Riot Grrrl Saves the World

This show was so much fun to watch. It took me back to my grrrlhood in so many lovely and unexpected ways. I would totally go see this again. Afterwards, me and my home girl rocked out to Sleater Kinney, in my Mom's white Volvo station wagon (it's Fringe and we needed a really big people/sets/props hauler), and talked about what it was like to be those kind of teenaged girls. The things I loved in this were the live music, the zine artwork, the romance of it all, the use of space, and a fair chunk of the monologues that felt inspired by zine articles. I loved this. Felt very cinematic. I left wanting more. Thanks for telling the story of grrrls like me. Much appreciated. ... full review

Perfectly cast, this show delves into the world of teenage girls. The cast does a great job representing the thoughts of young women struggling to find their own voice. The zine artwork and projections complement the show nicely. Highlights include a mid-show band performance by the cast. I wanted to know more about the backstory of the characters. There are so many interesting stories to tell in the lives of the characters on stage. ... full review

I had a terrific time at this show! It was terrifically theatrical - by that I mean they weren't fettered by a false naturalism, but utilized direct audience address, slide projections, a punk song interlude, intermixed with some warm, funny and wrenching character moments. By the end, you love all these riot grrls and want to come to their meetings and help start the revolution. Highly recommended - catch it if you can!... full review

A timely story show featuring a very talented cast. Saturday's preview featured an unscripted moment that only the magic of live theatre could provide. At one point, the band performs an original song live on stage. The speakers failed (as tech is wont to do at Fringe). Instead of letting it throw them, the girls said, "fuck it, we're going acoustic" and rocked the song anyway. Not only was it one of the most Fringe moments I'd ever seen, but one of the most pure punk rock. Bravo.... full review

Wonderful hour show. Very empowering to the female and calling out some obvious stigmas that usually avoid the question 'Why DO we do or say what we do when referring to the ladies.' A definite add to your evening at Fringe. ... full review

Reviewed by Pauline Adamek ***This review first appeared on www.StageRaw.com*** RECOMMENDED Playwright Louisa Hill’s world-premiere play Riot Grrrl Saves The World (well directed by Scott Marden) tackles some significant issues with humor and vitality. The pervasive violence against women, the oppressive messages that permeate the media and pop culture, as well as restrictive attitudes at home and school are all given an airing by a group of teenage girls each finding their own voice through fresh, funny and authentic dialogue. While there is a justifiable undercurrent of anger and defiance beneath the way these heavy topics are addressed, Hill also ensures there is an abundance of joy, hilarity and positive energy in her political dra... full review

Scott Marden is a genius. You can give him any script and he will make an enjoyable show out of it. Dana Leigh Lyman is a fantastic producer. I hope to work with both of them one day. ... full review

I really enjoyed Riot Grrrl. The story and the concept really reminded me of my days as an idealistic youth fighting for what I believed in. The script really sucked me in. The acting was terrific. Darla (Poonam Basu) was especially extraordinary. Her rendition of a young, confused Jehova's Witness was not only believable, but captivating and hilarious. Harriet (Tiffany Mo) did a great job playing a young, angry, rebellious girl with an allowance. Her "I hate everything" line brought down the house. Joslyn (Zoe Lillian) was excellent as an optimistic idealist and did a great job improvising when technical difficulties arose. Last but not least, Steph (Emma Servant) was a powerful leader of the crew. Her energy was infectious and her perform... full review

90s teen angst can be rocky territory if not done right, thankfully Riot Grrrl by Louisa Hill is just the right amount of angst with an abundance of teenage idealism and a bucket load of punk rock. Although the script is flawed (needs some more character development and the ending needs re-working), director Scott Marden and his fantastic all female cast make this an enjoyable and energetic production. Marden’s fast past and sharp direction with projections of zines mixed with composer Diego Davidenko’s punk rock sounds creates the perfect atmosphere for these teenage girls set on changing the world. Poonsm Basu as the Jehovah’s Witness Darla is ridiculously adorable as she comes to terms with her faith and sexuality. Steph (Emma Servant)... full review

I've been recommending this show for a week, so I should probably actually write a review. Oh my god, it gave me so many feelings. SO MANY FEELINGS. It's really rare for me to turn my critical brain off during a play, but this one swept me up. I wanted to dig put my old zines, call my high school girlfriend and protest something. Great use of projections, strong performances, one thousand feelings.... full review