Banana Man LIVE

Contextualization of gender identity through the metaphor of literal fruits is such a genius, simple and effective function, honestly I’m surprised it hasn’t been done already. Ari has taken a deeply passionate and kind approach to education, exploration and entertainment about to give an entirely unique stage for trans experiences to be seen and heard. This show is a delight, whimsical and fun! It very sneakily draws you into Banana’s world as he explores a world that turns out to be very different than what gave security and peace of mind to him as a boxed fruit. Banana Man Live is a gentle, but unyielding concept at that gives the audience no choice but to find themselves in a (or several) character(s), in such a unique way. The wr... full review

A whimsical delight of a show. Ari is an engaging and talented performer. A sweet and very fruitful way of dissecting the gender binary and encouraging people to talk about it. A charming and hugely enjoyable show.... full review

Banana Man Live creates a whimsical world that uses humor and absurdity to explore what it feels like when you don’t fit neatly into the boxes around you. ... full review

Cute, silly, and honestly heartwarming, Banana Man Live packs a punch in such a short time -- and creates a unique way of telling a timely story -- and I had such an amazing time not only experiencing this show but even learning to boot! What a fun time!... full review

Had a great time. Simple but effective queer allegories with a super engaging performance from Ari! ... full review

This show was like sitting in the middle of a cartoon world, in the best way. It was fun and delightful with the perfect amount of silliness. ... full review

What a weird, fun, funny show that really tugs at your heartstrings at the end...... full review

Ari is an inventive, delightful, quirky artist and it is so delightful to be inside their world. Under Natalie's direction, the show is really colorful and whimsical and uses the full space to transport the audience. I particularly love the innocence and lack of judgment Ari and Natalie brought to the main character. The banana was raised in a world of apples and bananas and genuinely took a long time to figure out the world around it. When banana was ready to acknowledge the existence of other fruits, they were treated with love and patience. Fuck yeah. ... full review

This show was a bright Dr Seuss-ian comment on the absurdity of gender in our modern fruity society. The fruitiest play to exist. A show that somehow found a way to entertain as well as mock as well as educate the common man that sees gender as black and white, apple and banana. I watched audience members understand elements of the play in a deep way one by one and you could tell the performers community came out and related with this material.... full review

What an imaginative and deeply moving piece of theater. The best way I can describe it is as "live theater animation". Banana Man Live is a production that feels as though a cartoon has come to life on stage through creativity, movement, and sheer theatrical ingenuity. If you allow yourself to step into Ari Fromm's (and Natalie Dressel's) imaginative world, you'll be richly rewarded. The story follows a banana on a journey of self-discovery. Beneath its playful premise lies a thoughtful and surprisingly profound exploration of identity, belonging, and possibility. This is the kind of Fringe show that reminds you how limitless theater can be: imaginative, heartfelt, hilarious, and unlike anything else you'll see.... full review