2026 Audience Reviews

Company: SassEpants Productions
Show: So You Want to Date a Bisexual?
Venue: Open Eye Theatre

If Speed Dating and Improv had a Show

I saw this performance on August 8 (with Xander as the volunteer datee). The audience was completely into it - audibly groaning and calling out "red flag" after hearing - Is it okay to wear socks with sandals? From the casual yet nutty intake conversation with Xander to the magical mystery tour improv sesh - the show fires on all cylinders. I only wish the audience could see the noteboards the cast was filling out backstage to organize Xander's answers into an A+ storyline. Bravo to the charming & brilliant Erika and the rest of the wildly talented cast. Everyone should make a date to see this show.

Company: Black and Foxy Co
Show: Ember
Venue: Rarig Kilburn Theatre

These Are The People In Your Neighborhood

This show is a gift: an intimate setting with one artist on stage at a time, speaking their truth. Most of us have the luxury of not fully relating, yet if you listen, really listen, you will feel each performer's undeniable radiance. Their courage in telling their personal stories is a call to action as we learn how best we can neighbor. The August 8th performance included the wickedly talented Kayla Hambek, who unabashedly shares uncomfortable things we usually only think but don’t dare say out loud. Bravo to all, and thank you for sharing your light.

Company: Special When Lit
Show: Bury The Leads
Venue: Mixed Blood

Character Actor Energy

I am totally crushing on Nissa and Sam and would follow them to hell. I attended the show on Opening Night. They're the full meal deal. Solid characters, quirky yet real plot choices, great use of the room (not just the stage), and pee-your-pants moments that resulted in uproarious laughter from the packed house. It was easy to forget this was improv - but sure as shit - they naturally worked in audience suggestions and brought it to an even higher level, which didn't seem possible. Suck it, Anne Hathaway and Sinbad. While society tends to mindlessly cheer on actors who are the same frickin' character in every role, these two sexy rockstars show you how it's done - over and over again. Bravo.

Company: Jason Schommer
Show: 1985: Relative Chaos!
Venue: Strike Theater

"At least he got a Happy Meal"

Schommie has been making me guffaw for years. While Jason is known as a comedy genius, his 1980s-themed shows are next level. (And you don't need to remember 1985 to be obsessed with this show.) I attended Opening Night this year and felt as if a longtime friend was sharing memories from back in the day. Jason's childhood stories are so much more than great punchlines. Hearing the quirky way Jason's family experienced the world (and the things those darn kids say) made the laughs authentic and nostalgic. Jason didn't shy away from sharing his family's hardships. This was such a gift to the audience—knowing the dark stuff shapes who we are and makes the light stuff oh, so much brighter. Last year, Jason added pianist JC Lippold to his Fringe shows, and it's turned an already feel-good show into a real-good show—emphasis on real. JC's personality and musical contributions add warmth and depth to Jason's humor. Jason has been working with director Michelle Schwantes for years, and every show I walk away impressed as hell, saying - this was the best one yet!

Company: Third Space Theater
Show: BE NOT AFRAID
Venue: The Southern Theater

Mother Fracking Remarkable

While each actor is phenomenal, Third Space Theater's superpower is knowing how to stage the hell outta a show. The standing ovation on Opening Night screamed Gold Landyard Winner (again).