Alon Dina

Once I let go of the expectation of realism, I was able to appreciate what the production was actually exploring, the anxiety of living truthfully. The characters continually switch between the straight-man of comedy and different roles of absurdity, exploring different masks to their core. Ultimately, I really enjoyed the play's willingness to move through different dream states and psychological landscapes. The show is strange, funny, and emotionally resonant, and keeps you thinking about the d... full review

Strange Beings opens with a dark, brooding atmosphere and an ominous entrance. Knowing absolutely nothing about the show going in, I was quickly drawn in by its impressive technical design and thoughtfully constructed set. While the premise involves an alien encounter and a malfunctioning translator aboard a courier ship, the real drama unfolds between its two pilots, Mina and Caleb. The play has a surprising emotional intelligence, exploring themes of avoidance, vulnerability, and the ways peop... full review

The funniest tour guide you'll ever have. Hilarious guide that does everything but get through the tour. The laughs are relentless, fueled by her comedic fearlessness, quick wit, and boundless energy. What begins as a simple museum tour becomes a masterclass in comedic derailment, as her guide manages to do everything except actually get through the exhibit. Beneath the absurdity lies a surprisingly relatable portrait of anxiety, turning a routine tour into a brilliantly funny meltdown that never... full review

We are lucky that the Hollywood Fringe Festival is hosting the world premiere of Abby Normal, which the team mentioned is currently an abridged version. (Abby Normal. Ab-normal. Get it?) This original musical tackles the experience of living with an invisible disability through inventive storytelling, heartfelt performances, and a remarkable amount of theatrical magic.... full review

Drawing from her experiences navigating culture, career, romance, mental health struggles, and substance abuse, Mousavi crafts a story that is both vulnerable and fiercely entertaining. The show goes far beyond stand-up comedy, utilizing audience interaction, multimedia elements, and inventive theatrical storytelling to bring her world to life. Every comedic beat feels purposeful, revealing another layer of the complex reality she is attempting to understand. From the moment the show begins, Mous... full review

Jimi Darkness is unlike anything I've seen before: a darkly funny, emotionally devastating musical that blends rock, gospel, and traditional musical theater into something wholly original. The story follows Jimi, a struggling musician and vigilante superhero whose powers are fueled by alcohol. As he begins attending AA meetings and confronting his addiction, he finds himself trapped between the fantasy of saving the world and the reality that he can no longer save himself. A top ten show for me!... full review

The show, Dinosaurs by Mandy Rubeli, returns following its 2024 award-winning Fringe run. A delightful mix of fantasy, science fiction, healing deep childhood wounds, and even comedy. The show is so fast-paced and enjoyable, that I felt like I had been warped into a different time period myself! Wonderful performances and a thought provoking script. Fun experience! The show is sold out, but I hope you will have a chance to catch it before Edinburgh.... full review

Genuine, unhinged, and completely unforgettable. Cara Meyers delivers a one-woman show that is raw, hilarious, brutally honest. And yes, filled with an astonishing number of dick pics. One of the most important shows of this year's Fringe. Come for the laughs, stay for the perspective shift. ... full review

Wow. This was a show I happened to have time for on a whim, and it completely blew me away. The play follows an older brother returning home after years on the run; and that's really all you need to know going in. What unfolds is a deeply human story brought to life by a young company with an exceptional script and richly developed characters. It took me a few minutes to settle into the world of the play, but once I did, these characters absolutely won me over.... full review

Had no idea what I was walking into but I left with my jaw dropping on the floor. A true story about religious trauma, something we see horror films about and are able to listen to an actual account of through Gretchen Wylder's own experience. I don't want to say anything about the plot of the show, but Wylder writes, "Based on the true story of a tarot-reading lesbian forced from her home by Christian neighbors likely in a cult" and the things you will learn in this production are mind blowing. ... full review