Jim Hanna
FERTILE.
jim hanna
·
June 17, 2019
certified reviewer
If you didn't see Heather's first solo effort, "Unemployed Finally,"and wondered what made it so popular that it was nominated for Best of Fringe in 2015, this new production, "Fertile" will give you a good idea why. This is an even funnier, more poignant, more polished production. Her writing is always great, insightful and hilarious but it's her work as an actor that really shines here. With no direct narration to the audience, Heather spins a beautiful tale with just the menagerie of well defi...
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Always Open
jim hanna
·
June 13, 2019
certified reviewer
A clever, high concept hook sets this script apart from the jump. You essentially see the same play twice, once from inside the all night diner where these characters loiter and, following an actual flip of the set half way through, watch the same time frame played from outside the diner as the characters wander out for smoke breaks, etc. Genuinely clever, genuinely entertaining. The cast is solid with a standout or two and Susan Lee's thoughtful direction makes for some funny, touching, uncomfor...
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Pit of Goblins
jim hanna
·
June 13, 2019
certified reviewer
Already a front runner for my favorite show at this year's Fringe. This is the exact blend of smart comedy, dumb comedy and dark comedy that I'm always craving. Mitchell is a funny writer and an excellent actor and I'll be Goddamned if this isn't the weirdest play I'm likely to see this year. Loved every second of it!...
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Jamba Juice: The Musical
jim hanna
·
June 13, 2019
certified reviewer
The endlessly affable Spencer Frankeberger stars in his original musical, a genuine and charming love story set in the place all true love blooms: A Jamba Juice. Great performances by Olga Desyatnik and Jack De Sanz (and Spencer!) lead a strong cast in a brisk, engaging good time....
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Olivia Wilde Does Not Survive the Apocalypse
jim hanna
·
June 13, 2019
certified reviewer
Hilarious, tightly scripted/directed silliness in service to some pretty biting social commentary. The direction was on point and allowed this very talented cast to zip out joke after joke in Matthew's truly funny writing. This is a classic late-night-at-Fringe fun but holds up as a very serious, solid, entertaining production no matter when you see it....
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It's Personal
jim hanna
·
June 22, 2017
certified reviewer
An inventive take on the solo show phenomenon. Not one but many short, individual solo pieces, all played over a brisk and entertaining hour. These writer/performers certainly justify the "personal" in the title, with an excellent array of deep dives on self-image, insecurity, identity, relationships and any other damn thing you can think of that makes up the human experience. Some are deep and contemplative, some hilarious, some a little of both and all are compelling. Producers Liz Kummer and R...
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Pinata
jim hanna
·
June 21, 2017
certified reviewer
A simple set up with lots of complex (and hilarious) emotional terrain beneath it. Both silly and deep. The tight direction of a concise and spot-on script is fully kicked to the next level by truly funny and committed acting. Lots of stuff going on behind the rapid fire jokes. Hell, even the clown adds some lower-the-boom gravity to the madness. Big recommend!
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DEAD BOYS
jim hanna
·
June 21, 2017
certified reviewer
Probably the best show I've seen at Fringe this year. The greatest trick it pulls off is essentially being a drama while still making me laugh harder than any Fringe offering thus far. Heartbreaking and hysterical with amazingly grounded performances. Both actors are remarkable with Matthew Scott Montgomery giving the finest performance I've seen at HFF17 yet. Go see this!...
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LIGHTS - CAMERA - LYLA! The Second Act
jim hanna
·
June 14, 2017
certified reviewer
Great news, Fringe! LYLA'S BACK! Fringe legend Jeffrey Wylie has brought his eternally beloved Lyla back and I grinned stupidly throughout (between all the laughs). Lyla is so damned likable and funny and earnest. The silliness is always rippled with sincerity and a little heartache and it makes for the most delightful hour you'll find at Fringe (or two hours if you catch her re-mount of "Lyla Loves Texas.") ...
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Fuck Tinder
jim hanna
·
June 14, 2017
certified reviewer
An utterly engaging, honest, hilarious and at times disturbing solo show. The wickedly funny and incisive writing made spectacular by the singularly gifted story-teller. You could read it and be entertained but when brought to life by the wildly compelling performance of David Rodwin, it's explosively entertaining. Go see it!...
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