Rogue Festival has no jury to award prizes. We only give out “Sold Out” awards for those shows that get butts in seats. So YOUR REVIEWS are very important! After you see a show at the 2024 Rogue Festival, leave a short review here. It’s also a great way to add to the word-of-mouth on shows!
Scroll to the bottom or visit your show’s page to leave a review. Be sure to include the following:
*The name of the show and the venue
*The name of the performer
*What you liked about it
*Any constructive suggestions you might give
*What kind of person would love to see the show
Please keep in mind that we approve reviews before posting. We will not post any comments that include harassing, demeaning, or trolling language. We will also hold back comments that are irrelevant to the show as performed. Artists love your feedback, so long as it is given in good faith!
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The Barn Identity at the Lotus Room by performer Other Erika… Wow, I’m blown away at how eloquently she weaved together this show. A must see performance, I laughed, I cried, and left truly inspired.
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Confessions of a French Interpreter
This is a great show!!! Natacha Ruck gives a heartfelt performance, connecting with the audience in unique (and hilarious) ways. This is the first of its kind, highlighting the conflict between reaching one’s goals and moral responsibility. Accept Natacha’s invitation to join her on her journey and see this show! -
Titillated, Two-Night Stand An intimate-r evening of comedic erotica – Donna Kay Yarborough
Hart’s HangoutSensual Erotica – Need More be Said? Horny Readings!!! MUCH ENJOYMENT!!!!!!!
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Witch with Her Skirt on Fire – Megan Markham
Hart’s HangoutThis is some Good Witchy Storytelling – the connection with her Grandmother is very sweet, but stories without Grandma should also be not missed, People
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Darnm Fine Magic Part Deux – The Baggy Pants
Hart’s HavenTwo Dudes, Tim and Chris, do a fantastic show! Think MAGIC, think JOKES, THINK FUN! I believe that a young audience member shall go forward in pursuit of MAGIC after this afternoon’s performance!!! Need any other words to come see this show?
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The Barn Identity
Erika MacDonald
The Lotus RoomAn absolutely beautiful, captivating, poetic show!
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Breakneck Twelfth Night – The Lotus Room | Tim Mooney is a theatrical force! How one man can accurately portray each character in all five acts of this Shakespeare play, narrate with asides and footnotes, sing, dance, maintain his composure through the multitude of inuendos, AND do it all in 60 minutes is beyond comprehension.
This a capella performance is a must-experience!
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“Speaking Truth to Power” at the Lotus Room
Both actors in this two-header show were amazing, sharing both their charm and deep vulnerability with us. Beautifully and carefully directed by Kate McNight, the show consists of two short and poignant stories interrogating gender, racial and power dynamics. You’ll leave the theatre touched and with plenty to chew on. -
“Speaking Truth To Power” at the Lotus Room.
Both actors in this two-hander show are charming and also deeply vulnerable in their own ways. Carefully directed by Kate McKnight, the show consists of two short and poignant stories interrogating gender and power dynamics. You’ll leave the theatre touched and with plenty to chew on.
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69 by Emil Amok is hilarious, current, and healing.
Emil is a natural storyteller! With current events in Washington, Emil speaks truth to some of the things that are happening while sharing a personal story about some of the conversations he’s had to navigate with loved ones who may be vulnerable to some of the unjust policies and rhetoric. Highly recommend.
Huge shoutout to being a pioneer for Asian Americans in the journalism space as well! Appreciate ya, Emil!
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Bend. Twist. Write. – Elastic Ink
Stargazer LoungeI enjoy the writings of these ladies every time I can catch them. Poignant, heartfelt, tales of family, poems of discovery (and maybe Kristin curses at asshats a little). This show is done for this Rogue, but the good news for locals – Look for them at LitHop!!!
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None of Your Business – Reshma Meister
VistaSaw the show twice – happy to review twice. This show changes every time, but tonight was just as absolutely delightfully awkward as the first time! Was also not the only repeat audience member. Standing by my previous comment that this is my surprise favorite of the year!!!
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Speak Truth to Power is wonderfully directed and acted. Huge kudos to director Kate McKnight and actors Suzanne Grazyna and Trevon Gaddis for creating a compelling and moving hour of pure theater. This show is one of the best I’ve seen at any Rogue.
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Jag, that means so much coming from you! On behalf of UR Here Theater, thank you for attending and for your wonderful feedback.
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I watched Brian’s Beard Improv at Veni Vidi Vici and had a smile on my face the whole time! I sat down with a delicious cocktail and laughed for an entire hour straight. Highly recommend!
