Pucker Up and Blow (FringeNYC)
About the show
A FringeNYC Encore: In Daniel Reitz's new outrageous comedy, an actor gets a chance to be on Broadway. But is it worth the sacrifice? More…
David, a young actor with only children's theater credits, is making his Broadway debut in a play by New York's "most inflammatory” playwright—but it means nudity and performing a lewd sex act. What's more important? Dignity or career?
for a previous production "'Pucker Up and Blow' is a brilliantly funny exploration of power dynamics in show business—and, at least so far, my pick for finest play of the festival. Penned with exceptional comedic skill by screenwriter Daniel Reitz and starring delightfully nuanced actor Will Dagger, who I expect has a stellar career ahead of him, this show is virtually ready for a commercial run as is. As long as you're not offended by political incorrectness this is a must see." Full Review
for a previous production "An extremely well-written, thought-provoking play that is absolutely hilarious at times…Asa James handled all his scenes with aplomb and was the anchor who held this play together. Daniel Reitz is a playwright you should keep your eye on. He shows extraordinary promise and is willing to tackle subjects others wouldn't think of touching. I highly recommend 'Pucker Up & Blow.' It takes you on a journey to the mountaintop and then shows you what is on the other side." Full Review
for a previous production "Reitz spends much of his dark showbiz comedy slicing into the Bradshaw mystique...and his spoof of Bradshaw’s work is razor-sharp. The rest of 'Pucker Up and Blow' doesn’t rise to the same level. Most of the characters are ciphers or devices...and the play’s final quarter is noticeably rushed. But Dagger is exceptional: funny, sweet, frustrated and frustrating. He breathes enough life into every scene to keep the whole play afloat." Full Review
for a previous production “Rather than either a purely uplifting finale or a bitterly dark one, we get a narrative arc - good guy put through emotional meat grinder who doesn't emerge without some lasting scabs - that feels inevitable. But perhaps for an actor chasing the big Broadway dream, it’s the most honest. Reitz and Schnee have crafted a thought-provoking, funny, and sometimes shocking production, which is exactly what you look for in the Fringe. “ Full Review
for a previous production "Daniel Reitz’s often on-target satire skewers the egos in show business…The actual playwright of 'Pucker' has muchos funny ideas for characters…The show was 100 minutes with no intermission, but did not feel too long, as there was tonal variety and strong performances, with director Paul Schnee remarkably finding a balance between absurdity and believability so it did not become a cartoon, did not get preachy much in its ultimate point, and was not predictable." Full Review
for a previous production "Where does shock value end and message begin?...Being as theatrical referential as it is, those not in the know may not grasp the message Reitz is trying to convey...Director Schnee allowed Reitz's comedy to shine through. Schnee assisted the company in finding the conviction within the characters without making them cartoons. Though the staging was occasional flat, there was a good sense of variety in stage pictures...An insider play that tackles sex and race within the industry." Full Review
for a previous production "'Pucker' wins points for its skillful cast: Dagger's sincerity in his discomfort elicits a satisfying mixture of laughter and sympathy, while James comfortably revels in his character's pomposity...But the play encounters a pitfall when it pursues shock value too aggressively, especially when it's dealing with race...It turns what could be, with greater discretion a ripe source of satire, into something tiring...Those moments end up undercutting the effective ones." Full Review
for a previous production “Really nothing fresh...The subplots of deception, infidelity, power, racism and revenge, are valid but are insipid...Kudos to the nudity scene which is not gratuitous...and is pivotal to the script, mostly resulting from the brilliant performance by Dagger as David...Reitz has penned a provocative script, but when considering our country’s present turbulent state of affairs, it comes to mind that this production may fuel the fires of desensitization rather than assist in extinguishing them." Full Review
See it if you appreciate great writing and acting!
Don't see it if you're timid.
See it if human. This was the most "all there" show I saw this festival, not shying from being overtly sexual, consistently entertaining.
Don't see it if non-vanilla sex is offensive to you.
