Thom Pain (based on nothing)

A brave effort …... full review

Overall I loved the show. It was thought provoking and engaging. Just when you think you have an idea of where it's headed, Johnny takes you in another direction in a clever and funny way. I don't want to give up the show but you'll definitely be SURPRISED haha. Please go see it! you won't be disappointed. ... full review

Thom Pain (based on nothing) is a fascinating, intriguing and, for myself, relatable one person play that takes the audience on a stream of consciousness ride. One is brought into the inner most thoughts of a single individual and though they are a stranger their stories make us realize just how similar we all are as human beings. ... full review

A fantastic reboot of a beloved and modern classic. Johnny Yoder gives his audience 70 uninterrupted minutes wallowing in the bitter self-consciousness of the plays' only character, Thom Pain. Yoder seamlessly jumps from small quips and practical jokes on the audience, to diving back into his childhood to unearth the emotional and psychological injuries inflicted on him in his youth. It is a deft performance coupled with talented and precise direction by Bryan Keith. Never for a second does it not feel like Mr. Yoder is in control of his material, the audience and imparting a nuanced show thick with a wide and thick variety of dialogue and imagery. Definitely worth seeing if you have the opportunity. ... full review

A fun, sometimes tense, always absurd, and ultimately rewarding stream of consciousness romp and celebration of language. ... full review

This show really hit me in a beautiful way. Johnny transformed into a character that was mystifying and honest. ... full review

This show takes you on a journey of the mind. You travel back and forth between childhood experiences and the decisions made by them. The actor performance was so convincing that I couldn’t help but draw my attention to his every word and movement. I left the show feeling provoked. ... full review

The show was amazing in all aspects of good complex theater. It takes a special someone to pull this type of theater off; and Johnny Yoder is definitely that someone! The dark side, the emotional side and everything in between in one hours time? Just WOW!!! The play had me on the edge of my seat from the first spark of the lighter in the darkness of the theater right until the end. If the audience really pays attention to the act; "Thom Pain" (Based On Nothing) is a very reachable act from all aspects of life in our reality. This is some of the best complex theater I have seen in a very long time. I have highly recommend this show to anyone seeking an amazing performance. ... full review

A poignant exploration of the light and dark sides of life executed with razor-sharp irony. Actor Johnny Yoder takes the audience on a roller coaster of anecdotes, vulnerabilities, humorous quips that left me feeling introspective and hopeful. Direction by Bryan Keith creates an immersive theater experience that forces the audience to partake in the transformative journey of Thom Pain's story. Don't miss this Pulitzer Prize Nominated piece!... full review

I could not stop talking about this show after I left. The words were haunting. The directing choices were smart, unique and engaging! The actor put a spell on the audience with his magical delivery and golden comedic timing. A must see!... full review