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Karen
March 1st: 12:30 pm
Spectrum Art Gallery Confessions of a French Interpreter
I enjoyed Natacha’s stories (all true) and her great sense of humor. I especially liked her last story which had a powerful message.March 1st: 2:00 pm
Lotus room – Paul Strickland: 90 Lies an Hour:
I loved the stories, delivery and humor of Paul Strickland presenting It’s been a long time since I laughed so hard. Paul also has a great singing voice and I appreciated the singalong. I also appreciated the messages each story had. -
Thank you Karen. Truth has power.
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The Rogue Festival is back tonight! Just up 2 more Rogue Festival show reviews-“Hobosexual: How to Avoid” with Leigh Ratliff and “Janice Noga’s Musical Career Undaunted by Her Cranial Calamity” with Janice Noga https://kingsriverlife.com/03/06/rogue-festival-reviews-hobosexual-janice-nogas/
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Rogue Festival is back tomorrow and the reviews from KRL staff have been flooding in. Here are 4 more for you to check out and possibly go see this weekend-“Confessions of a French Interpreter/The Ins and Outs—Sides of Teaching/Brian’s Beard Improv/Prescription Blues” https://kingsriverlife.com/03/05/rogue-festival-reviews-confessions-of-a-french-interpreter/
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Up on KRL last night 3 more Rogue Festival show reviews! These are for “Magic of Eric/Circumscribed/Married by Magic/ None of Your Business” https://kingsriverlife.com/03/04/rogue-festival-reviews-magic-of-eric-circumscribed-married-by-magic-none-of-your-business/
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Just up on KRL, 3 more Rogue Festival show reviews! “Breakneck Twelfth Night/Emil Amok: 69/Bongo Fury and the Calypso Cowboy” https://kingsriverlife.com/03/04/rogue-festival-reviews-breakneck-twelfth-night/
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I Dream Before I Take the Stand and They Float Up were such great performances! I was impressed. It felt so authentic. Amazing acting. Can’t wait to see it again! 10/10. Big shout out to Suzanne and Trevon for their amazing work
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Kristov, your feedback means the world to us! Thank you for taking the time to see our production of the two one acts.
For those reading these reviews: the production title is “Speak Truth to Power: Two One Acts” at The Lotus Room.
~ Kate McKnight, Director
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The Barn Identity – Other Erika
LotusThoroughly enjoyed this heartful show!!! Excellent storytelling. Please give yourself the gift of this show, People!!!
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Brian’s Beard – Brian’s Beard
VVVImprov. If you need to have it explained, go see the show and you will be humorously informed! Fast paced and funny!!!
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I saw 3 storytellers, Paul Strictland, Noam Osband, and Joey Rinaldi, and each one was absolutely amazing! Paul made me laugh and feel good and rethink every “classic” fairytale I’ve ever been told. He’s also inspired me to seek out my friends’ and family members’ stories and to value the time spent swapping stories. He delivered his stories with such ease and made them feel so personal and special. I could’ve listened to him for hours more.
Noam comedically and lovingly told stories from his childhood, his faith and his parents that were both tremendously different from anything I experienced growing up, but also oddly and inexplicably familiar. His vulnerability and honesty made the performance feel less like I was an audience member watching a stranger, and more like I was hanging out with my most interesting and humorous friend. I also left his show thinking I needed to call my dad.
Joey delivered a hilarious hour!!! I wish he were sticking around for the second weekend because his was a show I’d go see a second time.
I also saw Tim Mooney’s one-man Shakespeare. Tim has the talents of a dozen extremely talented people! I watched all 60 minutes mesmerized by his voices, his singing, his facial expressions and his memorization skills. His show was like nothing else I’ve seen before and it was soooo impressive.
And lastly, the best way I can sum up Fringe Factor is to say that it was a gut-aching-face-hurting-from-laughing good time!!!
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CandyVision – Live Loud Girls
Dianna’sDelightfully demented. Laughed until I cried and maybe peed a little. Go see them!
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The Trimmings – Marc Gonzalez
VVVWonderful storytelling! This show varies topics (and there are four groups of topics) each time, so you will not see the same show I saw, and I am jealous!! Come on out, People!
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Absolute Magic – Keith Brown
VistaI was able to see this show with a young person in the audience. The wonder and amazement coming from him made a great show even more delightful. Get thee a kid and to this show, People!
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Hobosexuals – Leigh Ratliff
Veni Vidi ViciVery informative reasons to avoid hobosexuals. You need this information in your lives, folks!
