I Of the Storm
About the show
In this solo drama, Richard Hoehler plays RJ Bartholomew, a man who loses everything and then rises from the ashes to become the man he was always meant to be. More…
RJ Bartholomew is the Everyman with answers for those questioning Everything. After falling from grace with an agnostic thud, Bartholomew delivers a powerful message with a genuine hope for the future, faith in the universe, and an undying love for mankind. 'I of the Storm' is a riches-to-rags success story revealing that what you seem to lose is always less valuable than what is returned to you by letting go.
"Hoehler is the perfect match for RJ Bartholomew’s expansive spoken word text. He mines the depths of this extended 'urban poem' and delivers the richness of the text with absolute perfection...Director Janice L. Goldberg keeps the performance as visually interesting as it is emotionally and spiritually significant..'I of the Storm' is a well-structured performance piece with a powerful dramatic arc...This stunning performance piece should be on every serious theatre-goers must see list." Full Review
“A remarkable one-man show has returned to NYC for a limited run, but there is nothing limited about it–not its reach, not its timeliness, not the depth to which it touches us…An 80-minute tour de force…sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always riveting and poignant…Out of fragments–movie lines, everyday insults, common phrases, TV sitcom songs, lists of lists, memorable dates, media events–emerges something whole striving to be transcendent.” Full Review
“The show at first comes across as a simple caution to ‘stop and smell the roses.’ But it spirals down into something very real as the serious hypocrisies of our culture are brought to light; the truth of which will leave a frog in your throat. ‘I of the Storm’ is a jewel of a one-man show, a social commentary that strikes a note on every social controversy. This is a delightful tale of a man’s journey to embracing what truly matters that will gently nudge you toward a powerful message." Full Review
"There is no denying that Hoehler is a talented man...It doesn’t quite all hold together in the end...A little editing would be wise. 75 minutes into the performance the presentation reached a saturation point, and the performer was in effect clapped-off by an appreciative but restless audience...Whether you are a crusader for social justice or a fan of fresh solo work, 'I of the Storm' makes for an absorbing evening." Full Review
"Playwright R.K. Bartholomew’s tirade lurches from intriguing to irritating to boring with only passages about the protagonist’s lovely, unexpected relationship to buoy it. Were it perhaps an hour, half revelation, half friendship, it might have held our attention...Hoehler’s focus is consummate, his timing a thing of theatrical beauty...A primer in acting. Bravo...Director Janice L. Goldberg uses the all but empty stage with outstanding imagination and sweep. Pacing is pitch perfect." Full Review
"Well-intentioned, timely, and occasionally shrewd and lyrical. But, ultimately, the story never transcends the clichés and generalizations that make it seem more like a New Age self-help speech than a complex examination of a character’s inner life...As with the script’s themes, Hoehler’s acting style is broad...What we are left with when Hoehler’s tramp has left the stage, is really just a collection of slogans that, however well presented, never take us beneath the surface." Full Review
“This notion of homelessness as a kind of Zen retreat house would be offensive under any circumstances, but in a city where on seemingly every block there is someone suffering from addiction or mental illness, filthy and alone, it verges on the obscene...Hoehler gives the text more authenticity than it deserves. He handles it expertly, …He clearly deserves much better roles than this…‘I of the Storm’ is a thoroughly professional piece of work -- as professional as it is mendacious.” Full Review
"Hoehler performs a tour-de-force show that takes you by storm and never lets you go...He spins these poetic rhythmic and rhyming crescendos of text that take you on a trip to somewhere new each time...He spews content at you that is so full of knowledge and introspection that you must submit to his raucous ways...You must see this piece to know what a simple man and a few thousand words can do to change your life." Full Review
for a previous production “An articulate, rhythmic, acrobatic 75-minute protest against every kind of distraction which makes up the fabric of our lives…Actor Richard Hoehler puts in a passionate, stellar performance of RJ Bartholomew’s tour-de-force script, guided by Janice Goldberg’s direction. The nameless performer acts out for us in contemporary trappings a wisdom narrative as old as the Epic of Gilgamesh…See this.” Full Review
for a previous production “A spectacular show that takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery. Richard Hoehler does a splendid job of captivating the audience through his enthralling performance....The fact that Hoehler's performance is so strong throughout the entire show is a remarkable feat...RJ Bartholomew did an incomparable job writing the play. The fact that Bartholomew touched upon such poignant lessons in such a charismatic, fresh way - as if with ease - is absolutely worthy of admiration.” Full Review
for a previous production “Mr. Hoehler mines the depths of this extended ‘urban poem’ and delivers the richness of the text with absolute perfection, giving the words precisely the power needed to convey the poet’s meanings…It is not possible to escape the intensity, the importance, the veracity of Mr. Hoehler’s character...Goldberg keeps the performance as visually interesting as it is emotionally and spiritually significant…This stunning performance piece should be on every serious theatergoer's must-see list." Full Review
for a previous production “The actor’s words tumble out in a tour de force of writing and performance…He also inserts moments of gracefully executed dance or well-sung snatches of old pop tunes…The material…can’t avoid taking on a New Age aura redolent of the more simplistic side of 1960s hippiedom, especially when our man implies that…the solution to the world’s woes is ‘love.’ The actor’s epic recital toward the end…is so powerful, it makes up for any momentary weaknesses elsewhere in the show.” Full Review
See it if U want to see a very original script full of intelligent insight into life & the world with epic performance, great Direction, & staging.
