Homeless Romantic

Homeless Romantic? More like HONEST Romantic. Tony opens up about his life in truth mixed with stand-up comedy. A combination that is not easy. He totally rocks in this one man show.... full review

An extremely emotional and intentional comedy piece with flawless writing and strong direction. ... full review

The perfect Hollywood Fringe show! Tony has this city in his bones and it shows up on stage. Whether he's talking about downtown, the subway, or the open mics, this show is a love letter to the Los Angeles that doesn't get a lot of love. Considering how hard his life has been, his show is blast. It's hilarious, it's sweet, and it's one of a kind. ... full review

This was an insightful uplifting show that makes you count your lucky stars and think a lot about what we have to be grateful for in our society. Tony took us on a journey of what it was like to be homeless in Los Angeles and it's a story that has to be told considering the rapid rise in homelessness post pandemic. He was unabashedly himself, a romantic, a droll standup comic, but also a survivor and a fighter who despite all the tragedy in his life, has kept his sense of humor, warmth and shown his true resilience. ... full review

Heartfelt! Vulnerable! Hilarious! Weird! ... full review

I friggin loved it. Tony's got a great story to tell, and he's great at telling it. Wherever Tony Bartalone's next show/project is, find it, and be a part of it!... full review

Really enjoyed the show! I’m in awe of Tony as a human and a performer. His story is heartbreaking and yet he does a good job of making sure the audience laughs and knows that even though he has PTSD from being homeless he also wants to talk about his experience and share what he has learned. I recommend this show and I also recommend coming with questions to ask Tony about his homelessness when he has his interactive Q&A with the audience. Your curiosity helps fuel the show!... full review

Tony accomplishes the impossible task of meshing raunchy humor with heartbreaking stories. The audience goes on a journey with him and experiences what he did when he was homeless: grief, loneliness, overcoming obstacles, epiphany, and finally, triumph. The balance of emotions he has created in this story is unmatched, and will have you thinking about life differently. I couldn’t stop smiling, laughing, and nodding along. ... full review

My overall impression was simply that it was important. Tony captures a familiar feeling of how, I think, many in his generation feel about watching a parent work an unfulfilling job that “literally killed him”. With the rise of the antiwork movement, the message of this piece felt reflective of that, which “seeks to question and critique the role of work in our lives, arguing that the majority of modern work is unnecessary and unfulfilling”. Also, I remember being told when I was graduating college that it was going to be very hard to find a job, and I had a college degree… and it really was. ... full review

Tony was so honest and had amazing stage presence! He knows how to be very in the moment with his audience, and notices everything about them. I loved if someone would walk in late, he would acknowledge them and talk to them. I also appreciate art that is both funny and very sad, and this was an awesome mix of both that made me feel lots of things! SUCH a great job Tony :) ... full review