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Idiot Abroad – Joey Rinaldi
Hart’s HangoutJoey once again brings his hilarious energy to Fresno!!! You would need to see this show, People, except that this wasn’t written until he already left town. My bad. Come see his show next trip, People! Please.
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1 Small Lie – Martin Dockery
Levy HomeIf you have not ever seen a show by Martin Dockery, you need to get him on your bucket list yesterday! If you have seen him, this show is as fantastic as ever. Laughed until my face hurt.
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The Ins and Outs-Sides of Teaching – HeyDay Productions
SpectrumUsed to work at a school. This show is factual, especially the mother and the copier. You should see this show, People!
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Speak Truth to Power – URHere
LotusVery powerful performances. Very intense. Very worth seeing.
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Thank you so much for your feedback, Lori! And thank you for your ongoing support of UR Here Theater.
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The Barn Identity – The Lotus Room | Breaking the fourth wall, Erika invites the audience in to her stories-within-a-story, just as her stories spark the audience to ponder why it is important for each of us to invite the outside in. “Don’t tell them what it’s about, tell them how it made you feel!” – Erika (paraphrased) I have seen Erika tell her story twice and both times I felt introspective, grounded, and encouraged to spend time outside, consequently my favorite space to inhabit! Erika deserves to be praised for her impressive ability to tell a story with more than just words; facial expressions, hand movements, costume choices, and music composed by her partner mingled beautifully on stage!
Don’t miss your final chance to experience The Barn Identity!
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1 Small Lie, Martin Dockery. There are so few rules to Rogue, but one is that if Martin Dockery has a show you do not miss that show. 1 Small Lie is enthralling, specific, a wildly thrilling ride, and Dockery’s use of music and lighting only adds to what is exceptional talent for storytelling. You can not miss it!
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Three Fresno Songwriters, Veni’s! So enjoyable, relaxing, and insightful as three local musicians talk us through and perform their tunes. Catch ‘em next weekend!
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Up on KRL this morning another Rogue Festival show review, this one for another local performer’s show Marc Gonzalez https://kingsriverlife.com/03/03/rogue-festival-reviews-local-show-with-marc-gonzalez/
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None of Your Business – Reshma Meister
VistaSurprise hit of the year! The most delightfully awkward cocktail party ever attended! Spoiler alert: if YOU want to have a cocktail, you will have to bring your own. High level of audience participation.
GO SEE THIS SHOW, PEOPLE!!!
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There are shows where you leave feeling like you know the performer intimately and teleport to another world. The Barn Identity sparked imaginative hope and healing, leaving me somehow understanding myself more and celebrating the unique parts of myself that hold me up during dark times. Erica, the writer-performer, delivers a gift through playful sophistication and such care for the audience that one cannot leave without contemplative wonderment. Do not miss this masterly crafted show.
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Speak Truth to Power at the Lotus Room
This show was so well done in so many ways. Not only was the acting REALLY GOOD, but the balance of characterizations between the two shows enabled both actors to shine in two entirely different ways, and “flipped the script” in such a way that the pairing could not be reduced to a single statement about men vs. women or women vs. men. Together, these plays became about much more than that. -
Your feedback means so much to us, Tim. Thank you for taking the time to see our production!
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“Married by Magic” is a MUST SEE magic show!
It’s not just their magic but their banter and comedic slant on the illusions.
It’s about presentation and they’ve got it perfected with just the right amount of humor and slight of hand.Plus the illusions are mind blowing and baffling.
And they actually have a prize giveaway! Yippee!
Yup you can win a prize!
Now what other Rogue Festival performer does that!?Go see “Married by Magic”!
You won’t be disappointed! -
Thanks Ed! We loved having you!
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Jaguar Bennett – Why You Suck – Veni Vidi Vici. – Misanthrope explains why we, everyone, and himself included – suck. Very funny and underneath it all a message to do a little better.
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Noemi Zeigler – You’ve Been Served at the Spectrum Art Gallery. Funny story – she sings, she dances and held her own against the cacophony of the Mardi Gras parade marching by – good show!
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I saw Paul Strickland’s – 90 Lies per hour at the Lotus Room Sunday afternoon at Lotus Room – great story telling and very funny songs accompanied by guitar.
