Theater On The Edge - Plays In Orlando — Attraction in Edgewood

A friend recommended a show, Fifth Planet, at the theater, so I brought a date along to check it out. The ticket price was less than a movie ticket! I’m glad I did—the performance itself was absolutely outstanding, and the Q&A session afterward offered some fascinating insight into the process behind the production. I had initially worried the minimalist set and lack of staging would break the immersion, but the actors’ sheer talent kept me completely captivated from start to finish.

The only disappointing element was the director, a long-haired man who introduced himself but wasn’t even credited in the program. It’s clear this is a student production, but if he’s meant to represent the directing talent from the students at the school next door, I hope there are stronger candidates in the wings. During the Q&A, he seemed more intent on making himself the focus than adding anything of substance—simply rephrasing what the actors said in a way that turned the spotlight back on himself. It was tiresome and detracted from an otherwise brilliant evening. From the audience’s perspective, his contribution felt minimal at best. I don't want to be too negative since I know he's just a student clearly beginning his journey, but his contribution was just so gross.

The actors, on the other hand, were nothing short of phenomenal. There were only three performers on stage, but their work was so powerful, nuanced, and emotionally charged that it felt like a much larger production. Each of them displayed incredible depth and range, with the two main performers even moving seamlessly into tears on cue—moments that stunned the audience and became a highlight of the Q&A. (Oddly, the director talked more about them crying than the actors did which was weird since he wasn't the one crying on stage. His response, again, added nothing while making something clearly not about him all about him. Just gross!) For a small school theater, the caliber of acting was remarkable, on par with professional productions I’ve seen in much larger venues.

I’ll absolutely be coming back to the theater in the future; the acting talent here is too good to miss. My only hope is that the director takes some time to further his training, gain perspective, and learn to elevate his team rather than try to overshadow them. With acting talent this strong, they deserve nothing less than a director who can match their professionalism and artistry. I hope to see many more productions like this - including ones...

I came by to see Allan Whitehead and Elaitheia Quinn perform in this incredible Birds of North America play because it’s been years since I’ve seen or worked with either of them. I’ve been part of many projects at Theater on the Edge and have worked closely with both Allan and Elaitheia in the past.

Ask anyone at TOTE and they’ll tell you: I don’t hand out praise lightly. I don’t say “good job” just to be polite. I believe in acknowledging effort over outcome, because that’s what this art form is really about.

That said—this show floored me. Completely. It is, without question, the best work I’ve ever seen from either of them. Period. And it’s the best production Theater on the Edge has ever put up. Again—period. I was laser-focused, on the edge of my seat, from start to finish.

Also—can we talk about the space? Sam and Marco refer to this as “black box”? My guy… what are we talking about here? Have you seen the set? This isn’t just black box—this is next-level. The level of detail, the lighting, the tech—it's all incredibly immersive. They’ve redefined what a black box can be, and it shows the standard of dedication they hold for the craft. What they call "minimalist" is what most theaters would call a fully realized set.

The story? It’s so powerful. So human. I honestly feel like I need to write a five-page breakdown just to process it all—but even then, words would only dilute the experience. This is a piece you have to feel. You must see it.

This isn’t just great acting. This is acting at a level that’s hard to describe—raw, authentic, and surreal. This is what writers dream of when they put pen to paper. It’s what directors hope audiences will feel. It’s true art—the kind that shifts conversations, touches hearts, and stays with you long after the final blackout.

This play gives us a rare glimpse into real families, real disagreement, and real love. It’s beautiful. The direction? Beautiful. The set? Stunning. The story? Overwhelming—in the best way.

It’s a must-see. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of show. I truly mean that....

Seeing Birds of North America was an experience unlike any other.💜

Aside from the intimacy that a venue like Theater on the Edge provides, which naturally lends itself to feeling, the performances by Elaitheia & Allan had me on a rollercoaster of emotions from the start to the finish especially.

From laughing one second about a rant on bread, to crying at various points seeing the dynamic between the two characters that so closely parallels the often strained relationships one has with their own parents/children.

Many things that we leave unsaid and sentiments that go unexpressed simply because we remain so obstinate and entrenched in our own mindsets.

It also touched on heavily sensitive and debated topics while providing a viewpoint to help understand both perspectives showing that life isn’t as black & white as we tend to think.

Things like politics and climate change, as well as other more “taboo” truths that people get too uncomfortable to confront are covered. Specifically the emotional weight that continues to burden far too many women after failing to live up to societal expectations of having children and the fact that people who literally have no way of understanding the process are the ones who are in charge of making decisions that affect all of us…for better or, more often, for worse.

Though the source material is amazing, in a setting like this, it’s honestly the cast that makes or breaks whether it leaves an impression. And I’m pleased to say that every ounce of human emotion was front and center in this show.🔥

Overall it was a magnificent experience that was brought to life splendidly and expressed so beautifully by both Allan & Elaitheia. And a moment in time that I’m glad I...