JP Karliak

ENCORE WINNER: Willy's Lil Virgin Queen

jp karliak · June 21, 2017 certified reviewer
Astounding. I love Shakespeare, but even for those who have little affection for the Bard, Terra makes his works accessible, exciting, hilarious and DEEPLY personal. This is fangirling at its absolute best, as Terra's obsession is brought to life not only through many detailed facts, but also her very real passionate connection and life story interwoven throughout. She runs the gamut from giddy schoolgirl to gifted thespian that could tread the boards with any member of the Royal Shakespeare C... full review

Trump in Space- The Musical

jp karliak · June 17, 2017 certified reviewer
Hilarious fun with references that hit the mark on so many levels. Catchy tunes and delightfully "Fringey" stage choreography and sound effects really make this a highlight of this year's fest. Must see!... full review

TURBULENCE!

jp karliak · June 12, 2017 certified reviewer
Perhaps even better than last year's "Thug Tunnel," "Turbulence!" is concisely crafted and deliciously adventurous. With catchy tunes that will not leave your head and hilarious absurdity throughout. A must see.... full review

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)

jp karliak · June 12, 2017 certified reviewer
Great fun for Shakespeare nerds and newbies alike.... full review

Lamprey: Weekend of Vengeance

jp karliak · June 20, 2016 certified reviewer
Carrie Keranen is my f*cking hero. Every cast member gives it their all in this show (Peter Fluet slays, both in acting and writing roles), but Carrie is a weapon of mass comedic destruction. She is a missile aimed at your funny bone. If I gave as much energy as she does onstage, I need to be put on life support. I'm still laughing. I may need a medic. See. This. Show.... full review

Bound

jp karliak · June 20, 2016 certified reviewer
There's nothing better in black box theatre than for a setless, soundless, sparse as hell space to be transformed into a living, breathing world--in this case, a fishing ship--merely through suggestion. Powerful characterizations from every cast member, innovative staging and gorgeous sea shanties in every transition brought this breathless, suspenseful tale to life. Not to be missed.... full review

THUG TUNNEL

jp karliak · June 17, 2016 certified reviewer
I'm a really verbose guy, but there's no other way to put this: F*CKING. GENIUS. Go!!!!... full review

War Stories

jp karliak · June 17, 2016 certified reviewer
A brilliant, insightful look at relationships in LA and really everywhere. So many lines hit me right in the gut. So much truth and humor. It's a perfect Fringe show. SEE IT! Even the 11pm show is worth it!... full review

Mount Vernon

jp karliak · June 14, 2016 uncertified reviewer
Kudos to both actors for bringing to life these two characters in grounded, real, contemporary performances while using some deliciously image-laden text. It's a strange and gripping relationship that unfolds, and you can't take your eyes off it.... full review

30:30:60 - A Competitive Birthday Event - EXTENDED!!

jp karliak · June 11, 2016 certified reviewer
Anne is so gifted in her naturalism. Never forced, never inauthentic. I've known her for a few years, and yet I found myself slipping into buying her character of Skyler as real and breathing and sharing this story with all of us. You desperately want her to succeed. You're thrilled when she's winning. And heartbroken when she's not. A deliciously fringey show, so worth seeing.... full review