Director David Beatty, an able writer and actor in his own right, helped actor-victim-participant Ross Gosla corral this story into an hour-long, one-man (s)hit-show. Ross re-enacts a funny, heartfelt—and at times troubling—grand scheme steeped in a personal epic. Ignoring his own gut feelings, Ross became an accidental tourist unwittingly thrust into an international conspiracy, thereby contorting his own personal narrative into a cautionary tale about the price to be paid for optically-challenged devotion in the pursuit of one's art. He is an almost star in an almost movie that almost started a war. Take guns, light sabers, and moaning elk...mix in a Jedi dreamer, a svengali director, a dodgy unit production manager, and a blue-rinse philo...
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Wonderfully written. Exceptionally performed. Poignant and heartfelt, brave and impressively honest. Especially as an actor or artist in Los Angeles, this is really an incredible story that I KNOW I've never seen before. Bravo....
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This show was an honest and beautifully tragic tale that any person who has ever had a dream can relate to. Ross's performance is unapologetically raw and earnest and had me enthralled from the moment he began to the last second of the show. I highly recommend this show to anyone, but especially to any fellow artists, who I think will be particularly drawn to this powerful, and true, story. ...
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Amazing show! The writing was phenomenal, and the acting was spot on! The story kept me engaged, and I felt like I was with the actor the entire time on his journey. It's honest and compelling; definitely a must see for Fringe! ...
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I came to Desert Warrior to see a 'show' and left holding moments of a 'life'... knowing that here was another someone I esteemed and aspired to emulate. In every moment Ross Gosla gives us all that he has and a little bit more. When we leave the theater we can't help thinking about his story. It leaves us hopeful and hoping that some day we might become brave enough to share ourselves with the same kind of truth and intimacy. A real tour de force!...
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I'm an optimist which means I'm frequently disappointed but Desert Warrior affirmed my belief in the redemptive nature of art and the courage of the creative spirit. Takes my vote for Best Solo Performance of the Fringe, not an easy feat in this year's Festival....
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ANONYMOUS
certified reviewerJune 25, 2017
Phenomenal! Engaging! funny and poignant! a well rounded spectacular show performed by an incredibly talented guy and directed by another incredibly talented guy!...
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Was a great adventure!..Ross really did a fantastic job of telling a story within stories... Well played variety of characters complete with voices and gestures.. and did I mention the incredible physicality of the show.. He ran around and flopped about and did all this with clear vocals and consistent actions... wonderful job!...
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