Michael Shaw Fisher

A provocative work in progress that drives home themes of grief, friendship, and the search of Self within the context of humankind’s seemingly-meaningless but potentially cathartic sexuality. It’s a thinker, a slow burn, an emotional deep dive into characters at a crossroads who in the end only have each other. Lots of gorgeous work being done here. I recommend everybody see it, but not just to be entertained, but to become a vital part of that creative process with Christian Levatino, and part ... full review

(Disclaimer: I have yet to speak to the playwright so I might just be talking out of my ass.) “Does one have the right to be brutal towards others if that’s the way they want to live? And how much of that “wanting” do we have any control over?” Those were the central questions I took away from Ryan Lisman’s thought-provoking new play AND WHAT OF THE CHILDREN… The answer to the first question might seem like a no-brainer, “No! Of course, not!” But if the answer is so obvious, why does that v... full review

For those whose appreciate romantic comedies, Sweet Air has its own spin on the genre, and might very well be that breath of “sweet air” they are looking for in a Fringe year that is particularly loaded with darker and more tragic comedies. Matt Morillo’s play knows exactly what it is, which is no small thing. And it brings heart to the stage. Congrats to the team!... full review

Knowing the playwright Drew over the course of some Fringes now, i’m always excited to see his work as it continues to sparkle with an exuberant thirst that seems like it will never quench itself. He’s got a raw youthful energy that drives his works, SO MUCH MORE TO SAY than any single work could ever contain. He strives for honesty though clever repartee and experimental attacks. EXCEPT MYSELF, his latest piece, is nothing less than that: a mad cap exploration of the various aspects of a person’... full review

Maureen SanDiego is a bawdy beast. As Alan Cummings’ butt baby, she is an off-the-cuff crackpot and crackshot, taking out her audience, whether with comedic precision, or as heaping handful of stinky wrath hurled straight from the lower colon…but ALWAYS a lovable bestower of belly laughs.... full review

After considering the Fringe fare this year, I’m thinking 2025 is the year of the tragic comedy… Or the comedic tragedy… Perhaps because we all feel a little bit ambivalent as we try to reconcile the state of the world (especially our town either on fire or under siege) and our own desire to laugh and be grateful for the things we have… In this way, the zany-yet-sentimental CURVEBALL perfectly epitomizes that dichotomy of emotions, landing surefire laughs even in the hardest times.... full review

Kudos to all. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the fervor of this singular fringe experience. As the title says, this is a “concert” so you’re looking for a story, that’s not the point here, but if you’re looking to escape these hard times for a rousing hour of full-blooded commitment to a style of transportive traditional music with a side of character comedy, you’ll want to prioritize this show. ... full review

I was curious what it would be like to see one of my favorite actors ever NOT playing a role in this, his autobiographical solo show… Would I feel deprived of his unpredictable characterizations? Would I be distracted by a *certain* TV show’s cultural impact? Worse yet, would I find myself comparing him to the endlessly entertaining fictional incarnations he’s brought to life in the past, and feel maybe…disappointed? The answer: No no and feck no. What I received was a thrill ride so hilar... full review

“Is this country for real?” is one of a few central questions at the heart of this human horror show, tucked neatly in an avalanche of moments that accelerate beautifully to its climax. It’s a no hold’s barred story of our America now, for better or worse. Sometimes audiences need to be reminded just how effective the medium of theatre can be in purging all the toxins of our country’s collective psychosis. “If I’m good” is a gloriously sobering reminder. A lot of high accolades get thrown libe... full review

The cast of talented oddballs are having an absolute blast and it’s totally infectious. If you’re needing a blithe, clever and hilarious mash up of every single song that ever happened in the 1990s/early 2000s and get transported back to all those old high school feels then this show is the time machine for you - a cabal of nostalgia!... full review