The Best of Albuquerque Fringe 2025

The funny bits in this show go well beyond the primary comedic conceit-- skewering everything Fringe. Sure, there's plenty of that, but the core shows-within-the-show that they are "awarding" are hilarious on their own. The actors give no-holds-barred performances of an entirely unapologetic script. It's sometimes madcap, it's sometimes endearing, but it's always full-throated and keeps your attention. Corey Lynn Howe's direction brings clarity to each moment and the quickly shifting landscapes. A lot of fun for anyone, and especially funny for any Fringe veterans. Go!... full review

What a blast! This was one of the first shows I saw this Fringe. It was a great way to get in the Fringe mood. I loved that the sketches excellently walk a fine line of reality and ridiculousness. I had such a good time from the very start as the hosts of the ABQ Fringe 2025 perfectly set you up and get you ready for the fun that continuously ensues! And the different nicknames for the ABQ fringe that are spouted out each scene kept me laughing all night!... full review

This show was absolutely delightful! I am so glad I went to this show and highly recommend it! Very cleverly written with exceptional performances from every actor! If you need a good time, this show kept me laughing the entire time.... full review

Material is clever, creative, and very very funny. Mostly strong performances, with the women overall stronger than the men (Jim Blanchette being a notable exception). Particularly impressed with the number of characters many of the actors were able to differentiate clearly. One extremely minor quibble about the writing: The conceit is that the show takes place ten years in the future, but -- apart from a single joke near the start -- the material seems firmly tied to present-day culture. Warning: The potential for emotional turmoil exists if you object as strongly as I do to receiving chocolate but being simultaneously ordered not to eat it.... full review

Fun show with perky, confident performers, send-ups of different show stiles (the musical parodies were particularly wicked fun) and a hilarious puppet goose. Everyone in the cast was great but Jim Blanchette, Jacob Smith, Lauren Flans and Lisa K. Wyatt were, in this humble author's opinion, worthy of the old SCTV line-up in terms of solid performance, diversity of style and that wee touch of madness that makes this kind of material so fun to watch. ... full review

Fun and entertaining.... full review

Zany, silly, and musically superb ... that's how I would describe this show. And every actor gave 110% to every moment on stage ... they had so much fun so we had so much fun!! So thank you for a crazy, air-conditioned ride ... I loved it!... full review

Let me say that I have no idea what I just saw. Clearly, some very clever folk have come up with the very clever idea to spoof a Fringe Festival, which Fringe Festivals certainly deserve. Two very silly and rarely believable hosts, played by Jacob Smith and Lauren Flans (the rap diva from "Lost Moon Radio" that I adore), introduce us to a slew of performers in a cavalcade of categories (Classic; International; Audience Award; et al) better known as The Best Of Albuquerque Fringe 2025. But if this is what 2025 looks like, then the future doesn't look bright... Click on "Original Article" below for complete review on Stage and Cinema.... full review

Village Idiom Productions does some entertaining Fringe-spoofing in Best Of Albuquerque Fringe 2025. Yes, Jacob Smith and Jim Blanchette’s parody does overstay its welcome by about half an hour, but there are numerous bright spots along the way. Click on "Complete Article" to read my complete review at StageSceneLA.com... full review