My Only Hope for a Hero

All The Feels

Duck has always been such a natural story teller you want to listen to on just about anything. I’ve seen his shows in the past and this one I saw a new Duck. There’s no words to describe what I was feeling when I left that theatre. Kind of needed a hug or go into a dark room and reflect. Thanks for trusting and bringing me into your world. I was tearing up about 5 mins in. The standing ovation was well deserved. I don’t want to spoil anything, but did not expect that ending. Not enough tissues in the world. If you haven’t seen this, do yourself a favor and just GO and pack some tissues you will need them.

Run, don't walk

Wonderful show. Duck is an amazing performer writer, and human. I'm so glad he is doing a solo show. It's a gift to us all.

A must-see show

It’s honestly hard to find words to describe how powerful this show is and how much I enjoyed my experience as an audience member. Duck is honest, vulnerable, hilarious, and a catalyst for more good in the world. He also wrote a very well-balanced show — every time I started to cry, Duck had a punchline set up not far after to keep the mood of this show serious but still playful, inviting and enjoyable. I’ve only got good things to say. You have one more opportunity to see this show. DO IT!!

Empowering, Encore!

This show was exactly what I needed. It got me right in the feels many times. It was empowering, enlightening, and satisfying all at once. Duck did such a wonderful job with this show. He deserved his standing ovation. Encore!

Everything a solo Fringe show should be!

It takes a very gifted actor to write and perform a solo Fringe show, and Duck has definitely done just that! You will laugh, you will possibly shed a tear, and you will re-examine your own philosophy and assumptions.

Art at its best.

There is art that is entertaining and it’s great. There is are that makes you feel and it’s wonderful. There is art that teaches without preaching and that’s superb. There is art that creates space for introspection and that can be mixed pending what you see in yourself. Then there is Ducks piece, and it literally has it all. Great subject matter that entertains, invokes emotion, teaches without preaching and allows space for introspection. This show really does have it all, and is given to us with such passion that the audience will recall the lessons hopefully when it’s needed most.

Honest and unflinching

This isn't a show about easy answers. It doesn't shy away from difficult truths and complicated emotions. I really appreciated that about this piece. And Duck Washington's delivery of this obviously deeply personal piece is spot on, mixing humor, introspection, vulnerability, and nuance.

Duck is MY Hero!

Sunday was "Double Duck" day, where I ended up at "5 Prisoners" because I didn't think I would have time for a 2:30 show, and then ended my limited Fringe experience with this show, and it was absolutely the best show to end on. Duck has so much charisma, uses the space and the time so well, and isn't afraid to lay vulnerability bare as he shares his family and friend reflections on the definition of what a hero is. This was a powerful hour that could easily be an entire one-man full show!

Personal Exploratory Storytelling at its Best

Shows about personal experience are often moving but can also be a bit of a drag. While there are certainly moments where one might need a tissue or three, Duck's energy and humor lift this piece beyond its life lessons. A must see!

Funny and so moving

The show starts out as a lighthearted reminiscence of what Duck considered a hero to be when he was a kid. Then he moves effortlessly into cultural, social, ethical, and deeply personal questioning of the definition and function of a hero. This is not some dry philosophical pursuit. Duck digs deeply into popular culture and his own action or inaction in his life, and the ending of the show is heartbreaking. Your whole life will be richer if you catch My Only Hope for a Hero.

The Hero I Needed

I’ve been watching Duck in shows for years and feel that here, he has really outdone himself. Ranging from nerdy humor that reminds me of my own childhood to very emotional personal stories, this show hit all the emotions and made both of us laugh and tear up.

A Beautifully Written Call to Action

This show really offers up a lot of depth and a lot of vulnerability too, giving the audience some opportunities lots of laughs but not at the expense genuine introspection into our own moments of hesitation where we could have made the conscious choice to be a hero and the chance to reflect on what the cost is when we choose not to (sometimes life and death, dramatically). Even though I’ve known Duck for several years now, shows like this one still make me feel a bit starstruck to be around him because he is such a natural performer and seems so completely comfortable and in his element on the stage - it’s like he’s talking directly and individually to every audience member. Each vignette within the show transitions perfectly into the next, which is a sign that his director is just as skilled. His set pieces were charming and simple but the added visual elements worked great. It’s closed out now, so you’ll no longer have a chance to see it, but I am grateful to have had the opportunity.

We can be heroes

A smart blend of humor and autobiographical storytelling. Duck meanders through poignant memories, some of which get a little intense and emotional. I heard a few sniffles (but he couldn't get me because I tilted my head back and made the water go back inside my eyes). He expertly inserts comedic moments and humor to prevent it from being too sad. The stories are compelling, heartfelt and ultimately hopeful.

