Fringe Deaths NYC Reviews and Tickets

74%

(20 Ratings)

Positive

75%

Mixed

20%

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Great acting, Clever, Absorbing, Banal

About the Show

This new ‘noir’ play with music chronicles the last tragic hours in the lives of four American celebrities: George ‘Superman’ Reeves, Jack Ruby, Barbara Payton, and Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer.

This fact-based script written by a former investigative reporter reveals the startling circumstances behind the deaths of these icons. Suicide? Murder? Misadventure? Learn the grim poignant secrets of these fringe deaths. For the first time, "Fringe Deaths" reveals the actual last moments, what really happened, to these tragic personalities. Did Reeves, hero to millions of kids, kill himself or was he murdered? Who killed beloved “Little Rascals” star Carl Switzer and why? What caused beautiful starlet Barbara Payton’s slide towards a seedy and early death?

Show-Score Member Reviews (20)

Interesting, Quirky, Ambitious, Entertaining, Absorbing

See it if You are interested in the lives and demise of 4 well known individuals including 3 actors and 1 assassin. Interesting spin on characters

Don't see it if You don't like small theater

Haunting, Thought-provoking, Intense, Great acting, Entertaining

See it if you think the grass is greener for famous people ... you're fascinated by the trauma of fame ... you enjoy peeling back layers of people.

Don't see it if you are expecting something flashy or Broadway level ... you bore quickly of repetitive/obvious/beat-me-over-the-head moral-of-the-story Read more

Unusual, Edgy, Ambitious, Clever

See it if you want to experience a very unusual play about 4 people who die.Some of the acting is very good and the stories are both sad and amusing.

Don't see it if you want to keep your illusions about the characters of Alfalfa and Superman. Don't go if the subject of death disturbs you. Read more

Interesting attempt.

See it if You like back stage gossipy shows about celebrities.

Don't see it if You like traditional stories.

Nice singing, Banal, Insipid, Slow, Disappointing

See it if mini-bios interest you. The hard working cast doubles and triples to make this show happen.

Don't see it if you're not into short biographic plays with seemingly unrelated music. Likewise the subjects don't seem to have much in common beyond fame

100

Unusual, Clever

See it if It explores such a weird subject matter, dead B movie and Tv stars. Its totally original. And based on actual events. I saw over summer.

Don't see it if If you hate theater. You can't not be entranced by this. It starts right out with a literal bang as Alfalfa is shooting a shotgun.

Thought-provoking, Intelligent, Edgy, Absorbing, Clever

See it if you have a morbid curiosity about the thoughts and actions of others before they pass. Also, if you want to think about the play for days.

Don't see it if you want veg out and not think. Or if you only like simple plays that end with a concise happy ending or plays with nonchallenging themes. Read more

Thought-provoking, Riveting

See it if Really really interesting play. Great for fans of old time tv and true crime. Very funny and sad and moves like a freight train.

Don't see it if Maybe don’t see if you’re squeamish and like storybook endings. These are true stories.

Trailer

Creative team

Rider McDowell

Writer / Director