Dan Ruth

"Big Maestro & Little Cello Boy" is a sublime laugh-riot of absurdist proportions. Like Eugene lonesco's "The Lesson" set in an S&M club on acid, Alex Derderian and Peter Levine's crazed, atmospheric dreamscape, is a masterful buffet of dynamic variation from beginning to end. As a long-time fan of the cello to begin with, Levine actually plays very good. Scratch that, he plays GREAT! Brilliantly directed by Dean Evans. If absurdist clown shows are your thing, and why wouldn't they be, do not mis... full review

Cyrus Deboo's solo outing has been making the rounds for some time now, and I'm really glad ! finally got a chance to see it! Much more than a coming out story, "Cyrus" is a lesson in holding your allies close to you. Cyrus Deboo's story crosses ancestral and parental lines to break free from the borders and barriers of his identity. Deboo is a charmer and "Cyrus" is an energetic, glitter and sprinkle-covered homage to the 90's and to finding your authentic self.... full review

Andel Sudik's "Solo Show Show" is a laugh-riot! Corralling some awesome talent for this "best-of" performance, Sudik joyfully lampoons the genre of solo performance through audience participation and by unleashing some high-grade solo performers upon her audience, including: @yeshairy @carlsparkly @theblissfulone and @alienreese ... full review

Not knowing the Springsteen reference(s) didn't matter, I enjoyed the teamwork of Riley & Cole and their spot-on harmonies. Like being entertained on their front porch!... full review

A beautiful performance by Evelyn Rumsby, who shares a very brave story about managing GAD/OCD while trying to survive collage, dating and, well, life. This is a well-crafted, eye-opening solo performance, much of which I identified with. Add to this some very charming, original music, and you have a real winner. I'm grateful I got to catch this show.... full review

Gil Scott-Heron Bluesology is revelatory. By reaching back into black America's disturbing past, and placing it freshly in front of its audience, Gil Scott-Heron Bluesology uses the words and music of its namesake to land us solidly in a world where you just can't turn away from the truth. Featuring exceptional music, ritual and protest performances from members of Poet's Jazz House, including Scott-Heron's own daughter, Gia, this show, which sells out extremely quickly, is destined to be running... full review

Tracy Yarad's autobiographical "All These Pretty Things," it's both heartbreaking and uplifting in its simplicity and grace. Ms. Yarad is an incredible song stylist with a beautiful voice, who navigates bravely through dark waters and spins her sorrows into pure theatrical gold. Not to be missed!... full review

TL Forsberg, along with her unstoppable spirit, delivers a powerhouse performance in her autobiographical solo show about surviving and performing in the world between deaf and hearing. Brimming with a fearlessness and shining a bright light on a career that was nearly cancelled, Forsberg, along with her strength and courage, rises high above the world of her disability in a masterfully crafted show that will leave you breathless. Forsberg's story will shake you. One of the best solo shows in the... full review

"Hold That Thought While I Scream" stands apart as one of the finest well-written and well-constructed plays in this year's Fringe. "Scream" takes a simple therapy session and turns it on its stylized head in this mighty two-hander featuring two of the best performances of the Fringe. Brilliantly directed by Barrett Deyoung. File "Scream" under one of those plays where you can never imagine seeing it with anyone else but Nicole Ohara and Benjamin J. Young, two incredible actors, who are about to ... full review

Ashley Diaz returns to their roots in "Being the Perfect Woman," a solo journey that is both passionate and very personal. Diaz explores not only their world, but the world of many modern women and the very real fear of standing in your light and declaring your truth in today's America. Paired with a live video feed throughout, Diaz is available, and uncompromisingly present throughout this solo journey.... full review