What I liked
When you see Jim Hanna’s name on it, you know it’s going to be a special production. The listing of writer/director/actor in one production can be a red flag, but not here. Jim Hanna delivers a great script, focused and purposeful direction, and delightful character work. Jayden Lund shines as the self-absorbed television creator/genius. He flips from subtle nuance to raging apoplexy without ever appearing forced or false. Katie Streeter as the newly famous starlet that we quickly fall in love with, then love to hate, never has a false moment. She’s delightfully narcissistic. Emily Dorsett as the social media famous Bindi is wonderfully clueless while she desperately tries to set trends for the Twitter-verse. Ashley Diane Currie ineffectual attempts to curb the egos of the other characters are quickly set aside when she watches with devilish glee as Rome begins to burn. The video performances were also good, with the stand out being the baby, I’m serious. The baby was fantastic, I can’t gush more about the show without giving away plot points, so just go see it already. Best money I spent all Fringe.
What I didn't like
Nothing to be improved, A video of this show should be shown to prospective Fringe productions so they know how a bare bones production doesn’t have to be slap dash.
My overall impression
You go to enough Fringe shows, and you practically expect them to be raw and under rehearsed. Then you see a show as tight and polished and hilarious as Human Hothouse, and you actually start to feel cheated by the other productions you’ve seen. The acting is clean and delightful, without a wasted moment on stage. Everyone gets their moment to shine and no one is ever upstaged. It is top notch satire filled with faux pretension and physical gags. Must freaking see.
