Friends Like These

A great show that displays the complication of high school (and human) relationships, and weaves a compelling story of scenarios that could lead to a school shooting. It's humorous, relatable, and I appreciated the fact that it humanizes each character, from geek to jock, illustrating that everyone has the potential to make mistakes and poor choices that can lead to tragic consequences. The cast is great (at times some of the emotion gets a little overly-theatrical, but still nice work). While some audience members commented on the lack of social media presence in the story, I liked the focus on person-to-person relationships. (I also was a high school senior in Colorado during Columbine, so the lack of social media - and the great soundt... full review

I love Greg Crafts, The author of FRIENDS LIKE THESE. The man's heart is even bigger than he is (and the dude is pretty damn big.) I only mention all of this because his heart beams through this play he is written. Some plays seem necessary to tell because they echo from the Writers Place, a place so personal and vulnerable, yet capturing a story that the world should hear. This is one of those plays. Just by watching FLT, it seems that Greg remembers exactly what it was like to be an outcast in high school, turning to fantasy and fiction to release his demons. To undervalue the elements of fantasy and fiction in any adolescents, let alone one that culminates in senseless violence, would be a mistake. Greg seeks out the connection like and d... full review

Excellent storyline, fabulous acting! I would highly recommend this play! Tears of laughter and tears of joy! Very relevant for today! ... full review

I love the story and the message behind this show. I saw it when it was at Cal state Fullerton, and I was so impressed with how much it has grown since then. What doesn't work for me is Nicole's character. The last time I saw the show I thought it was the actress's lack of sincerity, but after seeing it again and noticing a different actress struggle with the same issues, I am beginning to think it is an issue with the writing of the character. Nicole is clearly very complex, but the way she is written makes her come off as compulsive and almost unlikeable. For example is hard for the audience to understand why she talks to Garret in the first place, and why she continues to act like an airhead when she clearly is better than that. I thi... full review

Riveting, thought provoking play with realistic portrayals of teenage angst. Great performances of difficult material and impeccable comedic timing. Don't miss this one! ... full review

Full disclosure: the playwright is a collaborator and friend of mine. Those biases disclaimed, I'll say that this is a powerful, true-to-life, and unfortunately timely piece that delivers a dramatic punch with sympathy, compassion, and humor. Friends Like These doesn't strive to provide answers to the events it depicts, but it creates such strong attachment to its characters that you can't help but be swept along with them through their crests and troughs. ... full review

I forgot I was at Hollywood Fringe. Cool play structure. A play that is definitely a sign of the times, in regards to violence and bullying in the school system. Loved the performances. ... full review

Friends Like These was such a relevant and brave play. Major kudos to Greg, the writer, for giving a voice to the ones who don't really have one. I was so impressed with the cast! They all gave strong performances. Each actor may have represented a certain stereotype, but they were never over the top. Not one character felt like a caricature, which is often difficult to do. Sean Flanagan, who played Bryan, particularly stood out to me. His character might be underrated, but Bryan is a friend we all wish to have.Flanagan juggled the balance of being caught in two different cliques very well. On top of all this, the technical aspects of the show were smart. The transitions were seamless and the music was perfect. Friends Like These is the type... full review

This show was energetic, entertaining, and nearly flawless. Nearly? No self-respecting Magic player would keep a deck in his pocket like that. For shame. ;)... full review

Friends Like These is a MUST SEE production that could very well save your life or the life of your kids. It is timely and relevant, and so very much appreciated. Thank you Theatre Unleashed and Gregory Crafts for bringing this amazing work to the Fringe - you may have provided the cure to a problem that affects far too many of us. See the rest of the review on Examiner.com... full review