Don't see it if U do not like poetry, philosophical commentary, or solo shows. U rather not ponder & just want fluffy entertainment.
Also A masterful show about 1 man's experience from a successful life struc... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy perfection and are ready to think. A wonderful script performed by an excellent actor. Bravo! Bravo!
Don't see it if You like banal and mindless theater or if you have a monkey mind and cannot focus. If you do, stay home and give the able thinking audience
See it if you appreciate the skill required to manipulate language to create mind-boggling poetry and prose, performed flawlesly and passionately.
Don't see it if you are not a fan of rap or of having to focus closely to absorb kaleidoscopic thoughts and ideas that are a linguistic treasure chest.
See it if You want to see a philosophical play that helps you think about your like and how best to live.
Don't see it if If you need a plot and don’t want to think.
See it if you like or need some positivity talk & encouragement to make you see the glass half full again in the midst of many unfavorable situations.
Don't see it if you don't want poetic performances, one man shows, and optimistic views amidst world troubles. But it's a good chicken soup for the soul.
See it if If you like language driven stories with intensity and drama. If you like one person shows that are self revelationary.
Don't see it if You like light weight shows that require little focus. If you don't like poetry or intensity.
Also I would have loved to have been able to read the script as it was so p... Read more Read less
See it if You like poetry or are impressed by a one man show starring a versatile, gifted actor
Don't see it if You don't like poetry, or want a clear storyline with a beginning, middle and an end
Also Actor Richard Hoehler is mesmerizing. For me the play largely due to h... Read more Read less
See it if I was wowed by this one man show. Richard Hoehler interwove poetry with some classic music theatre and movement in his one act play. Great
Don't see it if If you do not like one act plays, though I usually don’t either. This has social value tho not preachy at all.
Also This show closes this Sunday. It is at the Gym at Judson, a great thea... Read more Read less
See it if You can spare 80 minutes for a brilliant and thought provoking one person piece by a very gifted writer/actor.
Don't see it if You want to be entertained with fluff. If you are unwilling to focus on substantive thought, humorously delivered, that might hit home.
See it if One man act where he plays 2 different characters. The acting is superb and the actor is totally absorbed and invested in this role.
Don't see it if You you don't like small, off Broadway productions with little to no scenery.
Also Very interesting show. Two of us went but we both had different reacti... Read more Read less
See it if You like one-man shows, you want a reminder of what matters in life.
Don't see it if You expect a big show, you can't tolerate a mad scene.
See it if U like one actor show with great intensity that is heavy going.
Don't see it if If you're looking for an evening of fun.
See it if A one man show. Interesting story great acting.
Don't see it if If you don't like a one man show about his life.
See it if you want to see a wonderful solo performance. The writing is literally poetry and there is a part of the story that is very touching.
Don't see it if you're expecting a plot. Also, the show could be tightened up and it would have more impact.
See it if Want to watch a near bravura perf, a meditation/rant on life, or are willing to consider the "What if me?" scenario.
Don't see it if Don't like intense, solo show needing some internal editing, want light/fluffy, can't sit for 90 mins on uncomfortable seat.
Also Saw this at Gym at Judson, end of Sept., 2017
See it if You like you like a one person show spiced it up with poetry /rap style.
Don't see it if You don't like resonant stories about trust and love.
See it if U can go on a journey w/a master of the universe turned ex-felon, poetry spitting homeless guy, who finds his truth. The actor is compelling
Don't see it if A play in rhyme bores U. The rhymes can be repetitive. The first half gets slow. The emotion of the story of his friend Mars enlivens you.
See it if you like 1 person shows that have a psychological impact and make you think about some of what was said...
Don't see it if you don't like words spoken at a very frantic pace, or if you want a show with fun sets and interesting costumes...
Also I was so impressed with how fast Richard Hoehler was talking but yet d... Read more Read less
See it if Well written, spoken word solo performance. Revealing both personal and social issues. Richard Hoehler does an excellent job!
Don't see it if Do not go if you expect a fully developed show or do not like solo performances.
See it if Like one man shows that ruminate about taking reassessing values and what's wrong with society. Stream of consciousness poetry
Don't see it if Want a show with a plot, don't like a fairly upbeat view of homelessness or lots of affirmations, rapping poetry by a white man
See it if You want to see an extraordinary example of an actor delivering an incredible monologue. He doesn’t miss a beat but parts do drag a bit.
Don't see it if You can’t handle watching some truly mad or manic behavior for 90 minutes. It serves the piece but it does work your nerves.
See it if you want to see a very impressive enactment of a very intense script that makes you think about life and what you value
Don't see it if you don't like one person shows; not geared up to listen attentively; looking for light entertainment
Also Richard Hoehler seemed flawless in his performance yet I found myself ... Read more Read less
See it if Homeless virtuoso poet delivers philosophy, soliloquy, tragedy as he connects, recollects, introspects with an amazing torrent of words.
Don't see it if Lengthy, frenetic one-man show without switching of characters. The "be present" theme gets repetitive.
See it if you want to see a high energy performance.
Don't see it if you are turned off by trite platitudes and cultural appropriations in the guise of liberal (rhymed) preaching.
See it if u want great, intense, well acted one man show that feels too long and slightly dated but with lots of heart and a relevant profound message
Don't see it if you want fluff, or grand theatrics, or song and dance. It feels like a piece from the 80s but with parts that feel very acutely resonant
Cast & Creatives (8)
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