Getting to Know You

The concept of this show alone is pretty brilliant. The many possible permutations of these characters (and the way that to some degree, the audience can affect the drama) delighted me. It's almost like a puzzle-- I kept trying to figure out how the characters fit together, to identify common themes, to make it a more cohesive picture. At the same time I found myself very emotionally affected by the interactions, at times getting so drawn into the drama that I almost forgot these were actors (all of whom turned in great character work-- by turns funny, eccentric, familiar, and achingly vulnerable). The interactions are so short, but each packs its own unique punch. It's a show you leave wanting to discuss, prompting you to compare experienc... full review

The following is an excerpt from See It or Skip It LA, for the full written review and podcast reflection; please go to seeitorskipitla.com or click on the link below that states "original article." This show is definitely an experience and it plays nicely with concepts of relationships and communication; and who one is/could be at any moment within various relationships. As the characters rotated around, I interacted with the actors with different intensities and whether you feed into their world or sit back and let them do all the talking, they’re prepared for whatever you throw at them. Annie Lesser (playwright and director) not only created characters, but human beings- and her actors bring them to life.... full review

This is a show to go to if you want to experience theatre, as opposed to just see theatre. I loved the complexities and mysteries of some of the characters, kudos to Annie for creating some compelling story arcs. I wish some of the actors would have been more interactive, as opposed to just sticking to the script...but some actors had a great sense of play, and were actually tuned into the way you felt and responded! Don't see this alone, because you're going to want to chat with your group afterwards to hear all of the different experiences, and try to connect the story lines! This is a very enjoyable experience, especially if you interact and don't just sit in your seat and watch.... full review

I am absolutely heartbroken that the rest of the run of this show is sold out. I'd buy another ticket to it in a heartbeat. I *loved* this experience. Loved, loved, LOVED it. And do not get me wrong, it is an experience, not a show. Do not go if you do not like your art interacting with you. But absolutely go if you want to experience eight different stories in a unique, deep and profound way. ... full review

If you let it, this piece will get right in there under your skin -- and I encourage you to let it. This is interactive theater at its very best -- it exists on shifting and unpredictable sands, and is a different play not only for each audience member, but for each actor, with each performance. The chance to compare notes with fellow audience members and the cast after the show was also an important and functional part of the performance -- I went home with lots of legitimately big questions tumbling around in my head... Questions of identity, and how we construct it, and how it, too, exists in flux... Questions of character, and how much of what we 'perform' in life is learned from what we see around us. I could easily (and would very much... full review

“Getting To Know You” is a World Premiere Hollywood Fringe Festival event that takes you off the beaten path to get up-close and personal with strangers. All it takes is saying yes to an empty white chair. Recommended. Read the full review by Marc Wheeler at Gia On The Move (official press): http://giaonthemove.com/2015/06/21/gia-hff15-reviews-getting-to-know-you-an-experiment-in-intimacy/... full review

This is am incredibly creative and innovative theater experience in which the actors interact directly with audience members one at a time. As an audience member, you don't know how much to interact and whether to act like an audience member or an improviser. One thing is for sure though, these actors shatter the fourth wall and evoke real feelings in you of guilt, attraction, compassion, and even anger. In a world of same-old theater format, this show is really special!... full review

Such a cool concept. I love how talking with other audience members afterwards is an integral part of the experience. And the performers were incredibly talented. I keep thinking about it the next day!... full review

I walked out of this show. Thought to myself for about 5 minutes to myself. Then I looked at my schedule and bought another ticket. This is the only show I am going to see more than once at the fringe and once you go see it you'll want to do the same. Very well done. Truly committed actors each with a rich backstory. An incredible, very unique experience. Go and get your ticket because these shows sell out quick. Only 8 seats per performance.... full review