Booze, Balls and Bluegrass: A Daughter's Journey

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

This is solo theater at it's finest; honest, emotional storytelling delivered with wry humor and great warmth by author/actor Laura Carson. Laughter (and a tear or two) flows freely as this personal tale of love and the nature of family unfolds. Laura's evocative writing and spot-on character work make you feel like you witnessed it all first hand. Michael Kass' sharp direction unites both Ms. Carson and the audience in a heart-to-heart encounter that is over too soon. Only one show left- Don't miss it!... full review

The vulnerability of every character that Carson embodies makes you root for each one. Her honesty and compassion cut to the emotional core of her story, her father's story and each character. As a father, I found myself examining my relationship with my own daughter - and wondered what story she will tell once I'm gone. While I've never downed 16 oz of Scotch in a single evening, I do share common ground with Carson's dad (as might all of us dads). We want our children to go into the world and thrive - but do we have the tools to express that to our kids? Carson's father - as she so brilliantly portrayed him - struggled with that. And Carson's show about their painful, funny and poignant relationship will make you laugh, think, maybe ... full review

Laura Carson is a force to be reckoned with. She has given us a gift in creating this show and sharing about the last years of her father's life. It feels like you are there in the room with her as she is facing her father's alcoholism and the world of health care professionals which she learned to manage. Her writing is so full of wit and empathy. All her characters are so vivid. It really was a performance I will never forget. When a night in the theatre allows you to be in touch with the human condition and feel a connection to your own humanity, it is really magical.... 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

From the moment she greets her audience, Laura's authenticity is palpable. Her approach to storytelling is honest, insightful, and very funny - making the difficult topics of aging, dying, and death, a journey you will be glad you took. Laura is a strong and gifted actress and her characters are funny, poignant, and rich, which makes this piece accessible to all. But if you are a baby boomer - YOU WILL RELATE - I promise. And it will be a relief and a release, as you laugh and cry at the same time. ... full review

B, B & B was a wonderful place to spend a Saturday night. What an intimate experience. I laughed, I cried, I laughed again and I connected with her work. It touched me, not because I too have recently lost a parent, but because Laura is flawless in transforming herself into these characters. The piece draws you in and makes you feel as if you are there in the room with these people. I could feel their pain, her relief, her sadness, their struggle, and most importantly the love between her and her Father. Sharing that much vulnerability while still being at ease, confident and funny is exactly what Laura did! Way to go Laura!... full review