Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose

"A charming if ultimately disturbing solo show…Dixon delivers enjoyable impersonations of Katharine Hepburn, Noël Coward and Richard Burton—not to mention Rose himself....The tone of ‘Georgie’ turns somber near the end, when Mr. Dixon accepts an invitation to Rose’s vacation home in the Dominican Republic...The visit ends with a disillusioned Mr. Dixon fleeing in disgust. The audience is caught out as well; after finding joy in Rose’s brilliance, we’re left confused and disillusioned, too." Full Review

"Genial and orotund, Dixon provides marvelous accounts of Rose’s special qualities as a performer as well as his droll idiosyncrasies as a person...The show takes a sharp and very dark turn in its final third, however, and that’s where it loses its balance...This is the show’s dramatic turning point; it triggers Dixon’s disenchantment with Rose and a deep personal spiral. But it is also untrue...A distortion of such magnitude is ethically dodgy, and it undermines the rest of Dixon’s show." Full Review

"Fascinating new solo show...'Georgie' is less a traditional play than a juicy evening of theater stories, but Dixon brings his pal to life with such vividness that it's almost as if Rose is actually onstage next to him...Director Eric Schaeffer guides this multifaceted performance into a beautifully appropriate balance of lightness and darkness...'Georgie' is a tribute to one of Broadway's greats, while reminding us that everyone we see onstage has a story all their own." Full Review

"What makes 'Georgie' a remarkable theatre piece...is Dixon’s portrayal of his own shock and dismay as he discovers the true Georgie...Schaeffer, who originated the play at his Signature Theatre in Arlington VA, repeats his direction and does a capital job of it...The combination of the stories, the characters, and Dixon’s own persona make 'Georgie' an evening of charm and delight. That is, until the shattering and brutal truth comes blustering in, as it must." Full Review

"It is loaded with classic theatre stories, calculated to leave Broadway fans chortling with glee; in fact, it's just about the funniest horror story around...Dixon is a superb raconteur...Eric Schaeffer, whose direction keeps the show moving at exactly the right pace, also designed the set, a haunted-looking old theatre...'Georgie' will, inevitably, appeal most strongly to theatre fans with a deep sense of history, as well as those who saw Rose perform." Full Review

"Dixon regales us with stories of Rose's personal oddities and theatrical performances, frequently lapsing into impressions of the actor...There's plenty to enjoy in 'Georgie' even if you don't know who Rose was. The real beneficiaries...will be older Broadway theatregoers to whom Rose's artistry brought joy and laughter from the '60s through the '80s. This Rose by another name may not smell as sweet as the original but for most audiences it should certainly smell sweet enough. Full Review

"Compact, sentimental and neatly crafted one-man show...Dixon expertly recreates Rose’s distinctive voice, larger-than-life mannerisms, off-the-color remarks and detailed anecdotes about working with legends like Noel Coward, Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton and Katharine Hepburn. Under the direction of Eric Schaeffer, 'Georgie' works as an intimate personal journey that takes a swift turn from giddy and nostalgic to disturbing and tragic." Full Review

“A tour-de-force performance…Not only does Mr. Dixon unearth the stories and truths behind the man, but he reveals truths about himself as well...Dixon embodies Rose layer after layer. We see his humor, eccentricities, complexity and a life veiled in a dark secret that is now exposed…Dixon is a master storyteller and writer who keeps our attention to the fullest…’Georgie’ is a delightful biopic that will let you know that everyone is flawed, scared and just this side of off." Full Review

"Dixon is quite the raconteur whose stories begin quite literally at the hilarious first meeting with Rose and end on a very unfortunate note...What makes the first three quarters of the show so deliriously funny is Dixon’s ability to replicate not only Rose’s voice but all his effete mannerisms...Rose’s secret life and death had more of a profound affect on Dixon than he could ever imagine...Yet, he got himself together which enabled him to play many roles." Full Review

"With his resonant voice and animated presence, Dixon vibrantly holds forth with a series of shrewdly connected, comical and poignant behind-the-scenes theatrical anecdotes...What truly distinguishes the show is Dixon’s fearless psychological focus...In examining their involvement, Dixon doesn’t spare Rose or himself from honest scrutiny...Schaeffer’s inspired staging includes a number of arresting tableaux, bursts of action and Dixon’s perfectly modulated performance." Full Review