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90 Lies an Hour: Paul Strickland – The Lotus Room | Captivating, insightful, comedic, and endearing ; apt descriptions of both Paul and his anecdotes! There is always some underlying truth to a lie, even if it’s something as benign as an aspect of ourselves we find in a fictional story. 90 Lies an Hour feels like a combination of campfire tales recounted by a traveler and yarns spun by a family member to enthrall relatives who have lingered after dinner. I invite you to meet Paul in The Lotus Room to uncover elements of yourself, or at least sit for a tall tale or two.
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Titillated, Two Night Stand.
I’m disappointed that we were not notified by email or text, (which both were provided) that the listed performer, Donna Yarborough, would not be performing. When we got to the venue we were told that her two special “guest speakers” would be filling in and reading Donna’s material. This was not the case. I do not recommend this show if you were are anticipating anything close to the summary provided. -
Terry,
You will be extremely excited to hear that Donna has made it into town! She has shows this weekend, check your program for times. Her “guest speakers” are extremely talented and how lucky you are to have had the privilege hear their one and only guest appearance!
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Candy Vision was so good. Funny, engaging, and full of some amazing tricks. You also get candy during the show, haha! I laughed so hard. Def recommend seeing it and I might go again.
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Thanks so much Talisha!!! So glad you enjoyed the show – we hope to see you again this weekend!!!!!
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One last Rogue Festival review up today–one for Martin Dockery’s show “1 Small Lie” https://kingsriverlife.com/03/02/rogue-festival-reviews-martin-dockery-1-small-lie/
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I’ve seen three shows so far, and all made me laugh, or get teary-eyed or both.
Don’t miss:
THE BARN IDENTITY: poetic, magical, sometimes silly, and truly brilliant storytelling by Erika.
BREAKNECK TWELFTH NIGHT: not your average Shakespeare… just one insanely talented man (Tim Mooney) playing ALL of the characters in a compressed adaptation by him… it’s a tour de force.
THE INS AND OUTS-SIDES OF TEACHING: the three emotional states (Joy, Anger, Anxiety) of middle school teachers (who are always such brave heroes/heroines) take us through the school year as they struggle with parents, students and administrators. I laughed a little too loud as I had flashbacks to my old days teaching.
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Just up on KRL 2 more Rogue Festival show reviews! These are for Jaguar Bennett’s show “Why You Suck” and URHere’s show “Speak Truth to Power: Two One-Acts” https://kingsriverlife.com/03/02/rogue-festival-reviews-why-you-suck-speak-truth-to-power-two-one-acts/
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Candy Vision
Fun, high-energy, and talented! The audience will get what they put into it. Well worth putting on your schedule!Orange You Glad to Be in Miami
Personal, touching story, wonderfully told. Highly recommend.Idiot Abroad Comedy Show
Joey Renaldi is hilarious! Interacts with the audience in a delightful manner. GREAT! -
Just up on Kings River Life the first of our Rogue Festival show reviews! We have a review of Joey Rinaldi’s show “Idiot Abroad” and Megan Markham’s “Witch With Her Skirt On Fire” https://kingsriverlife.com/03/02/rogue-festival-reviews-idiot-abroad-witch-with-her-skirt-on-fire/
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Wow, oh wow! I do not possess adequate words to explain the feels that this show brings out. These performances will rip the guts right out of you, People! Please GO.SEE.THIS!
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Sorry, did not list the show.
Speak Truth to Power – URHere Theater
Lotus
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90 Lies an Hour – Paul Strickland
Lotus
I laughed and laughed and then I laughed some more! Very hilarious storytelling. You will be sorry if you miss this show, People! -
Confessions of a French Interpreter
SpectrumWelcome back to Fresno, Natasha! She brings a delightful new show filled with some French speaking, a wee bit of second-hand shenanigans, and a little commentary on the world. Please do not miss this show, People!
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You are delightful Lori! Thanks for coming on the first night of the show and sharing your delicious food!
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S’Will: The Emo Dane of Denmark
VistaDrunken Shakespeare – do you need to know more? Come on out and laugh your asses off, People!!!
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Circumscribed
LotusNoam Osband is back with a new show, and it is hilariously great!!! Very funny tribute to his dad. Get your self a seat before sell-out!
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Bongo Fury and the Calypso Cowboy
SpectrumA wonderful show that includes great music and historical information about the formation of Calypso. Added bonus: A talented young man blast from the past – please come see Atticus put a wonderful smile on your face!
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Damn Fine Magic part deux, with Christopher Bange and Tim Mannix, Hart’s Haven! The trickery and comedy are masterly done while being altogether entertaining from start to finish. Totally family friendly and lots of fun for all who attend!
