THE TRUE LIFE ADVENTURES OF BARBIE AND G.I. JOE

I haven't had this much fun with Barbie since the days(Junior High, I believe)that I hot-glued steel wool to her armpits and pelvis-central, then switched her head with Ken's. But these guys are not just playin'around. In an engaging performance as sibling rivals in a family toy merchandising enterprise, Ratner and Wilcox embody the plasticity of these iconic figures in all their male v female glory. In 1993, the Barbie Liberation Organization(BLO)staged a gender-bending voice-box switcheroo upon these innocent toys in department stores, making "Barbie talk tough while GI Joe went shopping." (Firestone, David, NY Times,Dec 12 1993). Just as the BLO punctuates this performance like a Wagnerian chorus, so does this true life theatrical advent... full review

RUN, don't walk to see this show. Funny, smart, well-directed, and brilliantly acted! Clay Wilcox steals the show with his myriad hilarious characters!! This is 45 minutes of pure joy.... full review

This show is not what I expected, in that--it's all grown up. I thought it would be light and silly, but the dolls give you something to think about beyond playtime on the floor. The Bill Ratner and Clay Wilcox are all-in commiting to their characters in this true story. Don't miss the drama, comedy and fun the two "brothers" bring to the stage. Congrats to Bill Ratner's skill as a writer, researcher and actor. ... full review

Ratner always brings such committment and joy to whatever he's doing. This time it's a personal peek at the weird world of Barbie and G.I. Joe and a couple of brothers whose lives were marked by the tall, beautiful dolls. An exploration of the human psyche as played out in projections on to its doll counterparts. A fictitious brother scenario is the back drop for some really cool facts about the history of the dolls, the advertising market and how these two formed the blooming sexualities of generations.... full review

Pretty dull, esoteric stuff. Dolls....if you have a thing about them, give this one a try. Else....totally lacking in wit and characterization. ... full review

Marvelously creative. Anchored in the story of two brothers (and family) we see what dolls mean to us when we are young and we age. But not any dolls, examples of what we would like to be: beautiful, carefree, sexy girls and brave,honorable men. But there is another layer: how did marketing set the stage. The way Bill Ratner tells the story, it vibrates the day after and probably for quite awhile, It is unreal but still real. ... full review

This was a fun, thought-provoking show that was nuanced, silly and poignant. Thoroughly enjoyable, with a passionate cast.... full review

Bill Ratner! Omg that guy has such a distinctive voice, and what a performance from someone who usually sits behind a microphone. ... full review

Go and see The True Life Advnentures of Barbie and G.I.Joe and you wil find out what happens when you let boys play with dolls...or shall we say "action figures"? It is masterfully performed by VO artist Bill Ratner and actor Clay Wilcox, who play brothers Louie and Bobby, owners of a doll company. There is also a cute number which they do as Barbie and Ken. Enjoy!... full review

As a theater director I know all about opening nights in the Fringe. Messers Ratner and Wilcox got a late start in the middle of the Fringe without previews, but despite the occasional fluffed line (which is the norm at the Fringe) I thoroughly enjoyed this oddball take on doll play, the history of Mattel and Hasbro, and the zany, comedic take on the subject of corporate toys. If I had my druthers there would be a live rock band, dancing girls & boys, and a mirror ball, but, hey it's the Fringe. I had a very good time, and this show will only get better.... full review