"It’s an illuminating, warts-and-all portrait of the talented artist that became Dixon’s idol, then fell from a great height with dire consequences to both men – as told, it should be noted, with love. The playwright is a terrific storyteller...Joy and surprise are infectious. Flamboyance is never quite over the top. Moving around the stage with grace, energy and precise gesture, he’s a pleasure to watch...Dixon is simply wonderful. As is this play which is both entertaining and heart-rending." Full Review

"Ed Dixon has a delightful demeanor, often delivering a line with an implied wink...Directed by Eric Schaeffer, Dixon tries to keep the homage lively, moving about and pouring his heart and his talent into evoking Rose while spinning narratives...Dixon covers Rose’s life with flair and fine-tuned recollections...Dixon succeeded admirably in bonding with his audience, but his 'Georgie,' while entertaining, moving and glowing with expertise, could still stand some tightening." Full Review

"Dixon's ability to catch the essence of the celebrated artists who populate his play is uncanny, and I recommend this lovely piece of work to all who have love for the theatre and for the artists who consistently enrich our lives. George Rose was one of those, and Ed Dixon has brought him back to us with a good ear and the mastery of a craft he’s been honing for over 40 years." Full Review

"In a remarkable one-man play, 'Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose,' actor/writer Ed Dixon does a brilliant job of talking about his friendship with the 'unabashed homosexual' Rose...Dixon is priceless as he acts out Rose’s assessments of people...Dixon holds you in his thrall for the entire 90 minutes and proves not only a great interpreter of Rose’s life and work, but a worthy successor to his stage presence. Oh, what a relief!" Full Review

"A first-class ticket on a theatrical time machine ride. We get to sit at the feet of a great storyteller getting punch drunk on theatre memories. Brilliant text, astounding performance, astute direction–unforgettable evening...Ed Dixon is a theatrical chameleon, shape-shifting into any part...Eric Schaeffer is the director of this beautiful opus constructed of micro memoir moments. He ensures an electric pace so nothing is overly sentimental or too light." Full Review

"A bold, compelling story...It’s hard for actors to dig deep in painful, traumatic terrain and unearth inner demons for public performance but Mr. Dixon so beautifully allows how, in his friend’s death, he found renewed life. Mr. Dixon is so damned appealing and just plain likable, I yearned for more of his own story...A little marvel: a bare-knuckle but bittersweet tribute to a legendary actor, a love letter to theater life, and a touching, probing contemplation of self-reconciliation." Full Review

"Dixon's animated remembrances of his friendship with the extravagantly theatrical Rose form a loving portrait reaching peaks of hilarity and a depth of darkness...A fascinating storyteller, Dixon draws on his own acting experience, personal charm and obvious affection for the eccentric actor to share his encyclopedic collection of anecdotes...You are entranced, shocked, sympathetic and ultimately gratified by a riveting, well-formed arc. Dixon's performance captivates from start to finish." Full Review

"He simply tells of the 15 years that he knew the distinguished performer, first as a castmate and eventually as a bosom buddy...Dixon knows how to get us to laugh when detailing his own theatrical forays...We all have our dark sides, but Rose’s was particularly murky and you’ll undoubtedly find yourself seeing why Dixon wanted to make a speedy exit. Most of 'Georgie,' however, is great fun – especially for theater enthusiasts who, like Dixon, can’t get enough backstage lore." Full Review

"Dixon’s writing is very entertaining; there are no passages that are too precious for Dixon and therefore lose value for us...Dixon still has serious chops. The story moves along and we giggle, laugh outright and feel a bit verklempt...It’s an over-used cliche to say a performer is brave, raw, fearless, but maybe we over-use these words because we want that experience so much. Dixon really delivers...This show is a must see. Do not miss it." Full Review

"“Ed Dixon is brilliant–as an actor, author and raconteur. This solo show is riveting, riotous and revealing…The anecdotes, enchantingly recounted, are hilarious…In the end it’s anything but hagiography...'Georgie' is a must-see for acting aficionados, would-be memoirists, psychologists, criminologists, theater historians, and just about anybody who wants to spend a fascinating 90 minutes in the theater." Full Review

“The production, directed by Eric Shaffer, is flawless, and the set masterful...I have enjoyed many one-man shows in the past…Dixon rises to the top of this illustrious group but remember, he also wrote the play, a monumental achievement. I have seen a few of Dixon’s previous musicals and plays, and I enjoyed them all. But nothing in his past work gave any indication of what heights he might scale as a writer. 'Georgie' is a masterpiece." Full Review