Empathy Party

I loved this show for many reasons and one is because it is a Dominican man going against machismo culture and standing up for a new way of being. Of Being with your feelings. Representing Gentle Masculinity. I especially loved when Ariel unveiled a picture of himself as a 10-year-old and engaged in a poignant dialogue with his younger self throughout the show. One of many deeply moving and contemplative moments that unfolded throughout the performance. I wish I could see this again!... full review

Ariel Jimenez has crafted a show which will make you laugh, move you, and allow you to take a breath knowing that while the world has been a difficult place as of late; community exists. We are supported, we are seen, and we can empathize together. ... full review

Ariel’s voice is a voice we absolutely NEED in this world. Full of life, love, energy, emotion, heart, and most of all, EMPATHY. I was in absolute awe watching him weave music, poetry, comedy, and honesty together in this wonderful show. It is so impressive to watch him command this stage, but in the most gentle and relatable way possible. I could honestly go on and on and on. Ariel is an incredible talent, and it is crazy to exist on the same plane of existence as him !!! GO SEE THIS SHOW! ... full review

It was as described in the title. What is seen as pitied is seen through empathetic eyes in a unique, fun and personal example. And with that, the show was as enjoyable as it was memorable.... full review

Loved the authenticity, relatability, and, of course, the HUMOR!! The show started out straight from the heart when Ariel introduced us to his younger self!!... full review

What a fantastic show! Ariel is a multi-talented artist who covered a range of emotions in his brief one-man performance. He's absolutely hilarious and incorporates electronic music, juggling, and other props into his bits. Ariel manages to talk openly and vulnerably about hard things without apology and without bringing down the audience. Rather, his candor and intentionality create a communal sense of solidarity for all gathered. So glad I got to see this! ... full review

This show is striking not because it is in your face the whole time and showing Ariel's virtuosity as an actor, but because it feels as though your best friend is sitting across from you at a coffee shop confiding in you about the real shit he's been going through. In that sense, it is an incredibly moving piece---the sounds only heightening the casual and honest relationship Ariel creates with the audience. ... full review

Go see this show! A beautiful mix of comedy, music, and vulnerability! Ariel finds a wonderful mix of honesty wrapped up in silly and streamers that had the audience nodding along in both understanding and solidarity. A thrilling part of humanity is that we get to feel all of it (sometimes all at once) and he’s found a way to really tap into that experience. It really is an empathy party and something we can all benefit from experiencing! ... full review

A unique take on stand up comedy involving music, and pain. Spanning the course of an hour, self aware of the discomfort of time, Empathy Party processes loneliness, and unworthiness reliving/coming to terms with the truth of the past striving to arrive at a moment of peace at the end. Entertaining as hell!!... full review

This is what positive masculinity looks like. In a world of toxic masculinity where men's loneliness is used to attack or blame women, this show voices that pain with maturity, humor and empathy. He gives what he asks for, empathy and understanding. ... full review