These were a moving combination of plays. All plays were different but held in common the importance of honesty and the major impact that we have amongst the people around us. Our selfishness and fears drive our actions, ultimately separating, disconnecting people. The cast brilliantly portrays the different facets of human emotion in a truly honest fashion. The community and connection created by the ensemble illustrates this disconnection that people suffer from nowadays. I recommend going to watch this play as one will find not only truth and drama but humor and entertainment. Go watch this!!!!!!!!! It is very worth it!!!!!!
- TM Insider (Antia), Theatremania (June 21, 2009)
A friend of mine took me to see Dis/Connections 3x Dennis Bush tonite. I didnt know what to expect. It was awesome! I play cello and it was like the plays were orchestral compositions where the actors were the instruments. The way the themes were developed and the way it all worked together was symphonic. Its the only thing I can relate them to. The woman in Fetal Pig was awesome. Below the Belt was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle and being shocked by the picture it made. And the middle play Asylum made me laugh in the beginning and gave me chills at the end. The guy who wanted cake was awesome. The actors who played different parts in different plays have serious skills. Congrats to the company who put it on, especially since its their first show, right?
- TM Insider (celloplayeruws), Theatremania (June 21, 2009)
An unforgettable evening consisting of three superb performances, filled with disturbing and heart-wrenching characters that come home with you!
- TM Insider (jwklein), Theatremania (June 21, 2009)
I saw this show last night and cant get it out of my head. The play grabbed me from the start, going right for my gut and pulling at all my emotions along the way. All of the actors are superb and kudos to Dennis Bush. Unfortunately, you only have today and tomorrow to go see it. What are you waiting for?????
- TM Insider (donh51), Theatremania (June 20, 2009)
Truly amazing!!! A play not to be missed. From beginning to end you are engulfed by the incredible acting. The 3 parts to this play are, at times, disturbing, humorous and insightful. BRAVO to Dennis Bush and all of the actors!!!!!
- TM Insider (egh), Theatremania (June 20, 2009)
I thought that Dis/Connections 3x Dennis Bush was fantastic! This wonderful ensemble of actors most notably Kelsey Torstveit and Melissa Teitel does an incredible job handling the witty and fresh language of Dennis Bush. My personal favorite piece was Asylum. What incredible painting and shaping of characters! This is not to be missed!
- TM Insider (triplethreatnyc), Theatremania (June 19, 2009)
Powerful, gripping, moving and humorous does not even begin to capture the depth , themes, and heart wrenching dysfunction that make up the human condition. Lester Shane, director, thoughtfully lifted the insightful writing of Dennis Bush and boldly exposed the inner and often contradictory/chaotic mess that is the human mind. The caliber of acting is top notch, and it is only matched by that of its strong visionary, the director. In a time of summer movie explosions and love stories, these talented troupe of artists offer something more meaningful that will linger with you long after the lights fade from the stage. “Dis/Connections: 3X Dennis Bush” must not be missed.
- TM Insider (nonononstop), Theatremania (June 19, 2009)
I was blown away by “Dis/Connections: 3X Dennis Bush.” The three plays shine a brutally honest light on human relationships. Dennis Bush is a writer to be reckoned with. “Fetal Pig” lulls you with humor then reveals the dark side of things. “Asylum” was hypnotic and harrowing. But funny. Thats the most amazing thing. There were moments that were hilariously funny and devastatingly tragic in the same breath. “Below the Belt” was a knockout punch. Its going to stay with me for a long time. The actors were all outstanding. It would be impossible to pick out any that stood out more than the others because they were all amazing. The director tied the three plays together beautifully. This was a great evening in the theatre.
- TM Insider (NYCfilmeditor), Theatremania (June 18, 2009)
This compilation was a really moving first-time experience for the work of Dennis Bush. Shifting from hilarious to devastating, the mood is carried with ease by the Element 8 Theatre Ensemble through the direction of Lester Thomas Shane.
The show for me was a lesson in personal responsibility and how destructive dysfunctional relationships and disconnection can be. Its also a humorous and instructive account of the gender differences in relationships.
I really enjoyed it!
- TM Insider (aspiringactor), Theatremania (June 18, 2009)
“Lovelies, we’re not in Kansas anymore. Fetal Pig, Below the Belt and Asylum (3 One-Act Plays) by Dennis Bush is running at the 45th Street Theatre through June 21st in a series called Disconnections: 3x Dennis Bush. It’s an evening to remember. Mr. Bush’s worlds are captivating, deeply disturbed and well illuminated. The deranged, all-too real people/circumstances are unsettling and certainly delivered on Element 8 Ensemble’s mission “to have the audience exit the theatre thinking.” … This is thought-provoking theatre, for sure.”
-HX Entertainment and Nightlife Guide (June 19, 2009)
“Dennis Bush is a fearlessly original voice in the American Theatre. Some of the work deemed ‘cutting edge’ in today’s industry would wither up and die if you put it side by side with his.”
-Jason Aaron Goldberg, President,
Original Works Publishing
“Dennis Bush has a resonance that speaks to our ensemble members. His play, Below the Belt, offers an incisive, sometimes uncomfortable, always truthful look into ourselves. He writes for ensembles, creating relationships that test and try us, and mirror our own. We’re thrilled and honored to work with him.”
-Joe Leo, Artistic Director,
Misfit Toys Repertory Company
“Dennis Bush’s Fetal Pig takes the viewer deep inside one of the darker places in the female psyche. It’s the place where desire and pain intersect leaving her both unable to act and sadly aware she must to survive. It’s amusing and disturbing – a great experience.”
Brandy Hotchner
-Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
(site of Fetal Pig’s premiere)
“With its one-act play, Asylum by Dennis Bush… at UW-Stevens Points… The audience was hooked from the start… They went from laughing to crying and ended with a stunned moment followed by a wholehearted thunderous applause.”
-Vilas County News-Review, Eagle Point, WI
“Asylum by Dennis Bush really hits a lot of different notes… One minute you’ll laugh, the next you’ll be shocked and then you’ll be sad.”
-The Billings Gazette, Billings, MT
