Booze, Balls and Bluegrass: A Daughter's Journey

Even though I've never experienced having to say goodbye to a parent or help care for an ailing one, I was still able to find something to relate to in this story. Perhaps it's because Laura's recreation of her father reminded me of my own Southern relatives. She did a fantastic job of bringing us into the story and mixing the perfect amount of humor and sadness. ... full review

BOOZE, BALLS AND BLUEGRASS is boozy and ballsy, and definitely has its moments of blue. Under the deft direction of Michael Kass, Laura Carson handles autobiographical material with a blend of intimate self-exploration, gentle self-deprecation, and ultra-specific, insightfully critical yet loving portrayals of her cast of characters. As an audience member, I got the feeling that Laura HAD to get this story out so she could let go and move on with her life after the long decline and death of her alcoholic dad. To be honest, this sub-genre of solo performance is generally not my bag. But Laura has the chops, guts and depth as an actor to transcend the usual onstage therapeutic intervention we get so accustomed to expecting from a performer tel... full review

It's not a subject that shows up a lot in superhero movies, or on prime-time crime procedurals, but it's something all artists who make Los Angeles home think about. Do I stay in LA with my dream intact and keep working to find a place? Or do I pack it up and head back home to be closer to family? For Laura Carson, in a story that spans years, that choice was even more difficult given her relationship with her father. As her father's health began to diminish, she understood the bright lights on her dream would have to dim as well, as she attended to an essential duty of life. She returned home to Georgia to journey with him through his twilight years. This show has its share of great performance pieces and funny moments, but it's... full review

Laura fearlessly opens her heart and welcomes the audience into her life, painting a vivid picture of the tragicomedy life becomes when caring for an elderly and ailing parent. An expertly acted, delicately balanced mix of humor and heartbreak, "Booze, Balls and Bluegrass" is a compelling and touching must-see.... full review

Laura Carson's talent shines through in Booze Balls and Bluegrass. A beautiful, heartfelt journey of making peace with your past. An honest, charming and refreshing take on redemption… GO SEE!... full review

It’s truly remarkable when a performer bares their soul with such selflessness, and without pretension, as Laura succeeds in doing here. Her deeply personal story is presented with wit, elegance, and an ease that invites us to share a experience with which we all can, and will, identify. Extremely well done!... full review

A rollicking tale about CHOICES a modern "New South" woman faces and makes as her father declines and dies. Aspects I most appreciated about BB&B: well considered and delivered structure; sound design (more music, both singing and recorded, would be a wonderful addition - I realize time constraints with Fringe, though); character portrayal - Carson cleverly used voice and body expression to paint a rich cast of characters; her fearlessness to portray herself as a flawed, strong and tenacious human. Great character arc! And, most especially, I appreciated and valued her HEART. It takes balls to put a personal story threaded with grief out into the world. Carson commits to the full story - warts, giggles, wonder, grief and all. ... full review

Booze, Balls and Bluegrass is a one woman show that speaks for more than just one woman's journey. The evening you spend with Laura takes you to places in her life that were filled with love, caregiving, loneliness, a furry creature named Tischbein. All along the way you get her unique perspective but you also get reminded of your own life and journey. I spent the time laughing hard, shaking my head in agreement and even crying, but at the end I had a deep feeling of love and being thankful for being taken along for a ride of a slice of Laura's life. I'm glad she's sharing it; I'm glad I got a glimpse of the road that shaped the actress that rocked the Hollywood Fringe stages. ... full review

I loved every minute of this beautiful show. Part memoir & reminiscence, part memorial & tribute, Laura Carson gets to the root of grief and the complicated love that sometimes accompanies it. If you ever have an opportunity to see this moving show, do not miss it. You may laugh, you may cry, but you will certainly feel.... full review