[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival review of Holly Shaw’s Roar!, a powerful, funny and deeply moving solo show that transforms personal loss into an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Powerful, touching, and hopeful is the journey of Holly Shaw’s original solo show, Roar!.
For all my years coming to the Hollywood Fringe Festival, I have seen many good shows, some great shows, and once in a while you are privy to an event. Holly Shaw’s solo play Roar! is one such event.
The show is centered around a boyfriend recently departed from this world and his true thoughts and feelings for Holly Shaw, which she discovers upon hearing his not-so-great podcast post death. That is the jumping-off point for this mesmerizing and riveting story and slightly spooky story.
Holly Shaw commands the stage with a great combination of confidence and subtlety that only a seasoned professional can get away with, and I hung on every word. Of all the characters that Shaw conjured in the show, three stood out particularly to me: Earthquake Woman, Wise Woman, and the Stand-Up Comic. The story is marched forward by these divergent characters, and honestly, each of these characters deserves their own show.
I must also point out that the sound design (by Holly Shaw) was wonderfully purposeful and brilliant, perfect for this wonderful Roar!. As was the lighting design by Mr. Spencer Frankeberger. I make note of the sound and lighting because it supported the story so well. The show flowed beautifully and felt far shorter than the actual running time; it was over too soon! To this I must give credit to the director, Joyful Raven.
The wit and charm of Holly Shaw won over the audience immediately, and she kept us on the edge of our seats wondering what came next. As funny as the show was, there were moments of great emotion and vulnerability. Holly Shaw can not only take control of the stage, but at pivotal moments, the space between the dialogue and her amazingly expressive face reminded me so much of my own vulnerabilities.
Roar! transformed the theatre into a community event.
Holly Shaw’s engagement with the audience and her ability to be so relatable is what makes this solo show such a success.
Of all the great shows available to you at this year’s Hollywood Fringe, seek this one out. It is not just another solo show; it is truly an inspiring event!
Tickets:
https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/13379?tab=tickets
When:
Monday, June 8 at 7pm Preview
Sunday, June 14 at 2:30pm
Saturday, June 20 at 11:30am
Wednesday, June 24 at 8:30pm *ASL
Saturday, Jun 27 at 4pm
*June 24, this show is made accessible to d/Deaf & HOH through a qualified ASL interpreter.
Where:
Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre
5636 Melrose Ave, Hollywood
More Info:
hollyshawcomedy.com/roar
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