blackboxing

"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

A PERFECTLY CLEVER ADVENTURE INTO “BAD” THEATRE BY THE UBER TALENTED "MATTS" RITCHEY & MARTIN ... full review

Blackboxing is a hilarious, cringe-inducing exploration of the narcissism, neuroses, and sheer hubris of an actor putting on a one-man show. A loving and knowing skewering of a sometimes deeply self-indulgent art form.... full review

A “one-man show with a two-person cast,” the play hysterically goes to the mattresses with a solo show that uses the stage as a reason to regurgitate their life story; as a form of personal therapy; and as a vehicle for their own masturbatory amusement. “Blackboxing” also takes multiple nods and pot-shots at theatre community superstitions, overused dramatic standards, and novice Hollywood Fringe show producers' unreasonable expectations, over-estimations, and underestimations–all to great comic effect.... full review

Nicely done. Over all production was well executed and worth that pat on the back you are so looking for. Your parents would be proud if they had been there of course...... full review