See it if You like interesting characters from the entertainment industry.
Don't see it if you want a fluffy gay adventure.
See it if especially if you're in the entertainment industry. A scathing satire. And a compelling plot.
Don't see it if You're the type who puts the outraged in outrageous. Shocking language and scenarios are NOT gratuitous or used as substitutes for story.
See it if You'd like to see a shocking play about a children's theater performer who gets his big break on Broadway playing a "retarded" rape victim
Don't see it if You do not believe all of the world's problems come from zealous white people
See it if you like good plays with racy humor and good acting.
Don't see it if you are embarrassed by sexual themes and language.
See it if You love good acting and an interesting story. It's very funny and unique (In a good way)
Don't see it if Sodomy scares you, also full front nudity (that is required for this story too). Also many scene changes come close to halting show
See it if You love experimental and edgy theatre. You like pieces that show behind-the-scenes of the makings of a show.. This is NOT for the sensitive
Don't see it if You are opposed to rape, sodomy, victimizing the disabled, satire, cussing, the "N" word, the "F" word, rap music during scene changes, etc
See it if Are attracted to challenging, rewarding theater.
Don't see it if You are not attracted to challenging, rewarding theater.
See it if You enjoy great acting, funny dialogue, and are not offended by nudity, obscenities, or graphic sexual dramatizations.
Don't see it if You will be offended by the above.
See it if you remember how edgy & outrageous the Fringe used to be; appreciate scalding black humor to mock social conventions
Don't see it if you are a politically correct scold; easily offended by morally dubious themes & situations
See it if You enjoy quirky comedy, "brave" acting and a real plot that must be followed carefully!
Don't see it if A good plot, serious acting and brief nudity is not your thing........
See it if Want something with more of an edge
Don't see it if If sex and nudity are taboo to you
See it if You are someone who appreciates the darker side of entertainment. If you rooting for the little guy. If you like a little shock value.
Don't see it if You are offended by profanity. If you would be bothered by simulated sex. If seeing a man's penis would be too much for you.
See it if like challenge of character driven story line & conflicts pushing all buttons of 21st century life. Will Dagger = sterling performance
Don't see it if you can't take a moment of male nudity. & highly "inflammatory" subject matter
See it if You would be interested in a story about an insecure male being used for his body instead of a woman, for once.
Don't see it if Stories about sodomy or rape bother you
See it if Good writing...absorbing story
Don't see it if If you are easily shocked
See it if you enjoy smart comedies that actually have something to say (and say it in the most hilariously boundary-pushing way).
Don't see it if you're easily offended.
See it if Like edgy new work and very funny dialogue dealing with race, sexual situations and actors trying to get to bway stage
Don't see it if Don't handle nudity or rough language.
See it if You enjoy a bit of "On the Razor's Edge" raunchy storytelling as well as ironically dramatic comedies
Don't see it if You're easily offended, prudish or only like clean-cut family fun!
See it if Will Dagger is quite adorable as the nerdy children's theater actor who gets cast in an edgy play. Probably a take-off of Thomas Bradshaw
Don't see it if you get squeamish at a Bradshaw play. I've seen them all and find Pucker Up to be a hilarious.send-up.
See it if you like backstage drama of a very controversial theater and not offended easily with nudity or profanity.
Don't see it if you're offended by nudity or profanity or the idea of rape scene being enacted on a stage.
See it if You want to see a show with a completely original storyline, good acting, and quippy banter.
Don't see it if You are easily offended by topics regarding race or disability.
See it if You want to see a play that deals w/issues of art, integrity & ambition. You're OK w/raunchy subject matter & nudity.
Don't see it if You don't want raunchy subject matter or nudity. You want big production elements.
See it if you like edgy, Fringe-style plays that bravely discuss relevant topics that are seldom discussed.
Don't see it if you're prudish, homophobic and don't like frank discussions about sex.
Also Some fine actors, especially Will Dagger and Shane Allen, courageously... Read more Read less
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