Joel Pietrzak

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April 2026
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2026 New York City Fringe Festival
April 17, 2026, 7:17 p.m.
😂
Laughed So Hard I Cried

I loved this show! Everything we've seen about Ellen's cancellation has been pretty one-sided and two-dimensional. Until now. In this funny, yet thought-provoking play, Sarah Hartley's depiction of Ellen brings all the humor of the real thing, but also brings the sadness and fear in the most poignant moments.

Heather Seltzer's snappy book and the overall fast-paced structure and staging of the show are all in service of this full picture of a Fallen Star. And her Portia's evolution is expertly played throughout.

Maybe the most fun parts of the show are when the "Ellen" show music ("HAVE A LITTLE FUN TODAY!") comes on and Ms. Hartley comes out with her (truly uncanny) resemblance to Ellen doing her signature dance. We may never have another chance to sit in the real Ellen's audience again, but here's hoping a lot more get to experience the Portia & Ellen edition!

5 outta 5!