Ernest Kearney

“NO TRAVELER” (Platinum Medal) Written and flawlessly performed by Penny Pollak, with Lindsey Hope Pearlman directing “No Traveler” reveals itself part dance, part psychodrama, part vaudeville, part morality play and all diamond. I doubt that any tale of pain and despair has ever seen a wittier staging or suicide viewed in such a frisky light. Pollak portrays Abigail, an angst driven party girl who dances (literally) herself into an act of self destruction. She awakens to f... full review

THE LEGEND OF BOBBY DARIN: AN UNAUTHORIZED AUTOBIOGRAPGHY (Platinum Medal) At first glance Cliff Todd comes across as the quiet, unassuming sort. Hardly the guy you’d think of in connection with Bobby Darin, the brash crooner of “Splish Splash” and “Mack the Knife” fame, who died tragically young at 37. But at the start of this loving bio-play of the singer, Todd is suddenly gone. There in his place is Bobby. Todd captures Darin’s singing style and mannerisms perfectly, and under Miles Chap... full review

GLITCHES IN REALITY (Platinum Medal) Simon Coronel is a soft spoken lemur-faced Aussie who manages to accomplish two rather remarkable things in his show. First he meticulously deconstructs the entire stock in trade of the professional magician, describing in detail methods used to achieve the desired illusions, nonchalantly revealing secrets of the trade, at one point even enquiring who in his audience wants to know how a card trick is brought about, and who doesn’t . Then the “ignorance i... full review

BRIGHT SWORDS (Platinum Medal) “Bright Swords” tells the remarkable story of Ira Aldridge (1807 – 1867). Born in New York, the son of a freed black minister, Aldridge was fortunate in attending the African Free School in that city, established to provide the children of free blacks and slaves with a classical education. It was here he was introduced to the world of theatre. Aldridge would go on to become one of the most renowned actors of the time, reaping praise for his Shakespearian por... full review

This was not a show I had meant to see. But, a gap opened in my schedule and this play was a convenient plug. Now I have seen some amazing work at this Fringe. There were a few shows where I was almost tempted to stand and join the ovation they received. At “Tiananmen Annie” I lead the ovation. This is excellent, excellent work.... full review

I write this without the least rancor towards Ms. Mendoza. I don’t know the woman. I do understand she is something of a figure in the entertainment industry. So what? Her position or influence is of no concern to me and meaningless to this appraisal of her one woman show, “Cursed – My Road to Hollywood.” I sat through it. It was terrible. That is a very sad thing for me to have to say, but that is my honest opinion. What is even sadder is there was really no reason for it to have b... full review

Actress, Bella Merlin certainly enjoys herself portraying Nell Gwynne (1650 – 1687), one of history’s most engaging tarts. Fortunately, the audience is swept up in Merlin’s bravado performance from the moment she steps out on stage, rattling merrily on about her life’s journey that took her from poor country girl, to star of the London stage, and finally to the bed of England’s King. The historical period known as the “Restoration” in reference to the return of the monarchy in the person of Kin... full review

THE LAST KNOWN RECORDING OF THE LOVELY LENORE SISTERS A murder mystery involving a 40’s singing trio consisting of three sisters. Think Raymond Chandler meets the Andrew Sisters. Written and performed by Jennifer Kenyon with Amanda Weier directing, the show is tight and entertaining. But it is Kenyon’s performance as the three sisters that is the main reason not to miss this one, as she flows seamlessly between the siblings sisters as they relate the events that lead to their manager plunging... full review

LA LA LA STRADA “La La La Strada” is another show customed fit for the Fringe. It is an unhappy fact that shows of its nature would have a difficult time realizing commercial production, hindered not by any supposed or actual flaws, but by those elements within the show constituting its strengths and fundamental appeal; elements which would intimidate “producers” of the more timid types. The Proboscis Theater Company has given their audience something “different”. “Different” can be exciting.... full review

STUPID SONGS Under the Direction of Keri Safran , and accompanied by “The Stupid Band” (Dan Wessels, Eric Kalver, Brebtib Jissak and Carla Capolupo) fifteen professional singers do what all professionals dream of: Totally trash their profession. Essentially everything you need to know about this show is there in the title. All it is, is a hodge-podge of 19 stupid songs. But they happen to be really funny “stupid” songs sung by really amazing singers. For the Most part written by the comp... full review