is by inviting them in. Such is the discovery Waldner is offering to audiences with each of his carefully chosen words, and budding revelations. ... full review

Beautifully written and performed by Spencer Waldner, Daddy Issues is a coming of age, coming out story, told in a heartfelt, deeply touching way. ... full review

Daddy Issues is an intimate, vulnerable, and often hilarious one man show that wears its heart on its sleeve. Structured around a series of therapy sessions, writer, director, and performer Spencer excavates the origins and effects of his self-diagnosed "daddy issues", a lifelong attraction to older men. What unfolds is less a comedy about sexual preference than a deeply personal coming-of-age story delayed by circumstance. While rooted in a distinctly queer experience, the awkward thrill of discovering who you are, what you want, and not to be ashamed of it resonates universally. The show's therapeutic framework allows revelations to emerge organically, as a genuine act of self-examination shared in real time. Spencer uncovers patterns i... full review

I loved the bravery to this show, so deeply personal and lived in. I could really feel the space that Spencer was in and love the therapists interactions.... full review

This is a must see. Firstly the writing is stellar - the way the story unraveled through multiple therapist appointments kept the show alive throughout. Secondly, Spencer had such a command of the stage and his performance had me engaged the entire time. I loved the way he communicated the Doctor’s thoughts through notetaking instead of doing a full character switch every time - it made it feel very natural and without any interruptions. This one made me feel so many emotions, please come see this!!... full review

Spencer definitely succeeds in the challeging aspects of being a one-man-show. He controls the stage and keeps the audience with him as he tells the story of his self love and understanding. I enjoyed his story, and was inspired that he has the courage to tell it.... full review

Such a great show. Funny, honest, smart and engaging. Spencer is an excellent performer and a very sharp writer. ... full review