The Lights Are Off

For the review by Bob Leggett on Examiner.com, head to http://www.examiner.com/article/best-of-hollywood-fringe-12-weekend-four-recap?cid=db_articles. Overall, a worthy effort.... full review

Soson's play feels like an updated This Is Our Youth, with more laughs, more heart, and more characters to love to hate. Frighteningly realistic, The Lights Are Off addresses college drug use, relationships, abuse and violence with a refreshing poetry and candor. Bookended by beautiful live music, acted by a promising young ensemble, and co-produced by the ever-effervescent Priscilla Watson, TLAO and The Working Theatre are sure to be one of the stronger ensemble showings at the Fringe.... full review

I wrote a review for this on my tumblr blog: http://whywouldiseethat.tumblr.com/post/25140160111/thelightsareoff I've been delighted to see these folks at shows or at the Fringe Central Station nearly every night. It was enough to present one of my top five favorite shows (so far!) of this fringe, but I admire their participation and support for the community they've recently joined. Personally, I'm hoping somebody swoops in and arranges a full run.... full review

What a great piece of theatre. Credit to Matt's spot-on writing and sure directing and most especially to his brilliantly talented cast. Do not miss this show! Even if it does go a bit off the rails in the third act (what I found to be a quite unjustified "twist"), the acting is so damn strong and believable that I found myself willing to go along for the ride. If this show doesn't get a Best of Fringe extension, it would be a crime. One of the top two shows I've seen at Fringe! Brilliant stuff. Seeing talented young artists at work is an incredible experience. See this show before the lights go off for good!... full review

Being in uni right now, this play was very relevant and pretty accurate according the characters that you might find in a college kid's dorm. The intensity and honesty of each actor was spot on. The message of this play was surreal and bold. I really enjoyed how the space was used and the dedication of the designers, directors and actors following through with the playwriting and vision. Read more @ apufringe.wordpress.com... full review

A pair of college roommates attempt to navigate their way through the college years in Matt Soson’s The Lights Are Off, a dark, edgy screwball comedy with a starkly dramatic twist. Despite an occasional strain on credibility, Soson’s maiden play never bores. With its cast of talented, good-looking UCLA grads, The Lights Are Off showcases its writer’s gift for penning clever, funny dialog and placing his cast of likable and not quite so likable characters in unexpected, unpredictable situations. Mikey Hawley’s hot-as-blazes Burnt, Elijah Trichon’s quirky Randy, and Rachel Lien’s vivacious Gwen are all terrifically realized performances as are supporting turns by Taylor Solomon as the loopy Riley and Megan Gail, Cord Jackman, and Ian Evarts... full review