Friday, July 20, 2007

Oregonian Recognizes Teen Angst

Teen angst readings: Embarrass yourself
Saturday, June 30, 2007
GABRIELLE GLASER
The Oregonian Staff

FUCK OFF AND DIE- REVIEWS

'F**K OFF and DIE! Canadian Actor Online

Part 1: Thought this would be a punky rant but it turns out it is rather charmingly witty trip through the teen angst poetry of writer /performer Sara Bynoe (and others)with no small amount of searing adolescent chagrin, served up with affectionate remembrance. Tarragon Xtra Sp. Recommended.

PArt 2: Who knew bad poetry could be so good. Funny and even poignant, but mostly funny. Lots of 'cringe worthy' lines that will take you back to your years of angst (and hey, some of may still be there) in a way that you will enjoy. I was expecting a screaming rant. This is anything but. Recommended. Tarragon Xtra Sp.

Experimental Experiment
Tonight we caught “F[_]ck Off and Die: Tales in Teen Angst Poetry“, a one-woman show by Sara Bynoe. Absolutely brilliant! She takes you on a bright and cheerful journey through the dark and morose and highly self-referential jungle of teenage angst poetry. It’s absolutely, deliriously hilarious for anyone, especially those of us who were grungers and misfits, who were tragically poetic and poetically bored, in the ’90’s.


Fuck Off and Die: Tales in Teen Angst Poetry- Three Stars
EYE WEEKLY's Review

If you’ve ever accidentally found your junior high school journals full of obvious metaphors and cringe-worthy rhyme schemes, you’ll appreciate Sara Bynoe’s theatrical enactment of her own adolescent attempt at poetry. Besides verbal renditions of heartache, hatred and convoluted musings about nothing in particular, Bynoe brings a “name that tune” game and a storytelling act into the show, which unfortunately do nothing but detract from the overall experience. Well-thought out ighting and ironic music, as well as personal anecdotes contextualizing her poems, are more than sufficient in keeping the program fresh. Eliza Northwood

Audience Reviews from Eye Weekly:
Brian D. July 7th, 2007

I agree and disagree with the reviewer. Yes, Sara’s readings of her poems are fantastic, but the other stuff, the audience participation parts are fantastic additions which keep the pace and energy growing.

Sara’s energy is magnetic. My wife and I were talking about our teen angst, teen angst in music and I couldn’t stop singing “Fuck off and Die” for hours after the show… well I’m still singing the song. 4.5 STARS from us.

Arianna Says:
July 8th, 2007 at 6:26 pm

Personally, I really enjoyed this show and would give it much more than three stars. Teen Angst Poetry is one of my favorite things in the world. Being a staff member (now an editor) of my high school’s literary magazine, I see a lot of it, and not all of it is as funny as Sara’s.

If you have ever written a poem, go to this show.
If you have ever cried while listening to music, go to this show.
(If you have ever cried while listening to Nickelback, go to this show twice. You need the reality check.)

So, basically, go to this show. It’s wonderful.

Andrew Says:
July 8th, 2007 at 10:19 pm

I agree with the other comments: this show deserves better than three stars. I’s give it a solid four+. Very enjoyable.

Jim Mayer Says:
July 9th, 2007 at 12:35 am

My daughter really wanted to see this show. I was mildly interested, and my wife only went along to humor us. All three of us loved it.

It even inspired me to write a poem:

AN ODE TO SARA BYNOE

I was alone
With no one near
To hear me cry
I could not fly
My wings, my soul
Trapped in a bowl
And dark, dark, darkness
Blackened the uttermost depths of my black despair.

Then Sara came
And like a flame
She lit the night
SHE SPOKE MY WORDS!
SHE HEARD MY PAIN!
The bowl tipped over
My soul flew free!
To fly, and flit
And write pure sh*t!

:-)
Kate Says:
July 9th, 2007 at 1:14 pm

Sara Bynoe made me nearly pee myself I laughed so hard. I bought her book and I love it! See this show if you have any sence of humor about yourself. 5 Stars from Kate.

Christopher G Says:
July 11th, 2007 at 10:49 am

Very, Very, Very Funny! Loved the show and the performance. Four big stars! See it, you’ll like it. To say more would lessen the angst…I’m trying to get in touch with my inner-teen… GET OUT OF MY ROOM…LEAVE ME ALONE!!!

Stephanie Says:
July 12th, 2007 at 9:18 am

Waffled about seeing this one. It all seemed too easy & obvious to go back & laugh at who you were as a teen. I wondered where the “theatre” element would be…. and then… Sara is such a strong performer! I was riveted. (except when she tried to tell me I was like Molly Ringwald… then I felt betrayed… who gave YOU the right to JUDGE MY PAIN?!!!… utterly betrayed… )

Heather Says:
July 13th, 2007 at 10:11 pm

Sara is a very likeable stage performer. The concept for the show is original and funny. I bought the book as a pleasant reminder of an enjoyable experience. 4 stars.