blackboxing

I hated every moment of this show. It was painful, embarrassing, and drawn out. And everyone should see it. Especially if you have ever worked with a stage manager. ... full review

I enjoyed the show. It was very funny and creative.... full review

I need more opportunities to see Matt Ritchey onstage. He's got this voguing-esk timing coupled with a deeply truthful and reactive stage presence. This ridiculous one-man-epic-fail seamlessly speaks to a number of deep rooted emotional experiences in the fringe community. Also, Jim Niedzialkowski?? Come on. So great.... full review

A high concept, clever spin on amateur one-person shows. While the proverbial mirror to the Hollywood Fringe audience certainly hangs and reflects truth, it doesn't rely on that device or a working knowledge/participation in the industry to laugh at the material.... full review

"Blackboxing" is the real deal. The show within a show is delightfully immersive, and there isn't a single wasted second or line of dialogue to explain the concept or linger; the economy of word in this play is one I greatly respect and appreciate. It is a hilarious and heartfelt look at a very relatable, if pompous, actor and his nemesis, the techie; the deeper message of the show and its take on depression is pin sharp and hits home at just the right times, in just the right ways. A strong voice, even stronger performances, and extremely tight directing make this a contender for Best of Fringe in my book.... full review

I am not a theater buff. I didn’t catch many of the references to the theater scene. And it didn’t matter. It was fun, funny, and appropriately touching at the end. Very well written. gratifying to watch performers and audience having a great time together. Really felt, in some ways, to a rocky horror picture show screening in nyc, circa ‘78. Lots of energy. I recommend, especially if you’ve been dragged around to several one man shows in the past. This is an homage and a middle finger to all it. Great show.... full review

I haven’t laughed this hard at Fringe till Blackboxing. Every stereotypical one man show is explored by Matt Ritchey that it will stay in my memory for Fringe Festivals to come. A must see show for anyone who wants to know what NOT to do when putting up a show at the Fringe.... full review

I've known Matt Ritchey for a while, and I've seen many of his Fringe shows. I can absolutely say, without a doubt, that this is the best thing I've ever seen him do... and he directed my own one-woman-show!! Both parts hilarious and heartbreaking, this show is everything you love/hate about Fringe shows packed into a 45 minute piece. ... full review

A send-up of Hollywood solo shows, Blackboxing is a hilarious hour of metatheater that keeps the audience in stitches and surprises with a healthy dose of emotional reality.... full review

So true.... the whole concept is super funny, the way Matt expressed it - was enjoyable to watch, entertaining and super hilarious, because I bet we all recognized ourselves in it- that what makes it funny.... full review