Barking Pig

As someone who has avidly followed his development as both a writer and performer, I was delighted to see that Michael Shaw Fisher's latest slice of theatrical misanthropy is nothing short of delicious - a rollicking high-wire act of a tragi-comedy that swings wildly from the absurd to the scatological to the sublime without ever losing its focused, intelligent humanism. Fisher may very well be this generation's Sam Shepard, and we who are discovering his work early enough to experience it in this intimate a venue should count ourselves lucky, indeed. ... full review

As good or better than anything else I saw at this year's LA Fringe. Shades of Beckett and Vonnegut, with a healthy dose of drunken Irish poetry. Highbrow and lowbrow at the same time, and a pleasure all the way through.... full review

A somewhat dark depiction of small town anywhere and the characters centering around a local "watering hole" who await their fate after receiving a cripted phone message from a former resident. Hilarity ensues as their stories unfold and the neurosis set in. The actors emerse themselves in their individual roles and give outstanding performances all around. "Here's to Jake!" ... full review

Tony Frankel, theatre critic for Stage and Cinema here. Had someone other than Michael Shaw Fisher directed his new play The Barking Pig, it may have been easier to ascertain if the script even has potential. Ultimately, Mr. Fisher can not be dismissed as a writer - in fact, his script barks with potential, but the direction lacks nuance and focus. The idea is superb: seven unique characters (who just happen to congregate in a small town bar at the same time) receive a phone call from escaped convict Victor Helms, announcing his plans (via a creepy, piggy poem) that he is on his way to murder one of the patrons. While waiting for the porcine Godot, Fisher's characters take us on an existential journey that is occasionally funny, but enigm... full review

I really wanted to like this show. I like absurdist theatre, I love wacky characters, I adore shows with built-in drinking games. But from the brusque box office guy, to the almost apologetic curtain speech ("If you want, raise a beer when anyone says 'To Jake.' (shrug) I mean, that's the idea, anyway." (shrug)), to the fairly static blocking, over-long script, out-of-tune guitar, odd casting choices, and uneven energy levels… I just never managed to connect with this show. That said, although some of the cast seemed mis-cast, which amplified the overall amateurishness — the guy they comment on losing his hair, clearly has a full head of hair. The 'unattractive goth chick with cankles" has none of those attributes. I'd say, cut the ref... full review