Bonnie Sludikoff

With My Eyes Shut

bonnie sludikoff · June 19, 2018 certified reviewer
Breathtaking. In the context of Fringe this show does a stellar job putting up a quick and stunning theatrical experience. It's worth the ticket price and more, and complete in and of itself, but it was SO good I wish it had a second act. The actors are perfect, the direction and script are lovely. I'm still thinking about this show two days later, especially as a nanny for a child who is on the edge of the spectrum- the depiction of autism and how it varies from person to person is wonderful- th... full review

Wounded

bonnie sludikoff · June 12, 2018 certified reviewer
This is how you do theatre, guys. This script is layered and brilliant- I was just complaining an hour before the show to another fringer about how theatre isn't just spitting out an event with some dialogue- this show proved me right and reminded me what is possible - the slow reveal of information is flawless and artful. I felt safe in the hands of the writer, director and cast immediately- I knew I was watching something wonderfully made from the very first scene. Whoever is giving an awa... full review

White People Drinking

bonnie sludikoff · June 12, 2018 certified reviewer
A really fun theatre experience- a comedy that goes to "uncomfortable" places, making you feel a lot of disdain, pity, judgment, and other things for the characters, but caring about them enough to be engaged. Well acted and well-cast across the board. Sharp writing and solid comedy. Do people not list gun warnings on shows anymore? Sudden loud gunfire should be listed in the program same as you would list strobe lights, nudity, etc... especially this day and age, but really any day and age. ... full review

Baby Boy

bonnie sludikoff · June 11, 2018 certified reviewer
One of the most creative entrances I've ever seen an actor make ;) This is an artfully done show- polished and well-written. One of the most important things about a solo-show is feeling safe- can I trust you with an hour of my time? Do I want to JUST watch you onstage? Are you a good writer, actor... And do I need to spend 60 minutes hearing about your life? The answer to all of these is a resounding yes. Adrian is an energetic bundle of charming energy- a true triple threat- his charact... full review

Best Buddies: The Hip-Hop Musical

bonnie sludikoff · June 11, 2018 certified reviewer
LEGIT! Conor Hanney has basically created a genre with his topical hip-hop musicals. Last year's Fringe smash hit Divorce was poignant, hilarious and entertaining, and this year's Best Buddies did not disappoint. I wondered how this would be handled- especially having seen the show's performance at Fringe Cabaret- which just didn't do justice to what this show is. We get some important messages about friendship, we learn about Best Buddies- which, if you don't know, is a longstanding (since 1... full review

ECHOES

bonnie sludikoff · June 11, 2018 certified reviewer
Echoes features two star actresses with tons of stage presence, and covers several important topics, but I had a terrible time trying to follow what was happening. This show is dense with info and exposition-- it's great that we get so much plot and the story is certainly important... I don't know if it's partially the thick (albeit, lovely) accents, or the way the story is told, but I was lost a lot of the time and when I did find my bearings, I was shifted into the next woman's story. I wish ... full review

Glitch

bonnie sludikoff · June 11, 2018 certified reviewer
So, this is more specifically a "suggestion" than I typically like to give, because hey, this isn't my show, after all. But I just have to say,because I see a future for this show- I think this is begging to be something a little different than what it is- maybe a solo show- we either need WAY more of the reporter, or way less... or maybe keep Rachel without doing too much to the script and simply make her sit in the front row and give all of the stage space to Jonathan- the current setup takes ... full review

UNREAL CITY

bonnie sludikoff · June 08, 2018 certified reviewer
I have SO many feelings about this, and that alone is a positive thing, even if some of the thoughts and feelings are constructive. I want to start out by saying that my Unreal City experience ended with a twenty minute conversation on a street corner with a bunch of strangers (all debriefing about our various experiences) followed by a great chat at the taco truck with another group of folks who'd done a later showing. The fact that a big group of strangers all felt compelled to talk about o... full review

When Skies Are Gray

bonnie sludikoff · June 04, 2018 certified reviewer
A truly immersive experience unlike anything else, maybe even in the whole world. I recommending going in with an open mind and not thinking about it as "going to a show." This is admittedly not a "light and fun girl's/guys night out" nor is it supposed to be. I feel like I see a lot of theatre in LA that doesn't understand its identity - this piece knows itself and that helps you feel at ease as an audience member- you are plunged into a very sad and frustrating and somber experience, and do... full review

Villain - An American Story

bonnie sludikoff · June 03, 2018 certified reviewer
"Highly recommended" doesn't feel like a positive enough thing to say here. I look forward to seeing this show at the Geffen or the Mark Taper in a few years when someone with money gets the privilege to produce it. It's a bigger piece than this space really allows it to be, but they make it work. That said, it's a privilege to get to see these incredible actors this up-close and personal. This cast is the real deal. I can't even list the standout performers because I feel bad not acknowledgi... full review