CHOP - Press & Quotes

For anyone who's ever felt themselves to be lost in the modern day Labyrinth of office cubicles, sinking ever deeper into a life of irrelevance, CHOP proves that meaning can come from the most unexpected places. The same can be said of Brad McEntire's engaging performance, turning a story about a loner's introduction into the world of amputation fetishists into a universal tale about finding one's own place in life.

~ Martin Dockery, Storyteller and Solo Performer, Creator of THE BIKE TRIP

Chop is perfect for the fringe festival format: Just the right size for a piece of storytelling. As a writer and actor, McEntire nicely interweaves the past and present into his tale, which is basically the classic thread of an ordinary human being who never thought he would do anything important with his life. While he may not have invented Post-its, or anything game-changing like that, he does stumble upon interesting twists and turns and becomes important in others' lives. It's a story worthy of being told, for a brief visit, under theatrical lighting.

McEntire peppers the story with mythology and intrigue. He's also a likable performer who carries the journey through its natural course. He musters laughter and creates vivid visual images.

~ Mark Lowry, TheatreJones.com (Reviewed March 5, 2010)

Only at a fringe festival could you find a one-man show about finding yourself and love through the power of performing amputations. “Out of the Loop” kicked off last night at Addison’s WaterTower Theatre and I chose to see Chop written and performed by Brad McEntire.

We get to see someone challenged by love in a unique way. The question of what you would do for love may be gruesomely specific in this case but the universal is still there. Could you break out of your image of yourself for the love of another? It may be just as hard and just as challenging as chopping off a limb.

~ David Novinski, D Magazine's FrontRow blog (Reviewed March 5, 2010)

...with New York director Andrew J. Merkel's assistance, McEntire gives a fresh and impressive performance.

~ Lawson Taitte, DallasNews.com ArtsBlog (Reviewed March 8, 2010)