My Own Private River Phoenix

An incredible show. Hilarious, emotional, and everything in between! Ai Yoshihara is a master of storytelling. ... full review

My Own Private River Phoenix is painfully poignant at times and yet it’s an altogether charming and irresistible portrait of a young immigrant looking to find her place in a foreign land. Yoshihara shines brightest at her most tender and vulnerable moments, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this show is a drama. Yoshihara cuts tension in the play with relatable quips about growing up and loving your own damn self. Full review: http://dinnerpartyblog.com/post/174879816187/women-on-the-fringe-a-round-up-of-female-driven... full review

One person's journey to America. Nuanced in its storytelling of East meets West. Would highly recommend.... full review

Ai's obvious acumen in story telling is on display. Her sharp humor avoids the sentimentality that often happens with solo performance autobiographies. The sad tale of her marriage and betrayal at the hand of her ex, gave a touching view of her bravery and humor without self-pity. It is the story of an immigrant rising. She is her own rising Phoenix.... full review

Ai captivates the audience from the very beginning of the performance and brings us on her journey of family, independence, love, and sacrifice. She is authentic through and through. "My Own Private River Phoenix" has everything--laughter, suspense, conflict, and personal growth. ... full review

Very solid one-person show. Ai is a great story teller!... full review

Ai wanted to leave Japan for America in order to meet her River Phoenix, the iconic American actor who died tragically young and whose sensitivity sparked a desire in this 9 year old little girl. She wouldn’t settle until she met her idol in an American white male who would resemble River Phoenix and, one fine day, her dream came true. Or was it her nightmare?... full review

A bitingly funny and incredibly touching true story! Ai is a powerhouse and fills the stage with an incredible tale of one woman's quest for "River Pheonix." I cannot recommend this show enough!... full review

I really loved Ai. Her performance was endearing, and I loved hearing her stories.... full review

My favorite part of the show was Ai herself dancing about the stage like a perky imp. She was a complete joy to watch and very funny.... full review