Dan Ruth

Mark Vigeant's "Out There" must be experienced. In this immersive, delightful show, a would-be influencer and his camcorder, attempts to tackle the wiles of wild Alaska alone. What could go wrong? Armed with his trusty bow and arrow and fishing line, and brimming with imagination and highly effective Imagery of both props and projections, "Out There" is equal parts hilarious, touching, and imaginative. Vigeant's audience is part of the fun and in for a wild ride! ... full review

Club Clown, stars the highly infectious Will Thomas McFadden, and you're going to want to be on your feet, especially at the top and at the end of this joyous celebration of silly. McFadden and his company of delightful fringe clown improvers will attempt to dazzle you and make you laugh, and often they succeed. But what's the use of a glow stick if you don't end your time at Club Clown joining the entire audience for a dance party on the stage at show's end? ... full review

"Them's The Shakes" is beautifully rendered, passionately portrayed, and a must-see for anyone who needs a good dose of humanity, and Jeremy is a super-nice person. Go VCU Rams!... full review

Wholesome and homogenized, there's nothing sweeter than "Day After Day: The Life and Music of Doris Day," starring Deborah Robin and Christopher Showerman. Whether or not this is your type of fringe show, it's undeniable the power and effect that Doris Day had on the entertainment industry. Ms. Day had nearly as many top singles and hit movies as Ms. Robin has costume changes in this show! :) ... full review

Stacie Burrows comes clean about the evils of credit (or lack thereof) in "Fool's Goldmine," an infectious and uniquely American tale of living well beyond your means. It deserves repeating, this show is uniquely American, but instead of a dream, it's more like a baffling, monetary nightmare. With pointed stories of her family upbringing, Burrows magically weaves a tender tale of rags-to-riches-to-rags, while keeping her sanity intact. ... full review

If you're looking for a highly crafted solo performance that is not only charming, witty, and brilliantly done, but will also make you want to scream from the inside out, "2026 Salem Witch Trial" is your show. Gretchen Wylder and her experiences are extremely disheartening, so while art and freedom of religion are still with us and not just an American trope, this compelling and disturbing solo show is a must-see. "Hello? Netflix? Is this thing on?"... full review

Kudos to Diana Varco for finding a way to release herself from such a dark history of abuse, substances and other self-destructive behaviors.Through a multitude of characters, Diana Varco finds her way back to her peace, and that in and of itself is a joy to celebrate. This is an example of theatre-as-therapy and could very well be used as such.... full review

Score one for the Christmas-lovers in Los Angeles, because who doesn't love a potty-mouthed Christmas caroler in the middle of June? "Happy! Merry! Joyous!" is Jim Blanchette's true-to-form, fairly raw celebration of music, friendship, life and yes, Christmas. This show serves up much more than first meets the eye and ear, with Mr. Blanchette, who's actually the kind of guy you'd wanna grab a beer with after work, ending on a powerful and very human note, with some terrific stories along the way.... full review

"Frank Sriracha" is pure, comic gold. I've said it before but it bears repeating: there's nothing more side-splittingly human than nonsensical dare I say, stupid comedy, when it's done properly. That of course, is the highest of high praise, because this show is how it's done, folks. Max Charbonneau and his impeccable timing is a master at looney, and this beautifully absurd improv/clown-inspired comedy will stay with you long after Mr. Charbonneau sings you out of the theatre.... full review

If it's an original show w/audience participation you're looking for, step inside the quirky & delicously bizarre mind of Molly Sharpe. Being one of only two shows that are actually set inside an actual wig shop on Hollywood Boulevard, Molly's "F*cking Famous" is full of laughs and clever staging in this off-key a cappella, gen Z and Millennial sing-fest.... full review