Friends Like These

I love Greg Crafts, The author of FRIENDS LIKE THESE. The man's heart is even bigger than he is (and the dude is pretty damn big.) I only mention all of this because his heart beams through this play he is written. Some plays seem necessary to tell because they echo from the Writers Place, a place so personal and vulnerable, yet capturing a story that the world should hear. This is one of those plays. Just by watching FLT, it seems that Greg remembers exactly what it was like to be an outcast in high school, turning to fantasy and fiction to release his demons. To undervalue the elements of fantasy and fiction in any adolescents, let alone one that culminates in senseless violence, would be a mistake. Greg seeks out the connection like and d... full review

What a wonderful show. When you learn of a show involving teenagers, one's impulse is to think it depends heavily on its era, that it will work to be relevant. Yet, in this marvelously acted show, we come away with a sense of timelessness. Even though the story is up-to-the-minute, it gracefully touches on themes as old as our humanity itself. I experienced an uncommon level of empathy and caring for the characters, and could only feel a gentle love for their getaway, the role-play fantasy campouts they call Haven.... full review

Excellent storyline, fabulous acting! I would highly recommend this play! Tears of laughter and tears of joy! Very relevant for today! ... full review

I love the story and the message behind this show. I saw it when it was at Cal state Fullerton, and I was so impressed with how much it has grown since then. What doesn't work for me is Nicole's character. The last time I saw the show I thought it was the actress's lack of sincerity, but after seeing it again and noticing a different actress struggle with the same issues, I am beginning to think it is an issue with the writing of the character. Nicole is clearly very complex, but the way she is written makes her come off as compulsive and almost unlikeable. For example is hard for the audience to understand why she talks to Garret in the first place, and why she continues to act like an airhead when she clearly is better than that. I thi... full review

Riveting, thought provoking play with realistic portrayals of teenage angst. Great performances of difficult material and impeccable comedic timing. Don't miss this one! ... full review

Full disclosure: the playwright is a collaborator and friend of mine. Those biases disclaimed, I'll say that this is a powerful, true-to-life, and unfortunately timely piece that delivers a dramatic punch with sympathy, compassion, and humor. Friends Like These doesn't strive to provide answers to the events it depicts, but it creates such strong attachment to its characters that you can't help but be swept along with them through their crests and troughs. ... full review

Do you realize that this play has been around for some time already? Yet it's subject matter is just as relevant today as it was years ago. This is sad...but it continues to be our country's reality. Just in the last three weeks, we've seen Isla Vista, Portland, Seattle. I don't have an answer. And after watching this thought provoking show, I still don't. I think that the best thing that could happen from this show is to film it and send it to every school district in our country. If kids can see some part of themselves in this show, then maybe they might think about what it is that they are thinking about, bullied or bully, popular or disengaged, geek or jock. "Friends Like These" is a must see. Even if you think your life is not touched ... full review

I forgot I was at Hollywood Fringe. Cool play structure. A play that is definitely a sign of the times, in regards to violence and bullying in the school system. Loved the performances. ... full review

Friends Like These was such a relevant and brave play. Major kudos to Greg, the writer, for giving a voice to the ones who don't really have one. I was so impressed with the cast! They all gave strong performances. Each actor may have represented a certain stereotype, but they were never over the top. Not one character felt like a caricature, which is often difficult to do. Sean Flanagan, who played Bryan, particularly stood out to me. His character might be underrated, but Bryan is a friend we all wish to have.Flanagan juggled the balance of being caught in two different cliques very well. On top of all this, the technical aspects of the show were smart. The transitions were seamless and the music was perfect. Friends Like These is the type... full review

This show was energetic, entertaining, and nearly flawless. Nearly? No self-respecting Magic player would keep a deck in his pocket like that. For shame. ;)... full review