Odessa

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

I've written a full review for my blog: http://zahirblue.blogspot.com/2014/06/odessa-review.html But in a nutshell I am very impressed in a lot of ways with script, production and cast.... full review

Odessa by John Tyler McClain. Review by Jenny Lower. **This review first appeared on www.stageraw.com** In this world premiere written by John Tyler McClain and directed by Carly D. Weckstein, Earth Up Top is a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the casualty of an unspecified disaster that has left bottles of Clean scarce. Below ground, Alice (the marvelous Joanna Bateman), wearing a tattered blue dress, tends her plants and practices the waltz, awaiting the return of Cliff (Bruce A. Lemon, Jr.), with whom she barters sexual favors in exchange for Clean. Their tenuous existence is upended by the capture of Preacher (Bethany Esfandiari), who turns Alice’s head with tales of Odessa, a survivors’ enclave, sparking a power struggle with Cliff. Ala... full review