PLEDGE

Running an hour, Pledge feels like the perfect Fringe show: surprising, succinct, and striking. ... full review

It’s a simple plot and the actors do a fine job fleshing out the thinly written characters. Their charm and gusto make the time fly past swiftly.... full review

This may end up being one of my favorite plays at Fringe this year. Dark, funny, very disturbing. Set in a fraternity house days after a pledge has committed suicide, each character seems to be wrestling with some aspect of “how do I become an adult?” For one female character, that means moving on from an unpleasant encounter that may threaten relationships for the rest of her life. For some of the characters, it is obvious that massive insecurity reigns behind the bravado of womanizing, drinking, and fighting. Some of the guys may be just trying to compensate for insecurity, others actually buy into the idea that this is manhood. Fascinating stuff to watch unfold.... full review