Austin Valdez

Much like the misfits we meet on stage, Shakespearean language and the story of the 80’s dramedy The Breakfast Club come together in a humorous and heart warming way that will leave you singing, “Don’t you forget about ‘thee”.... full review

Despite living in a world with all the adaptations of Romeo and Juliet you could ask for, I was actually looking forward to watching a production of one of the Bard’s more famous pieces and with a such an ambitious premise. This is R+J done in 60 minutes. One might worry that the material might suffer due to such a limited run time but, in practice, the smaller window brought out an infectious energy from the actors that was compelling and so much fun to watch. ... full review

This show had me hooked with its premise. The true story of someone who faked being Ukranian on The Tonight Show? That is right up my alley! However, the moment I truly became enraptured and entranced was when the prankster himself - yes, THE Jan Jacobson - was introduced to the audience as our host for the night. Jon Jeffers is, self-admittedly, not an actor. He is very upfront about that at the top of the show. That is what made this show great. I had initially thought I was going to a d... full review

This is not a show that is gonna tell you how to feel as an audience member. Rather, it is an incredibly intimate slice-of-life with a deliciously complex flavor that you get to interpret yourself. A moving piece that inspired quite a bit of self reflection within myself about my own family. The good, the bad, the funny and the sad.... full review

Diana Romero takes center stage in this moving story about resiliency and adaptation in the face of life altering events. Under lovely direction provided by Maggie Whittum, Romero delivers a comforting concoction of humor and vulnerability that will stay with you long after you leave the theater. ... full review

This show knows what it is and does it sooooooo well! It’s a sea shanty revue! And if that doesn’t sound like fun to you, then get the hell away because I don’t need you there spoiling MY GREAT TIME! I can’t tell you how much I love and respect live music in a Fringe show. Blow the Man Down is a showcase for some incredibly beautiful harmonies and moments of astounding accapella that are only amped up by the use of live instruments to create a total part mood that doesn’t go without its momen... full review

Can you be something other than what you were made for? That’s the question I began mulling over during my viewing of Toy Gory. It’s a classic dilemma that offers fertile ground for story telling. Depending on who ya talk to and where they are with their perspective in life, some would say, “no, you can’t change”. What I found so endearing about Toy Gory is that the characters, brought to life by Leighann Cannon, Rafael Hernandez Roulet, Laila McKinnon and Jesse O’Freel, openly defy that sen... full review

There’s a wonderful joke in this show that I was my absolute favorite. Now, I dare not spoil it for you, you’re just gonna have to see the show for that, but let’s just say it’s a reference to a certain “length of time” which acts as a funny, and sobering, reminder of just how much ground there is to cover for one person re-enacting James Cameron’s Titanic. In Oh, Fuck! An Iceberg, powerhouse of energy Mallie McCown commands the stage and does exactly that. She re-enacts Titantic by herself. ... full review

For EXES: THE MUSICAL, I can think of no better sound to represent the angst, the pain, the sorrow, the anger and, ultimately, the hope than the vibrant pop rock score it has. It’s a sound brought to life by a talented trio of musicians who have a clear passion and love for performing that shines through in each musical sequence. Additionally, there are moments of fun visual flair with some multimedia segments cutting together pop culture highlights to accent and help string together a fairly... full review

Never heard of this show before, but I love me a good musical revue and this was a very sweet performance with some beautiful vocals and toe-tapping musical direction. Gina Ansaldi and Kendre Scott are very charming as the couple featured in the story. Even more so when you learn that they’re actually a couple in real life. Yes, as much as Ansaldi and Scott shine as dynamic talents individually, you can’t deny there is an added layer of “awww” knowing they’re a married creative team and that ... full review