Tough Brown Leather

Compelling story bravely and beautifully told.... full review

Wow. This show got me from the opening lines. I found myself gripping my armrest, my heart pounding, and then suddenly, I was smiling as I listened to a little girl knocking down boys on a football field. This show had me laughing one minute, angry the next, and I was cheering for the protagonist until I was afraid for her, then back to cheering. This show spoke to me deeply as a woman, and as my husband said, "Every man should see this show." It is powerful, engaging theatre that asks its audience to investigate views of sexuality through a different lens: that of a young girl who doesn't know any better, but wants desperately to understand it all. GO SEE THIS SHOW!... full review

I wasn't sure what to expect and I'm not going to tell you either. What I will say is this is the kind of show that will make you feel pretty much every emotion. You will find yourself laughing out loud as well as being completely frozen, unable to even blink for fear of missing something. This show has many subtle messages and plenty that are anything but subtle. They are important, relevant, thought provoking, and uncomfortable. I saw the show last night and we are still talking about it the next day. That's when you know the show is good! You don't want to miss this one!! Go see it!... full review

There are two things in particular that I loved and admired about Tonya's performance: 1 she's a badass and she knows it - I love that she knows it -she's immediately revealed to be powerful both physically and emotionally - and even women who are both physically and emotionally strong become victims of abuse in this world- -and though the stories she tells are from her youth, seeing this athletic strong woman standing up there and sharing about how she wasn't in control physically is very moving. 2- stories of abuse vary so greatly and the world often depicts them as some simply lifetime movie formula. Survivors have all sorts of different feelings in regards to the things they have endured - I wish that more people would speak up, b... full review

Very well written and performed. Brava!... full review

Definitely one of my favorite fringe shows! Tonya does a stellar job of transporting you through various stories and weaving in football practices. The title of her show is genius and represents her story so well! She's a great storyteller and by the end of the show I felt like I knew her personally. I hope to see more shows from her at future fringe festivals.... full review

Tonya Jones is a powerful artist with a personal story of triumph that should be on everyone's dance card. Don't miss this show - see our full review at Indie Voice Blog.... full review