The Cleaning Guy (FringeNYC)
A FringeNYC Encore: Emerging Artists presents the hilarious journey of one man's dealings with the dirty secrets of NYC apartment dwellers.
... Read moreWritten and performed by Paul Adams, this musical solo show is a wild ride that gives audiences a voyeuristic view of what lies behind their doors. Adams spent three years developing the script, which is based on his life as an apartment cleaner in New York City since 1991. In addition to being the "cleaning guy," Paul has also been the Artistic Director for Emerging Artists Theatre since its inception in 1993.
- Official Site
- 1 hour
- Already closed
- Soho Playhouse Huron Club (Soho/Tribeca)
Cast & Creatives (5)
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Reviews (38)
3 Critics' Reviews
for a previous production "There is the potential for poignancy here, and moments when Adams almost manages the keen trick of having the audience see themselves in the people he worked for, but the parade of wacky characters tends to march off with the focus. Adams’ stage presence is not quite as glowing as his floors…He sometimes struggled to remember his lines which, if it’s your own life story you’re telling, is especially distracting." Full Review
for a previous production "Most of his stories are interesting, ranging from comedy to heartfelt drama...Though some slightly miss the mark, it is of no concern, since he writes about what he knows and has experienced in this sometimes bizarre occupation. It is the first thirty or so minutes of the show that sometimes feel repetitious. But then the performance suddenly takes off and starts to fly...It is a well-constructed piece of theater that can only improve with time and tightening the script to an hour." Full Review
for a previous production "Just as Adams can't help getting emotionally involved in his clients' lives, I too felt gripped by the stories in his one-man show. It's fun watching this polite Midwesterner help tidy up for New Yorkers, all the while giving wonderful impressions of his former clients…It's littered with interesting vignettes of people who struggle with their living spaces...Most poignantly, the sadness of losing clients to disease and death really stands out...Some stories need to be shared on a stage." Full Review
35 Members' Reviews
See it if you don't mind one man shows or personal stories.
Don't see it if you don't want to hear a guy recount his job as an apartment cleaning guy
See it if you enjoy a solo performance of a very empathetic apt cleaner's experiences in NYC. Well-written and entertaining.
Don't see it if you don't like solo productions with minimal staging and cabaret seating.
See it if bittersweet stories about people from normal to the mental or emotional shock; it is the best pep talk to make you want to clean your house
Don't see it if you lack sense of humor
See it if You want to hear the poignant and also funny stories of the people that he cleans for. Also musical accompaniment.
Don't see it if You don't like one-man shows. But this is an hour and it flies by
See it if you enjoy one person, autobiographical shows with songs, prizes (sponges!), & very touching and funny stories, including about some celebs!
Don't see it if you prefer shows with a high production budget, regular theater seating (this is a cabaret setting, w/bar), or a fear of cleaning products.
See it if hilarious,fun,perceptive and witty.THE CLEANING GUY brings fresh insights about his job with unique musical numbers, and humor. .see it!
Don't see it if you don't like solo shows
See it if you like funny thought provoking solo shows with singing. I am still considering how we all have life secrets hidden in our homes.
Don't see it if you need a lot of plot. This is a series of vignettes where the characters are acted out as well as being commented on by the performer.
See it if you enjoy true stories with a sense of humor. Very entertaining. I loved it.
Don't see it if you want to see a drama. This show is charming with a great sense of humor and self.
See it if You want a sincere, mostly humorous, memoir told through song. You enjoy hearing personal anecdotes.
Don't see it if You're expecting a show that's 100% comedy-the show takes a dramatic turn. You want a show with big production elements.
See it if you'd like a wonderfully delivered one man show revealing what we keep behind closed doors, both physically & psychologically
Don't see it if you can't deal with 'gay' references or graphic descriptions of hoarding & clutter
See it if You want to go from the ordinary to the profound in less than 2 hours. This piece was a complete delight--funny, moving, and made me happy!
Don't see it if You don't like surprises, don't need affirmation that your apartment is not a total mess, don't want to support a decent, heart-warming show
See it if you love NYC and the people who inhabit it.
Don't see it if you want a big blow-out extravaganza.
See it if You would enjoy a one man show that relates the experiences of a cleaning man with jokes, song, and heart!
Don't see it if You are not into one man shows or are expecting something glitzy.
See it if Like 1 man shows Funny tales of experiences he's had. Mostly dialogue with some songs. Quirky impressions.
Don't see it if You Want an ensemble cast, don't like profanity, one-man shows.
See it if You want to hear a charitable exposé of humanity told by a veteran New York apartment cleaner. There's music and great compassion.
Don't see it if You are unnerved by people's quirky private lives, which may resemble your own.
Also The episode where an emotionally distant mother sends Paul to clean up... Read more Read less
See it if You like one-person shows, laugh easily, enjoy simplicity
Don't see it if Sitting in a bar area is not your idea of a theater night out
See it if You want good cleaing tips. Even sponge freebies! You'll want to meet the sweetest house cleaner this side of Broadway. Fun, sweet show.
Don't see it if you're unable to tolerate silly, corny music before finally getting to the heart of this quirky, poignant show.
See it if Funny one person shows
Don't see it if You are looking for a stronger plot
See it if you wish to laugh and be moved by the life experiences of a thoughful and hard-working New Yorker.
Don't see it if you are not interested in monologues delivered in small venues.
See it if You like to clean or are looking for typical New Yorker stories
Don't see it if If you are pitch perfect
See it if You like solo shows with some music that are both funny and poignant, told from a unique point of view.
Don't see it if You don't think the people who work in service roles have anything interesting to say.
See it if You enjoy hearing about people's lives, and if you like to laugh.
Don't see it if You don't like one man shows.
See it if You like one person autobiographical comedies. Don't mind quirky storytelling. Like to laugh.
Don't see it if Don't appreciate standup. Prefer mostly musicals.
See it if You want to hear stories both funny and some moving about a cleaning guy who has been cleaning NYC apartments for two decades.
Don't see it if You don't like stories about New York or solo shows.
See it if You have a heart, appreciate a good story, and don't mind occasional descriptions of unfortunate refrigerator situations.
Don't see it if You're a judgmental jerk who demands Broadway-level precision and can't waste your time on stories without monumental global implications.