Benjamin B
Magician + Magic Inventor
The Great Marzini
benjamin b
·
June 26, 2026
certified reviewer
I am a magician so, when I go see a magic show (and I try to see all of them at Fringe every year), I'm extra judgemental. Is the magic original? Is the character interesting? Do I leave feeling like I've seen something artistically crafted or just thrown together from junk in magic shop?
This show, the answer to every question is yes, yes, and yes to the first part! Marisa is a phenomenal performer in every sense of the word. Switching between her illustrious grandiose (but very in debt) magi...
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Alps, Adieu!
benjamin b
·
June 19, 2026
certified reviewer
I told this to Jenna, but there is always one show at fringe I see at every office hours, at every event. They describe their show to me, and my gut reaction is "this isn't for me". Then, I go see it, and I am blown away, like a roundhouse kick to the throat with a doc martin boot.
This year, that show was Alps Adieu. Such a simple concept, right. Story of a family spending time in a cabin in Switzerland. But then, you learn about why they're there, what they're doing there, and it becomes eve...
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ANXIETY THE MUSICAL! (do you like that title? is that okay?)
benjamin b
·
June 19, 2026
certified reviewer
It's not easy doing a musical when you are doing it with a cast of people. It's not easy doing a musical about a topic that all of us deal with so personally. But to do both in a way that is both entertaining and uplifting while still being relatable is a impossible task that Jasmine absolutely crushes. She takes on the task singing to a track (which is beyond fucking hard by itself), really going the distance with her characters, and giving us an insight into her brain and the struggles she has ...
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Tommy Cooper's Fez
benjamin b
·
June 06, 2026
certified reviewer
WOW! What a thrilling, funny, incredible showcase and tribute to Dana's father! From the very beginning, she came at me with a ton of comedy, heart, and really put me in the scenes of her father's unscrupulous dealings (and selling socks to fellow 7 year olds)...I loved every minute of it from the beginning to the very end....
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Banana Man LIVE
benjamin b
·
June 05, 2026
certified reviewer
What a weird, fun, funny show that really tugs at your heartstrings at the end......
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Vampire Vs. Autism
benjamin b
·
June 28, 2025
certified reviewer
Didn't realize this would be as dance/physically expressive as it was, but was an interesting take on the concept of struggling with autism AND not being able to go outside without being burned alive...and a talking chair is always appreciated :)...
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El Mago Loco
benjamin b
·
June 27, 2025
certified reviewer
What a wild ride! This was one of the best magic shows ive ever seen that contained zero magic! Linzey was the magic, making us laugh, cry, and wish we were latino the entire time. Total whirlwind of comedy and heart....
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Slürt
benjamin b
·
June 26, 2025
certified reviewer
This is clowning elevated by heart. Slürt is silly and surreal yet deeply human. The blend of visual whimsy, emotional honesty, and audience connection feels rare and powerful. You exit laughing, teary, and oddly comforted, as if you’ve just met a friend from another planet. And that friend loves New York City....
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Oh Constantine!
benjamin b
·
June 26, 2025
certified reviewer
Watching Constantine’s council play out is the most fun history lesson I’ve ever had. It’s hilarious, blasphemous, and smart. The brilliant costumes, clever staging, and standout performances combine into a holy comedic riot that you pray you won’t stop smiling about. It’s a old comedy for a new era and it got me to convert!...
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A Peacock In The Rubble
benjamin b
·
June 26, 2025
certified reviewer
It’s about much more than a peacock or even a fire: This is raw, intimate, emotionally charged storytelling at its best. Marissa shares OCD, wildfire trauma, and healing with warmth and courage. You laugh, you cry, and you leave feeling connected—to her, to others, and to your own resilience....
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