The Wake

solo performance · bam · Ages 18+ · United States of America

one person show world premiere
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KYLA GARCIA certified reviewer June 11, 2014
tagged as: funny · riveting · Brave · badass
The best word I can think of to describe Ben Moroski's energy is electric. From the second he sets foot in the theatre, you are right there with him, pulled in to his intriguing story. He commits to every moment without shying away from the very taboo subject matter of his piece. He never once apologizes for it but takes you on this wild ride and by the end, I honestly understood why his character would have a fling with a dead body. I felt his loneliness. I felt his pain. And I found myself wanting to crawl into a bed with a body, dead or alive, just to not be alone. He taps on such dark human truths in this story.. truths that most people shy away from, but he manages to run toward. The mark of a true artist, to me, are the people ... full review
MICHAEL SHAW FISHER uncertified reviewer June 11, 2014
There is a reason why people were getting excited when they heard that Ben Moroski was bringing a new solo show to this years Hollywood Fringe. THIS VICIOUS MINUTE was the must-see solo show of 2012. Anyone who is wondering if he is going to be able to top himself this year with THE WAKE will be put to shame. From the moment Ben enters… Or "Peter"… We get a jumper cable to the nipples, A stage presence with unfathomable energy reserves at his disposal – and that's just in the performance. The writing I found to be the real miracle. His dark and twisted tale is full of self effacement, philosophical tangents and heightened sexuality. Everything is handled with such delicacy and poetic attention that I noticed all the critics in the audience w... full review
MICHAEL BROWN certified reviewer June 26, 2014
Crazy show - highly recommended! Lived up to hype. Did he write this on a dare? Well, he wins - and so did we!... full review
KENYON BROWN certified reviewer June 26, 2014
HIGHLY recommended. Just loved this one. Very dark, VERY funny. This writer/performer is a treasure. I will see anything he puts on in future.... full review
DAVID CAMPFIELD certified reviewer June 12, 2014
This is a solid piece of theater! Ben Moroski in this one-man show doesn't lose your attention for a second. The energy fluctuates and the story jerks in ways - in GOOD ways - that keep the viewer anxious to see what comes next! And it's been a while since I've seen such clever use of the fourth wall. Catch it while you can - you'll see what I mean!... full review
RACHEL LIEN uncertified reviewer June 27, 2014
Watching The Wake seriously blew my mind. Ben Moroski had every single person in that audience in the palm of his hand lingering on his every word, every subtle look or gesture, and every minute detail of his flawless performance. Ben is one of the most captivating actors I have ever seen. There is something so genuine and raw about his performances that you become completely submerged in his reality that you forget where you really are. Every aspect of the show was impeccable. The writing was beyond brilliant in the way you are led through the thought process of the character Pete. I was so invested in the story and character that I found myself actually starting to sympathize with Pete's eerie reasoning at times, which then made me questio... full review
MARIAH FREDA uncertified reviewer June 15, 2014
tagged as: sharp writing · funny · dark
Ben's energy as he begins his play is palpable, unpredictable and almost alarming (in the best way possible!) It was no secret that this character has something to work out and we were going to witness it as he did. Ben flows seamlessly from character to character with such ease that I could see scenes of multiple people unfolding before my eyes. The best part about this show, however, was the fact that all along I thought I was ahead of this character, I thought I knew what to expect, but instead, I didn't, and I was able to experience the rare joy of a theatrical surprise. Go see this show!... full review
DAVID STOLWORTHY certified reviewer June 15, 2014
tagged as: amazing
There is a reason this guy has won "Best of Fringe" in the past! I was riveted by his performance. He was honest, open, and had the audience leaning forward in their seats the entire time. The entire idea of the show was fun, engaging, and fluid. He starts the show by introducing the show and breaking the fourth wall with the audience. We are in a theater, watching this man perform. BUT it's all an act! You have to see it to really understand it! I found myself thinking that he was a sweetheart, a complete asshole, a pathetic horndog, a misunderstood gentleman, a crazy person, and a lonely heartthrob throughout his entire performance. GO SEE THIS. ... full review
GREG Z uncertified reviewer June 29, 2014
tagged as: intense
Ben Moroski makes this work with his intensity, delivery, and performance. The subject matter made my skin crawl, but definitely worth experiencing this show. Expect to feel uncomfortable, a little freaked out, and possibly even a little scared at times. Good stuff. ... full review
GREGORY CRAFTS certified reviewer June 29, 2014
HOLYSHITTHISWASAWESOME. I *hate* one-person theatre with all the fiery passion of the nine hells, and I think this show is INCREDIBLE. Ben Moroski, raconteur nonpareil, takes the craft of solo storytelling to a new level with this dark, twisted, yet somehow endearing exploration of unconditional love. My pick for Best Solo Show 2014. ... full review