Death By PowerPoint

It seems like everyday someone posts a new TED talk or motivational speech on Facebook. James Robinson has taken this trend of “this speech will change your life” and made an engaging satire on how we convince ourselves and others to lead better lives. First up is Lucy (Scarlet Bermingham) who tells us bullshit ourselves and just tell ourselves that we’re “freakin’ awesome.” Next is Mark (Eric Pierce) who says the secret to happiness is to be like sheep and to look at pictures of pugs. Third up is Joan (Emily Thomas) who says thanks to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups there’s no such thing as free will. And lastly is Matthew who argues the way to move forward is sideways using a story of how he lost his virginity as an example. There are a few ... full review

Well presented, funny and smart. The four presentations were keenly delivered with bravado. The show has balls, is what I'm saying. The ending was a little weird and I wish it tied the characters together a bit more. But everything else had me all the way.... full review

PowerPoint presentations like you've never seen them before in a well put together and well acted show. If you've ever watched a good (or bad) PowerPoint lecture, you'll enjoy watching this play.... full review

I found the show rather tedious. The actors were all very good but the material was sadly lacking. The plot tasks the characters with creating a presentation to "destroy a cherished belief". From there each in succession wandered farther and farther afield. Albeit, some funny moments are scattered throughout and light is thrown onto certain dysfunctional cultural obsessions, but it isn't enough to sustain the plot. ... full review

Another stellar performance, guys. I had the pleasure of seeing Scarlett and Michael for a second time tonight, both of whom were incredible; so engaging to watch. I also had the joy of seeing Eric and my good friend, Emilly, bring Mark and Joan to life. Eric, the blissful life of a sheep never seemed so enticing. Emilly…you're a star. Killer performances and exquisite direction…I am thrilled to have had this show as part of my Hollywood Fringe experience. Well done! ... full review

***This Review first appeared on Stage Raw.*** There are no actual deaths in this sly and clever satire by playwright-director James F. Robinson, but one character experiences near-death.Four motivational speakers are finalists in the National Global Influencers contest. Lucy (Scarlet Bermingham) begins by telling us they’re here to destroy all our most cherished beliefs. She tells us the secret of success is to ignore depressing facts and to practice self-delusion: Just tell yourself, “You are freakin’ Awesome.” Mark (Eric Pierce) assures us that the way to achieve the Inevitability of Cosmic Bliss is to concentrate on the pushed-in face of an endearing pug-dog. Joan (Emilly Thomas) is so distracted by her chocolate addiction that she l... full review

Very fun, very funny, very entertaining and often even thought-provoking! Don't think it quite achieves all it seems to be aiming for. But quite good and done with great skill and talent.... full review

i feel a bit duped by the other reviews for this one. it just wasn't my cup of tea.. in my opinion, this piece went nowhere. i didn't find it funny, and i didn't experience any dynamic storytelling unfolding or see a cohesive point of view here.. that being said, there were some redeeming philosophical topics being raised, and the performances were alright. i was hoping it would add up to something meaningful or amusing or twisted on the a whole, either as a parody or whatever, but it didn't amount to much, and the ending fell flat. the powerpoint concept is fun though, and i do think there's potential here.. sorry if that was harsh..... full review