American Conspiracy

This is so far my favorite piece yet offered by fringe veterans Ben Schwartz (playwright) and Matt Ritchey (director). American Conspiracy is an excellent ensemble piece where we see how far desperation (personal, financial) can push one family member from another. When does selfishness kick in? Is escape from these forces is even possible? This crisis is embodied beautifully by Spencer Cantrell as he is hopelessly prodded by the endlessly watchable David Garver. Cantrell and Garver together pop with energy and intensity. Hank Doughan who plays Hinkley makes a hilarious introduction to the show and possesses a believable and pitiable isolation. I won’t get into the connections between the characters as that might spoil plot. I will say that ... full review

Superb acting, writing, and direction that immediately transports you to two separate settings in the early 1980s. The script was clean, quick-paced, and the characters well developed. The direction was clear and cohesive- not a moment was missed. The actor's performances were deep, nuanced, and sometimes surprising. I LOVED this show. I wish it had been a two act- it really deserved additional time on that stage.... full review

They had me at Conspiracy. The diner vs the dirty gov't worker back and forth was flawless. I will watch David Lee Garver read the phone book. Katelyn Schiller is breathtaking. Schwartz and Ritchey really knocked it out of the park with this one. Even though I, cannot history, and wasn't sure which president we were "discussing" (trying not to give anything away) I was fully in it from the minute the diner and the office were battling for our attention. Secret. They both got all of mine. ... full review

A production as suspenseful as it is hilarious! Overflowing with great performances, sharp writing and clever staging "American Conspiracy" is one of my favorite plays of the Hollywood Fringe. Schwartz seemingly effortlessly has created an intriguing story packed with memorable characters and moments that days later I still found myself chuckling about or mulling over in reflection. Ritchey of course directed this play to look and feel so lived in and pointed. The performances all around feel genuine and robust enough to balance the weight of the situation along with everyday issues and the comedy of life's tragedies. I cannot recommend this play enough!... full review

Great writing. Great directing. Great acting. While on the surface you know something is lurking, that only serves as the present circumstances of the world these characters live in. A relationship driven story about family. It doesn’t matter which side of the party line you fall, you’re there for the characters.... full review

AMERICAN CONSPIRACY takes a story most of us know and expounds upon it and subverts it in engaging and unexpected ways. The assassination attempt is the backdrop, but this is really the story of disparate characters that feel trapped by 'something', desperately looking for ways out. It's a feeling we can all relate to, and writer Benjamin Schwartz deftly blends the comedy and drama in ways that take a simple tale and turn it into something truly complex. ... full review

What a sharp-witted, superbly acted show. It deals with fascinating questions about family and power and money, but is never overbearing with the messages.... full review

Awesome. Loved it. I wanted more of it! An in-depth look at two different relationships, both with their power struggles and life changing conversations. Loved the script and the crackling dialogue kept the back and forth pacing unrelenting. The direction kept me in the present moment while splitting between the two different times. ... full review

Wow! What an achievement! This show brings you in from the opening speech, given by one of the actors in character! From the first 5min you have an idea of what you're about to see. 15min later you are on the edge of your seat and stay that way until the curtain falls! The work that Schwartz and Ritchey do with this material is incredible. They have brought to Fringe a story that is so connected with who we are as a society and where we've come. It's just breathtaking to watch everyone on stage bring this story to life. From the diner to the office these actors don't miss a beat and will carry you over the finish line with incredible ease! This is one play at Fringe that truly everyone should see! If not just for the sheer histori... full review

Wonderful writing from Benjamin Schwartz. Bravo! Makes me want to do cocaine erryday. ... full review