This Was Never Supposed To Be A One Woman Show

A fantastic production that, like the other reviewers said, will leave you in tears. If you didn't see it you missed out!... full review

This show was simply powerful, heartfelt, hilarious, vulnerable and tender. It was a love letter to a true friendship - to all the things we wish we could have said. As a writer and an actress, Samantha Bowling is a rare talent in that she is equally capable of performing drama as she is deft at comedy and comedic timing. We overuse the term laugh out loud but she managed to get me to laugh out loud too many times to count. She tempered that with profound emotional moments that took my breath away. My hope is that she finds a space to share this show with more audiences. For many I believe it will be cathartic and healing. This was the last show of this run, but I hope only the beginning for this show's evolution.... full review

Incredible show from start to finish! Samantha’s use of characters, audience work, original and parody music, and genuine honest and earnest storytelling was an experience that anyone would be lucky to witness. From hilarious audience participation bits, expert and gut wrenching-at times singing, and portrayals of experiences that will surely bring you to tears, this show is a 10/10. While it may be the case that it was “Never Supposed to be a One Woman Show” Samantha’s acting and storytelling will often make you forget that it is, in fact, only one person in front of you doing all these amazing things. Here’s hoping the Fringe grants this woman an extension and more of you get the opportunity to see it! Either way I’m sure we’re all going t... full review

This show was THE most moving experience I had at Fringe this year. It's so smartly written. Samantha's improvisational background informs her storytelling ability, which comes across unscripted and spontaneous. It's as if she's simply sharing with a close friend in the moment, and there's plenty of humor throughout! But the real magic and power lies in her ability to stay emotionally present as she moves through her struggles with her mental health. And that final song left me in tears.... full review

This gorgeous show is still tugging at my heart. I am so moved by Samantha's ability to share this very raw story which she does with incredible grace while shining as a performer. Beautifully written, she shares how depression can manifest in ourselves and also those we dearly love. While offering coping tools to combat the oppressive state of depression, she never comes across as didactic but comes from a generous heart that has acknowledged and revealed her own brokenness. ... full review

Absolutely stunning and riveting performance. Bowling's deft storytelling chops drives a knife into your heart and carves out a space for hope to exist. Thank the Universe for her comedy skills, too. It helped the raw truth she served go down the gullet a little smoother.... full review

ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS I EXPERIENCED AT HOLLYWOOD FRINGE! Samantha gave one of the best female performances. As someone who has experienced a lot of family and loved ones take their lives, it was especially magical and cathartic to see someone finally do it so right! She handles mental health with the grace, honor, and compassion it deserves. She has wisdom way beyond her years and her show became a safe space much like the office of a trusted therapist. Weaving improv and inner wisdom in an astounding and ethereal way. I recommend this show to anyone and everyone! It's like a book or movie that changes your life and you want to rewatch it, but you can't do it right away because its effects stay with you for a long time. ... full review

Samantha has tapped into something raw and spiritual. Sharply written, deeply personal, regrettably relatable, and hella funny. See this show! ... full review

Funny, soulful, and deeply intentional, this show is a painful and necessary catharsis. Samantha is spellbinding and so full of heart. Her voice is crystal clear and her presence is captivating. I feel grateful to have seen such a raw and powerful work. This is not an easy watch, particularly for those who relate to the mental health struggles discussed in the show-- but Samantha does a wonderful job of shepherding us through difficult moments and ends on an encouraging and beautiful note. ... full review

Riveting, stirring, and riotous, Samantha Bowling is a marvel! This Was Never Supposed To Be A One Woman Show: A One Woman show is directed with vulnerable self-assuredness, Samantha produces this thing soup to nuts with adroit skill, and she is operating at an amazing level of talent. Bowling is so engaging, with her literally-layered costume designs and her memorable songs delivered by her dreamy ethereal singing, that it's impossible to look away from her as she delivers this can't-miss show. The storytelling, the performance, the technical production, the direction, and the cohesion of this show make this show THE show to see at the 2023 Los Angeles Fringe Festival.... full review