Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026 Reviews

Big Maestro & Little Cello Boy

ian gottlieb · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
Very funny and zany on the surface, and underneath, a vulnerable and real confessional about the struggles and power dynamics between conservatory students and teachers... full review

On the Line

andy prescott · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
An intimate, tension-filled, edge-of-your seat thriller with twists! ... full review

Trench

michael perlmutter · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
Fascinating. Funny. Just the right amount of quirky. I loved it.... full review

Good Boys Anonymous

larry tee · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
A sensitive and compelling evening of theatre.... full review

Taming of the Shrew in 60 minutes

evelyn rose · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
I thought it was a fun and lively take on a classic. The creative use of the induction characters was an interesting twist! ... full review

You're Not My Dad

amanda clemmons · June 08, 2026 uncertified reviewer
Solo theatre done right! Ryan's performance was a masterclass in embodying multiple characters. He shifted seamlessly between each one so that the story flowed naturally and I was hooked the whole time. This story is one that a lot of people will be able to relate to and Ryan delivers it with such sincerity that I couldn't help but be invested. The piece was crafted so each emotional and tonal shift was earned and fit into the tapestry of the story. This is one not to miss!... full review

Shogun

jonah matso · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
A worthy hour! Alex invites his audience to a very vulnerable place that is rife with creativity. ... full review

Confessions of a Pregnant Stripper

nikhil pai · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
What to expect when you're expecting in six-inch heels. At times funny and emboldening, and at other times deeply raw and personal. Megan is a stunning performer who narrates with the allure and deftness in a way only a superbly skilled entertainer can. A beautiful show.... full review

Diane Diane! The Parole of a Lifetime

steve szlaga · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
Fun, fearless, and irreverent! Elissa is a joy to watch, and the audience participation moments were a real highlight. ... full review

Good Boys Anonymous

pietro mercieca · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
7 different stories, 7 testimony and only one writer. It’s actually hard to believe how far this show takes you. The acting was great and gave credit to the writing that was something I’ve never seen before. The show takes you in a journey of introspection and let you leave at peace and moved. The direction make you part of the hole show without moving. I was in from start to finish. Go watch it! ... full review

ShotzLA: An Exquisite Corpse

anonymous · June 08, 2026 uncertified reviewer
Insane, but in the best way possible. ... full review

The Bone Lady

amanda clemmons · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
A uniquely beautiful way to tell stories. The Bone Lady was surprisingly sweet and funny despite what the name might lead you to believe. It felt like we were all a part of the story together. There were so many twists and turns I really had no idea where the show would go next!... full review

Puppydog

michael perlmutter · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
Unexpected brilliance. I loved this show. Simple. Nuanced. Layered. The premise sounded ridiculous. The payoff: profound. ... full review

Urgent Care

jonah matso · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
A hell of a play. Straight up awesome theater, from beginning to end. Excellently directed, phenomenally acted. Reilly has a clear and vivid voice, which is always immersive, never trite, and at many times moving, verging on profound. He makes no compromises for the audience and presents the story in all of its authenticity straight from the heart.... full review

The Council of Elrond: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Editon: Part 4

mark vigeant · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
WOW! This was SO FUN! Riley and Cole are hysterical, and create a sandbox for audience members to PLAY. This really stretches the form of what a "show" can look like, and it was heaven for me. Will directed it brilliantly, it builds to a delightful crescendo with exactly the right amount of chaos. ... full review

Barbie Smith: God's Favorite Tease

vani dewan · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
ugh Yamini is such a genius!! Such clever writing, so many unexpected punchlines. I love how she incorporated audience participation and encouraging everyone to be goofy and bought in. Some hilarious slidessssss accompanied her live performance and she did an awesome job targeting the LA-specific audience... full review

ALPHA NATION

mitchell toler · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
Funny, personal, and confessional without being self-indulgent, this is everything you want from a Fringe show. Madi takes all the charm and natural charisma that makes her an internet darling and deepens it with a show that will make you grateful your dad isn’t a professional breakdancer.... full review

Comics Reading Comics

amanda clemmons · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
This show was hilarious! Such a great concept and really well executed. All of the comedians did an excellent job bringing these old comics to life with just their voices and some beautifully-made props. Plus there were lots of fun little surprises along the way. And I love that it is the most accurate show at Fringe!... full review

The Seven Year Bitch

aria gittelson · June 08, 2026 uncertified reviewer
Shayna Bezozo is a powerhouse comedian and vocalist. This show was extremely funny. Constant laughs, excellent timing and pacing, and great interactions with her "accompanist". Both performers shined. ... full review

ALPHA NATION

austin archer · June 08, 2026 certified reviewer
A very funny, surprisingly touching, and self-aware examination of familial trauma and the relationship between estranged parents and their children. ... full review

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