RISE

Diana is a fierce performer. She holds nothing back and is an absolute powerhouse on the stage. She shares a deeply moving and inspiring piece. A must-see. ... full review

A deeply personal and painful story told in beautiful color and expressive characters, all living within one stunning performer.... full review

Kudos to Diana Varco for finding a way to release herself from such a dark history of abuse, substances and other self-destructive behaviors.Through a multitude of characters, Diana Varco finds her way back to her peace, and that in and of itself is a joy to celebrate. This is an example of theatre-as-therapy and could very well be used as such.... full review

"Diana Varco had me at Shattered and kept me there with Rise. Her writing is beautiful and poignant, and her performance is filled with grace, agility, and the captivating ability to draw her audience in — holding them on every word, every image. She is an inspiration."... full review

It was wonderful. It was an amazing display of a solid solo show and its craftsmanship and I would highly recommend. ... full review

Rise draws you in slowly but surely as the super-talented Varco embodies many different characters - shame, rage, inner child, ms denial - in spirals and reviews of her childhood turmoils...all vulnerable, real, and riveting - I have so much respect for a performer to be so bold and brave with their childhood - and deepest, darkest secrets. Diana spins it all into a very well-orchestrated tale with an uplifting message of the power of creativity, storytelling, writing, and journaling to release, deal with and heal our inner demons. Brava to all the characters in this play!... full review

This was if Pixar’s “Inside Out” was a one-woman show! Diana played so many different characters of specific intricate emotions and tied them all into her story so well. She made great use of the space and the chair and sectioning off these little vignettes for her story. ... full review