Odessa

At the end of civilization, when everything is running down, people will do anything they can to find a connection with another person, plant or animal. Set in an underground bunker below an inhospitable world, Alice and Cliff try to fulfill each other's needs where each is one another's last hope, all while attempting to sustain themselves with cans of Clean, when a stranger named Preacher is brought in to their circle and disrupts their functional dysfunction. Carly Weckstein does a great job creating the heat and post apocalyptic clausterphobia of this show, while Bruce Lemon and Bethany Esfandiari offer two sides of the opportunistic coin. The force of the show comes from Joanna Bateman's muscular tenderness that transforms her internal... full review

Odessa is such a fun piece of theatre. I loved being transformed into this post-apocalyptic world with a cast of characters who are just trying to survive. The performances were fantastic. I especially loved watching Bethany play the take-no-bullshit Preacher. I only wish the play delved a little deeper into the consequences of the power struggles the three characters experience as they navigate this strange world where there isn't much left of anything. ... full review

So, I love this script. And I loved each of the actors portraying these characters. And I thought the directing was inspired on the whole, but what was missing for me was the beauty in the details. There was an atmosphere of suffocation, of feeling trapped which I felt that this play needed, but lacked. Without that sense of where they are, there was no sense of urgency for me. I want to see things happen in this story because they simply must, not because the characters are finding excuses for the whims of the playwright. I think this play is very relevant, and has the potential to have a very loud voice, but the whispers throughout the story need to be explored in depth before that can happen. ... full review

Odessa was amazing. I loved being transformed into what seemed like another era. Joanna Rose Bateman did an amazing job as the lead character and Bethany Esfandiari was phenomenal as the supporting character. I loved the intimacy the theater provided and the length/timing was perfect. Great job guys!... full review

Odessa is a window into a world without the fabric of happiness. Its dark themes and combative characters take you on a punch drunk journey of survival. With no clear antagonist, other than the ones living in their minds, Carly D. Weckstein directs this extremely talented cast with a blistering pace that keeps you engrossed from start to finish. Joanna Bateman and Bruce Lemon Jr. play lovers with all the complexity you would expect to find in a world without joy and an excess of desperately formed connections. The beautifully sparse script asks more questions than it answers, and allows just enough room for the audience to imagine life 'up top, out there...' This world premier is exactly what you would hope to find when looking for an eve... full review

I was simply blown away by this production. I came in not knowing what to expect and was surprised by being thoroughly entertained, challenged, provoked and mainly just in awe of how all the actors took over the stage and stole us into their world of madness. What touched me the most was I could completely relate to the degradation into that madness if I was in those shoes so to speak. Wow was the first word out of my mouth after it finished, and that was a good WOW. The script was rich with metaphorical overtones that kept us reeled in and discussing it for the rest of the night. Applause to everyone involved. I really cannot say enough good things. Go!... full review

Odessa...although the world has recessed into an unnatural state; requiring those that breath, to do so below the air and deeper into the earth. Although, this world is overrun with tragedy, Odessa manages to bring a strange level of humor into it's audience. Beyond what the story is and can do for it's audience, it would be nothing without the actors who dedicated themselves to making me believe that this world was real. I was among the fortunate to see this play unveiled for the first time, and have since recommended it to many others and would do so again. Thank you to the actors and to the audience for the experience. ... full review

It was such a treat to be able to see Odessa, and I would highly recommend that you put this on your Must See list for this year's Fringe Festival. The complexity and nuance that was brought to the stage and executed with such proficiency, is such a testament to the talent of not only the director and the playwright, but also to the amazing cast of Joanna Bateman, Bruce Lemon Jr., and Bethany Esfandiari. This production is the beginning of something great, and I am truly excited to see this grow and gain the notoriety it deserves. ... full review

This show is a visual treat, with gorgeous lighting and great performances all around. Make sure to sit in the front, though! I was sitting a few rows back and I couldn't see what was going on for big sections of the show. ... full review

Saw this last week and still thinking about it. Very bizarre, jarring and haunting. Tight direction and great leading actress. Worth a view!... full review