Fallen Stars at the Charity Sale

Definitely one of the most innovative premises at this year’s Fringe, this “interactive play” is a combination of scripted monologues, improvisation and audience participation. The premise, I feel, is both a strength and a weakness. The audience witnesses a charity sale of donated items. At times, actors present the history of the objects – which audience members can actually purchase. However, if an item is purchased, the attached actor leaves the stage. This causes an odd emotional hiccup – the audience is denied the emotional satisfaction of knowing the emotional reaction an object might feel to being bought. At times it seemed audience members were a bit shy to jump in and “play” but that soon changes as the concept becomes clear. Cre... full review

Improvisation is a high-stakes risk in the world of theater, as is audience interactivity. Fallen Stars at the Charity Sale greatly succeeds at the former, while unfortunately faltering in the area of the latter. The good news of course is that show mechanics are always adjustable, especially when they are built upon a strong core concept and expert ensemble like this show is. If Fallen Stars finds a life beyond Fringe, I would certainly like to see it again someday, to see what entirely new objects and experience awaits me. See review for full thoughts! ... full review