Ticketholders LA Awards winner: Best Production 2019
runner-up: Best Direction
"RECOMMENDED... Co-directors Matt Bretz and Lisa Sanaye Dring follow the playwright’s vision admirably, and have cultivated performances and moments more human than lesser directors may have done amid sometimes stifling requirements and in such a stylized play.
Truthfully, the writer’s vision, when realized, is a brilliant glimpse back to what it was like growing up as an angst-ridden teenager... Circle X’s creative team executes a loving homage to adolescence with all-around skill."
Vanessa Cate, Stage Raw
http://stageraw.com/2019/12/04/punkplay-theater-review/
“Gregory S. Moss’ affectionately retro coming-of-age comedy about two unremarkable American teenagers pursuing dreams of punk rock rebellion in Reagan-era suburbia…Hilariously naïve and self-important, the boys’ punk rebellion reflects in microcosm how a subculture built on defiance inevitably begets conformity. Nevertheless, the show also celebrates the purity of discovering the world for the first time…”
The Los Angeles Times
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2019-11-15/frances-fisher-gregory-harrison-lion-winter-laguna
"(PUNKPLAY) is brassy and audacious, brilliantly realized by an outstanding technical team and acted with gusto... (a) welcome alternative to all the traditional holiday fare."
Evan Henerson, CurtainUP
www.curtainup.com/punkplayla19.html
"YOU'D BETTER PUT ON YOUR SEATBELT… VISUALLY STUNNING… REVELATORY AND HEARTBREAKING....
Along with all the usual rule-defying and inventive creative genius that has defined Circle X over the past 23 years, co-directors Matt Bretz and Lisa Sanaye Dring do a masterful job interpreting Moss’ raucous yet insightful play, delivering a visually stunning production that meets and clobbers every inherent challenge of an extremely difficult script."
Travis Michael Holder, Ticketholders LA
ticketholdersla.com/current-reviews/
“If you happened to be a teen in 1985 - you'll recognize punkplay deeply. If you ever smashed a record album or dabbled in a garage band or were an actual punk - you'll probably adore it.” Anthony Byrnes, KCRW
https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/opening-the-curtain/punk-or-poser
"Though some may go gaga for its trippier aspects, it’s punkplay’s authentic, affecting look at its misfit protagonists that make it well worth seeing and savoring, especially if you’ve ever felt trapped on the outside looking in."
Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA - 'Wow!'
http://www.stagescenela.com/2019/12/punkplay/
more info at circlextheatre.org
runner-up: Best Direction
"RECOMMENDED... Co-directors Matt Bretz and Lisa Sanaye Dring follow the playwright’s vision admirably, and have cultivated performances and moments more human than lesser directors may have done amid sometimes stifling requirements and in such a stylized play.
Truthfully, the writer’s vision, when realized, is a brilliant glimpse back to what it was like growing up as an angst-ridden teenager... Circle X’s creative team executes a loving homage to adolescence with all-around skill."
Vanessa Cate, Stage Raw
http://stageraw.com/2019/12/04/punkplay-theater-review/
“Gregory S. Moss’ affectionately retro coming-of-age comedy about two unremarkable American teenagers pursuing dreams of punk rock rebellion in Reagan-era suburbia…Hilariously naïve and self-important, the boys’ punk rebellion reflects in microcosm how a subculture built on defiance inevitably begets conformity. Nevertheless, the show also celebrates the purity of discovering the world for the first time…”
The Los Angeles Times
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2019-11-15/frances-fisher-gregory-harrison-lion-winter-laguna
"(PUNKPLAY) is brassy and audacious, brilliantly realized by an outstanding technical team and acted with gusto... (a) welcome alternative to all the traditional holiday fare."
Evan Henerson, CurtainUP
www.curtainup.com/punkplayla19.html
"YOU'D BETTER PUT ON YOUR SEATBELT… VISUALLY STUNNING… REVELATORY AND HEARTBREAKING....
Along with all the usual rule-defying and inventive creative genius that has defined Circle X over the past 23 years, co-directors Matt Bretz and Lisa Sanaye Dring do a masterful job interpreting Moss’ raucous yet insightful play, delivering a visually stunning production that meets and clobbers every inherent challenge of an extremely difficult script."
Travis Michael Holder, Ticketholders LA
ticketholdersla.com/current-reviews/
“If you happened to be a teen in 1985 - you'll recognize punkplay deeply. If you ever smashed a record album or dabbled in a garage band or were an actual punk - you'll probably adore it.” Anthony Byrnes, KCRW
https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/opening-the-curtain/punk-or-poser
"Though some may go gaga for its trippier aspects, it’s punkplay’s authentic, affecting look at its misfit protagonists that make it well worth seeing and savoring, especially if you’ve ever felt trapped on the outside looking in."
Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA - 'Wow!'
http://www.stagescenela.com/2019/12/punkplay/
more info at circlextheatre.org