With My Eyes Shut

Breathtaking. In the context of Fringe this show does a stellar job putting up a quick and stunning theatrical experience. It's worth the ticket price and more, and complete in and of itself, but it was SO good I wish it had a second act. The actors are perfect, the direction and script are lovely. I'm still thinking about this show two days later, especially as a nanny for a child who is on the edge of the spectrum- the depiction of autism and how it varies from person to person is wonderful- the production team has done an impressive job of showing instead of telling- the topic is tricky and nuanced and it is handled carefully and boldly in this awesome new play.... full review

The music and dancing were first rate, and moved the story along nicely. It was so easy to get swept up in this show,, which is definitely one of the best productions of HFF18. This one deserves recognition at the awards, and another run.... full review

Beautiful, immersive, and heartfelt. ... full review

A very sweet and touching piece about two people desperately trying to connect. Wonderfully written, directed and acted. I recommend highly!... full review

Directed by Tara Donovan with skill, passion and great insight into the many components of those on the autism spectrum, this West Coast premiere of Kira Rockwell's three-person play WITH MY EYES WIDE SHUT will open your eyes to the ways in which others see the world and react to it. The two lead characters, Cole (Craig Shields) and Naomi (Esther Mira, a highly artistic choreographer whose lovely dances are set to the color moods of her character), both have behavior issues. He is a musical prodigy whose skill with instruments leads his life while her obsession with color leads her into a life surrounded by "blue" to calm her down. ... full review

This show is wonderful. It’s beautiful and sweet and inspiring all in equal parts. The direction is taught, the performances are dead solid perfect and the lighting is well tailored to the story being told without lacking or being distracting. Five ⭐️. ... full review

I don't really know anything about Autism or Asperger's or being on the spectrum, but I feel like tonight's show tried to help me bridge the gap between my ignorance and those experiences. It's an intelligently constructed play, utilizing the meta-theatrical parameters of performance itself to lead me step by step toward the inevitable breakdown where I'm the one who's different, I finally feel like I can't interpret the social cues correctly. Ultimately that's because of Olivia Schlueter-Corey's gap filling performance as a theater technician suddenly called upon to improvise in a well written scene beautifully performed. But everyone in the play is super talented. I bet Craig Shields can play every musical instrument. Esther Mira is a ... full review

An amazing show, unique and not to be missed.... full review

Finding love despite autism is the achievement of this superb and lovable and beautifully performed play about two millennials who meet in what appears to be clown school. As they work at oppressive exercises about social clues to feelings, clues that autism makes elusive, they figure out that sharing their gifts (music and dance respectively) is the real way to escape their limitations. They even manage to expand the horizons of their initially obtuse trainer, engagingly played by Olivia Schlueter-Corey. The wonderful actors who portray the couple, percussionist Craig Shields and dancer/choreographer Esther Mira, and their excellent director/producer Tara Donavan have done their homework carefully, and they skillfully bring their audience... full review

A sweet, concise romantic comedy that is cast perfectly and well acted. I happily recommend it.... full review