Brian Knudson

This Was Never Supposed To Be A One Woman Show

brian knudson · June 26, 2023 certified reviewer
This show was THE most moving experience I had at Fringe this year. It's so smartly written. Samantha's improvisational background informs her storytelling ability, which comes across unscripted and spontaneous. It's as if she's simply sharing with a close friend in the moment, and there's plenty of humor throughout! But the real magic and power lies in her ability to stay emotionally present as she moves through her struggles with her mental health. And that final song left me in tears.... full review

Jolly Playtime

brian knudson · June 05, 2023 certified reviewer
Funny show! Jace and Molly had good chemistry and sharp instincts when bouncing off audience suggestions/participation. Much of their improv was hilarious! For me, the key to their magic is nothing appeared forced. They stayed connected and listened, while letting their imaginations run amok. Amazing to watch!... full review

Oleanna

brian knudson · June 04, 2023 certified reviewer
My review is with fresh eyes as I admittedly have never seen this Mamet play, which he wrote way back in 1992. (It was also adapted into a film, starring William H Macy). Fortunately, actors Jean- Michel Richaud and Claire Wagner were up to the task of tackling Mamet's language and they did it brilliantly! Miguel Perez's smooth, organic direction also deserves accolades. This is a searing drama, a power struggle between professor and student and it left me stunned at the end. It's still so releva... full review

A Definitive Ranking of My Closest Friends

brian knudson · June 02, 2023 certified reviewer
This show boasts clever writing and a colorful ensemble with some fun surprises! I laughed out loud a few times and left the theatre with a smile on my face. I give it a high ranking!... full review

Asexuality! The Solo Musical

brian knudson · July 29, 2022 certified reviewer
Clever writing, decent pipes, good timing and sharply subtle characterizations of society's "voices," all enrobed in Rebecca's effectively mellow disposition to create an engaging journey for a full 80 minutes. The subject of asexuality is curiously unique but in less capable hands, I would have been squirming in my seat before the hour. Instead, I found myself getting swept up in Robert's self-discovery and cheering at the end!... full review

Grief: A One Man ShitShow

brian knudson · July 03, 2022 certified reviewer
This was one of the most powerful solo shows I've ever seen. As none of us escape loss, everyone should see this! It is not only profoundly moving (bring a tissue) but also educational, both in the processing of grief as well as in the language of interacting with those grieving. I admire Colin's courage in sharing his heart-wrenching story and opening the dialogue around tragic loss.... full review

THE TANNER

brian knudson · June 17, 2022 certified reviewer
This show is definitely not Snowflake Theatre. For the squeamish or thin-skinned, I recommend seeing this before a meal, not after. On a side note, if the (watered down) Braveheart film script were completely accurate from beginning to end, the gore alone would have eliminated any possibility for studio funding. Once you see this show, you'll understand why. Although the sheer brutality of these 13th Century battles is truly shocking, this show is important and necessary to understand Scottish (a... full review

DI LADY DI

brian knudson · June 14, 2022 certified reviewer
Charlotte's performance blew me away! Her lightning speed character changes of the scrutinizing and sanctimonious royal family members were hilarious and a marvel to watch....and she can also sing! This is one of the best solo shows I've ever seen.... full review

The Second Coming of Joan of Arc

brian knudson · June 14, 2022 certified reviewer
Easily one of the best solo shows at Fringe this year! Performer Amanda Wagner is captivating. She has completely immersed herself in Carolyn Gage's "coming out" play. This was such a joy to watch while being educated on the short life of the French heroine.... full review

The Ivory Thread.

brian knudson · September 28, 2021 certified reviewer
Highly entertaining! Michael's journey starts out as a charmed life but then turns a dark corner, and he ultimately resurrects himself. Michael has an unpretentious, down-to-earth storytelling style that makes him so personable and easy to root for. I loved how the stories were threaded together with some really cool and original piano compositions. What a talent!... full review