Add Your Review
barbie &joe
imaginative and funny
intelligent
amazing
and awesome comedy!!!!!
clever
comedy
creative
definite show stopper
inventive
timely; relevant
zany
BOB LEGGETT
certified reviewer
June 19, 2014
I have been a fan of Ratner since I first met him three years ago. He has been a voice over artist for 45 years and his past two offerings at Fringe have been smashing successes. Obviously, I had high hopes and expectations for his latest production. Sadly, it did not deliver. Check out the rest of the review at Examiner.com.
...
full review
read the original article
WILLIAM BARTRAM-COHN
uncertified reviewer
June 19, 2014
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
TODD SEGAL
certified reviewer
June 21, 2014
Sound typical? No and that's also why it's so good. Bill Ratner's script could be an essay in a weekly publication but there is so much life to it that it easily makes the jump onto the stage with the chops, talent and tenderness of Clay Wilcox and Bill himself. Who knew that learning about the history of these two dolls/action figures could also be engaging, funny and brilliant....
full review
LESLIE ACOCA
uncertified reviewer
June 21, 2014
tagged as:
Barbie &Joe
I loved this show! As a former Yale drama person-that says a lot. I was shocked to learn about the history of Barbie-German, um-toy, and GI Joe and thought it was a hip way to talk about the recent history of America and the primal and somewhat twisted- imagery of girls and boys as expressed through toys. I'de love for the incarcerated girls 11-17 I work with to learn more about the genesis of unrealistic body images for girls!
Was glad the show wasn't too PC
I also loved the voices and the fact that the theatre was accessible and small. All around a fabulous experience. I want more from Bill Rattner
Maximum regards, Leslie Acoca...
full review
PANCHALI CORWIN
uncertified reviewer
July 09, 2014
Bill Ratner (G.I. Joe) and his co-star (Barbie) were amazing and comical to the fullest degree. Bill captures your attention with his projectoral voice and the props, background, and storyline was perfect. I would have never thought a story anbout Barbie and G.I Joe would be so captivating. I didn't want it to end and it left me wanting to hear more about these men, their lives, and more experiences. I really enjoyed the differences and similarities between the two (gets you thinking). I hope to attend another show like this in the future at the Fringe....
full review
HERSHL HARTMAN
certified reviewer
June 29, 2014
(Full disclosure: Bill Ratner is a friend, colleague and sometime client.)
The play, as I told Bill, seems to be a "psychohistorical exposé." The writing, acting and sets collaborated to bring the concept to forceful life and stimulate thinking — the ultimate purpose of theatre....
full review