I Cried

I did something I've never done before at a Fringe show - I cried. Not just teared up, but I had tears streaming down my face. Specifically, Duck's story about his mom hit really close to home as someone whose father also has Crohn's. Such a good show - funny, heartfelt, touching, convincing. You will feel all the things.

Heroic

A very skilled auto-biographical piece in which the author/performer really examines the concept of heroism. Relatable and powerful. Ran into friends hours later, we were not done talking about it or thinking about it.

More like a TED talk, but still theatrical

Serious with humor. Personal anecdotes of growing up with opportunities missed, and opportunities taken.

A Blessing in Content and Presentation

This production was exceptional. It was captivating in its exposition as the work started and the immediacy of Washington's performance fostered the audience's engagement. As the work progressed and the emotional intensity became evident, I found myself experiencing the events through Washington's eyes. The sacredness of being fully present with and for others was revealed in this intense work. I would recommend this piece to everyone and suggest they bring a hanky.

Check it out!

Duck is an exceptionally talented writer and performer, and in "...Hero" he uses a series of interwoven stories to make his point. He delicately balances the funny, the nostalgic, the tragic, and everything in between with grace and care. I would gladly watch this again - don't miss it!

Know thy self: a perfect lecture

This review is from seeing show #4. In one sentence: this is one of the most natural sounding compilations of personal live non-fictional storytelling with tonal shifts requiring a master performer to deliver. In three sentences: how do you view a hero? Are you a participant or observer? This is required Fringe viewing, as Duck Washington uses a brilliant combination of illustrative humor and vulnerable outpours, instilling bravery in audiences like no one's every felt before.

spoke from the heart, laughed a little

i laughed a little during this show but the lasting impression was seeing Duck speak from the heart. I had seen shows Duck had been in before, and after the first one (pandas) I said I wanted to hear more from him. Got my wish in this show! some stories were sobering to say the least, but I like it when a performer has the courage to bear their soul. lasting impression was the one about the young lady's suicide attempt.

Great show!

Duck is a gifted performer and storyteller, and this is him at his best. There are so many lovely moments in this show--delivered with humor, sadness, and anger. This is a definite "don't miss" show.

See this show!!

Laugh out loud funny, heartfelt personal stories, and a call to action. All somehow connected and never feeling like a piece of out of place. One of the best one person shows I've EVER seen!! SEE THIS SHOW!!

How will I answer the call

Another reviewer called this show a blessing, and that comes closest to how I feel, I think. Thank you, Duck! This was incredible and paradigm-shifting.

I loved it.

Duck is a seasoned professional in the TC community and wow does he shine in this solo performance. First, the script is well crafted. The topic of heroism in another’s hands could have easily gone too far in one direction- too sentimental or dry discussion. But no. Duck’s script is endearing, inviting, honest, risky, funny, thoughtful, and heart breaking. Second, Duck supports his beautiful script with a charming and skilled delivery. He has a sense of play, he’s earnest, he’s excited to share with us, he’s committed to helping others, and he allows himself to get caught up in his emotions in front of us. Jena’s direction is great, I loved the use of the stage and the flow of the show. Y’all, I have seen a lot of solo shows about folks’ personal experiences over the years, and damn, this is one of the best. Please go see it.

Highly Entertaining, Received Ovation

Duck Washington’s examination of heroes both real and fictional is a phenomenal piece of writing and acting. The performance runs a gamut of emotions without ever feeling tonally off, along with childhood whimsy Duck displays moments of sadness, guilt, and anger that feel totally earned and real. Two of the play’s most harrowing moments are conversations with the cardboard figures on the side of the stage—and two of the funniest are with the volcano in the center and the voice of Sam Landman. This Fringe has been a fantastic year for solo shows and My Only Hope For A Hero is no exception.

Storytelling at its best.

An amazing, funny, heart wrenching call to action. You do not want to miss this performance!

Excellent

Duck Washington has been added to that list of performers that I will look for in future Fringes. This is a well written show with excellent delivery. It's a fun mix of personal experience and reflections on pop culture with a very direct call to action for the audience. This might have came off a bit preachy, but I think Duck walks the line and keeps it on the inspirational and entertaining side, which I appreciated. He certainly made me think about my own opportunities to be a (minor) hero and got me thinking about whether or not I stepped up or froze (from fear). I've not always been the hero I would like to be or responded to the needs of people around me as I'd like to think I would, I appreciated this opportunity to reflect on that for the future.