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Emil Amok 69
Lotus RoomSaw this show First Friday and thoroughly enjoyed it! Funny, heartfelt performance.
Please see this, People!!! -
“Twelfth Night” by Tim Mooney (Breakneck Shakespeare) is wonderful! He really brings the play alive and it’s a joy to watch. You don’t have to be familiar with the play – I vaguely remembered a few plot points – he explains what needs explaining and fills in the rest with terrific acting. Really a fun show!
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“You’ve Been Served” at the Spectrum Art Gallery
I’m not sure why I enjoyed this as much as I did. I think it was the wild swings between outrage and vulnerability. Our heroine gets screwed over really badly but never so badly that she can’t throw herself into a wild dance or belt out a Streisand number. It’s those moments of hope and pure joy that make the really crappy stuff matter less. -
Damn Fine Magic, Part Deux! Bange and Mannix are pros who are completely engaging and charismatic while being legit with the tricks and comedy. See them for family-friendly trickery but also adult-engaging magic and comedy!
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“The Ins and Outs-Sides of Teaching”
I am far enough away from my “school days” and “teaching days” that this only plays out as an echo of a recurring nightmare, but I totally identified with this “trifurcation” of school teachers who are looking for the Joy of the experience but more often bang up against the rage and the flurry of confusion. -
“The Trimmings” at Veni Vidi Vici
This was a very sweet show, full of very recognizable adolescent regret and impulsive thoughtlessness. Marc Gonzalez was vulnerable, honest and actually got me to squirm in my seat from the awkwardness of it all. I can’t help but feel that we all recognize those moments of unfeeling impulsive reactions that we come to regret for decades on into the future. Been there. Wish I hadn’t done that. -
Thank you so much for your attendance and review, Tim!
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“S’Will” at the Vista Theatre
Well, as the guy that does the “Breakneck Shakespeare” shows, I’ve managed to avoid the “Drunk Shakespeare” series, if only because I was afraid I would get all “judgy” about it and ruin the vibe for everyone else. But I’m very happy to say I enjoyed it very much. It was a solid, well put-together show with loads of laughs. (If I can say one thing without being too much of a downer, the music over the speakers occasionally drowned out the actors…. or at least, I’m blaming that for not getting ALL of the in-jokes about the 90s!) -
Why You Suck, by Jaguar Bennett at Veni’s! The best kind of comedy with conviction. No one is safe with Jaguar and he speaks passionately about issues all audiences will benefit hearing. Don’t miss it!
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S’Will at ViSTA! Putting Hamlet in the 90’s was brilliant and their performance of it is fantastic , hilarious, smart, and hits the nostalgia bone for us 90’s Babies. Don’t miss it!
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LOVED Married by Magic
The lovely couple was super funny and they did amazing MAGIC.
MUST SEE -
Thanks Big Joe ! We loved having you!
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Barn Identity at the Lotus room
This might be my first review of anything ever. Barn Identity is an excellent performance, I left the show feeling compelled to look for wonder everywhere. Its delivery was mature, poetic, artistic, creative, whimsical, and original. -
Saw 4 shows Friday. Would recommend them all.
1. BARN IDENTITY Erika Lotus Room Metaphorical glance at a common malady with “light at the end of the tunnel” offered. Well performed. Great guitar accompaniment.
2. EMIL AMOK: 69 Lotus Room Former NPR newscaster turned “comedian-actor'” reacts to the current upside down condition (69) of todays insane political world. In addition to his “son of Filipino immigrants” perspective, Emil also immerses us in the surprise adjustments fatherhood demands. Like the news, the show is fluid. Even referenced events that had occurred earlier in the day, the meeting between Zelensky, Vance, and Little Donny. Highly recommend!
3. 90 LIES AN HOUR: PAUL STRICKLAND Lotus Room Multi-talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist committed to the oral tradition of storytelling. And a master he is. Great Show! See it!
4. WHY YOU SUCK Jaguar Bennett Veni Vidi Vici “Comedian” Social Critic Jaguar is like the Fool who hits his audience over the head with a pig’s bladder. He rails about the state of the world, our place in it, and how we allowed it to happen. He provides twisted yet logically constructed conclusions. It is amazing that Fresno, better yet, Clovis, actually produced this comedic freak. Let alone, actually retained him. A Rogue treat year after year. -
Just watched “Damn Fine Magic Part Deux at Hart’s Haven. I think the magic shows are special jewels of the Rogue Festival, and this one was great! Two highly-talented, enthusiastic magicians. It kept a smile on my face for the entire show, and I highly recommend it.
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