Thom Pain: Based on Nothing

This was a wonderful and engaging performance. The delivery was crisp and well-timed. I was not familiar with this play prior to seeing Loviska’s preview performance, but left both a fan of the play and the performer.... full review

It has been far too long since I've gotten to enjoy live theater! I wanted to attend in person, but live in WA state and decided it would be best for me to enjoy the livestream. It featured some things I like, the multi camera angles, the random visual footage and stream of consciousness dialogue delivered in a measured yet unpredictable way.... full review

Andrew Loviska’s subcutaneous humor & unyielding melancholy bring all the existentialists to the yard at this year’s Fringe LA, in Will Eno’s Thom Pain (based on nothing). In an intentionally rambling monologue, Thom – played by Andrew – aims to tell his life story while he is constantly interrupted by the fact that he’s alive. For those who are fans of rhythmic language and wacky wordplay, Eno’s script will make you vibrate more deeply than a rhythmic riff on an electric bass guitar. And “Yes, AND”ing on this with a didactic performance that made me experience a full range of emotions; I found Andrew’s on-stage presence teasing me to lean in with curiosity about the inner workings of Thom’s eccentric mind, while at the same time p... full review

Fantastic show. The presentation was surprising and engaging. It was stripped down but with great production values in the visual effects. The story looped around in a way that brought real emotion to the audience. Deeply uncomfortable at times in a way that I couldn’t look away. ... full review

'Oh what a paradise, living in fear...' Solo plays are not easy feats, and they're largely not for audiences unwilling to invest their attention; short of a full-on intentional stand-up routine they typically demand more of those watching. For audiences willing to engage they can be a real treat. As a streamer I was jealous of those there, in person, because that was the experience I wanted to have. That said, there were merits to the online experience. Most importantly, though, Loviska handles the role with aplomb. This isn't an easy one -- Thom Pain is a circuitous fellow and lives his life before the audience in a series of kind of seemingly atonal, tangential vignettes (as he often asks the audience -- 'do you like magic?' -- h... full review

A haunting and, ultimately, moving experience with great visuals and a fantastic performance from Andrew Loviska.... full review

Brilliantly acted, disturbingly written, and hauntingly relatable, Thom Pain is a memorable experience. I really liked Thom and several times wanted to run up and give him a hug, but in the end I was just grateful not to be living a tortured existence, unhinged by my own mind.... full review

The atmosphere of the play felt like walking through a nightmare and I mean that in the best possible way! I was drawn in by Andrew Loviska’s dynamite performance, who did a great job with the material.... full review

Not knowing much about Thom Pain (based on nothing), I was captivated by the performance of Andrew Loviska as the title character as he erratically speaks of different times of his life. A very well done show not just on the acting level, but as a production as a whole.... full review