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ANONYMOUS
uncertified reviewer
June 22, 2012
Meh. Didn't have the spark that such a premise necessitates. The physicality was earnest yet kinda boring. Show and star need more work....
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GREGORY BLAIR
uncertified reviewer
June 24, 2012
This wordless tale of the cycle of life and how it affects your body, your perception and your attitude is a sweet and surprisingly moving, nostalgic piece of theater, hearkening to the early days of vaudeville and silent film. The cast is uniformly attractive and talented, led by writer/director/producer Kristopher Lee Bicknell and including Michael Dias, Ruffy Lanayan and Estela Garcia; the three men each expertly physicalize all three generations and Ms. Garcia holds her own as a winsome would-be love interest and a comical, if slightly creepy, flower vendor. Laughs pepper the proceedings, but Bicknell knows life is not all laughter and he allows the play take its necessarily sober but satisfying end. “Before The Red Trees Come” stand...
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JULIE CIVIELLO
certified reviewer
June 12, 2012
Expect to see some great physical theater infused with comedy, a taste of childhood and some fantastic red pajamas. I expected to see Charlie Chaplin at any instant.
A very sweet show with very strong, creative actors. This one pulled at my heart strings too!...
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LISA BEEBE
certified reviewer
June 13, 2012
I'd never seen a "silent play" before tonight, but trying new things is what the Hollywood Fringe Festival is all about, right? I'm so glad I checked this one out.
The play begins with Kristopher Lee Bicknell's character asleep on stage, and follows the course of his day. His story is silly and sad, heartwarming and heartbreaking.
I'm amazed at how much of an emotional connection I felt to a play with no dialogue. Tonight's performance was sold out, but if you can get tickets, definitely see it -- this is one you'll remember.
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PAULINE ADAMEK
certified reviewer
June 13, 2012
This is a silent and whimsical absurdist play that traces the cyclical journey of a child-like fellow who seems to evolve and learn throughout his simple life.
Because there is no text (apart from non-verbal communication) the show relies heavily on the performers’ unremarkable physicality and the recorded piano accompaniment that is rather pretty at times. One repeated gag had a character toss a piece of candy in the air. Too bad the first actor performing this sequence failed to catch it...
Unfortunately the whole 45-minute show plays out like a clown school improv exercise, with each actor swapping roles. Pointless but sweet. ...
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ANONYMOUS
certified reviewer
June 16, 2012
Was a great show. Really engaging and fun to watch. Although a silent play, I felt I was understanding the conversation the entire time.
Highly recommended....
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AMY AMNESIA
certified reviewer
June 18, 2012
Just a lovely gem of a show. Sweet and soulful, with fantastic physicality from all performers. GO!...
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ANNA HODGSON
certified reviewer
June 24, 2012
I really appreciated the attention the detail in this show. The plot was not extreme in depth, but its simplicity helped the show and the patterns sat well with the audience. I loved each of the male actors' interpretation of the three generations and the female was brilliant! I could really see the commedia characteristics coming into play. Thank you for your simplicity and dedication into creating this beautiful and peaceful piece.
See more @ apufringe.wordpress.com.
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