Reviews

acting | directing | fight choreography

acting

“There’s one from Drew Fracher. He’s pitch-perfect as the unloved British hubbie, an almost absurdly reticent archeologist who shares home truths once he’s started drinking – a cliché dramatic device so richly embodied by Fracher that the character seems credible”
Jackie Demaline, Cincinnati Enquirer – Cincinnati, OH

“Drew Fracher, deeply immersed in this role with ill-fitting clothing, methodically brings revelations to this sad, compromised character. It’s an acting trophy for Fracher.”
Jerry Stein, Cincinnati Post – Cincinnati, OH

“Fracher gives Marks a nervous but caring energy, avoiding the pitfalls of caricature to create a man whose affection for the seamstress can’t be spoken, even though we see they’re kindred spirits….when he watches her leave his shop through a nearly closed door, we feel his own longing.”
Rick Pender, City Beat – Cincinnati, OH

“Drew Fracher as his poor clerk, Bob Cratchit, is a perfect shivering foil for Scrooge. At home, however, Cratchit is a different man – full of good cheer and love for his wife and children despite his thankless job and meager salary…”
Judith Egerton, Louisville Courier Journal – Louisville, KY

Fracher Shines in Role – It’s Drew Fracher in the small supporting role of the all-seeing and understanding deputy who demonstrates how to create a character’s inner-life.”
Jackie Demaline, Cincinnati Enquirer – Cincinnati, OH

“And Drew Fracher is absolutely winning as the jailer Paul eventually won over by the change wrought in Jefferson. Fracher’s simple, unadorned account of Jefferson’s execution had the audience sobbing. The portrayal is one of the best performances of the season”
Jerry Stein, Cincinnati Post – Cincinnati, OH

back to top

direction

GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES  -  Know Theatre  -  Cincinnati, OH

http://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-24154-gruesome_playground_injuries_%28review%29.html

SKIN TIGHT  -  Know Theatre  -  Cincinnati, OH

“Gary Henderson’s Skin Tight is as much a piece of lyrical poetry as it is a play. It’s also likely to be the most physical performance — wonderfully staged and choreographed by director Drew Fracher — you’ll see onstage in this Cincinnati theater season.”

Rick Pender, City Beat – Cincinnati, OH

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – Cincinnati Shakespeare Co. – Cincinnati, OH

“Drew Fracher has given Cincinnati Shakespeare some of its finest productions because he demonstrates a clear, coherent vision. Yes, Fracher seems to be assuring us, you can be an intelligent adult and still show an audience a good time.”      Jackie Demaline, Cincinnati Enquirer – Cincinnati, OH

OTHELLO – Cincinnati Shakespeare Co. – Cincinnati, OH

“A first-rate ‘Othello’ at Cincinnati Shakespeare.  What Cincinnati Shakespeare always needs more than anything else is clarity. And thatʼs what guest director Drew Fracher brings. This time, he delivers the companyʼs best “Othello” ever.”    Jackie Demaline, Cincinnati Enquirer – Cincinnati, OH

“This weekend is your last chance to catch an Acclaim Award-winning performance by Kelly Mengelkochas Desdemona in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of”Othello.”  Indeed, the whole cast turns in a fine performance and Drew Fracher’s tight direction and lean editing gives the play a sense of urgency and passion.    Richard Jones, Examiner.com – Cincinnati, OH

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE – Cincinnati Shakespeare Co. – Cincinnati, OH

“Drew Fracher delivers a subtly revisionist view of this Tennessee Williams classic the makes this a ‘Streetcar’ for our millennium.”
Jackie Demaline, Cincinnati Enquirer – Cincinnati, OH

“…The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, has clearly focused its mission on presenting classic plays and not just works by Shakespeare. Producing memorable scripts like Streetcar — and doing them to near perfection — CSC is serving a need met by no other theater in Cincinnati. Don’t miss this one.”
Rick Pender, City Beat – Cincinnati, OH

back to top

fight choreography

“…big performances, and for big dramatic scenes – which are pumped up by Fracherʼs ability as a fight director. The murder scene is especially gut-wrenching.”  Jackie Demaline, Cincinnati Enquirer – Cincinnati, OH

“Their fight (brilliantly directed by Drew Fracher) puts both of them and the audience out of breath.”
Fred Lippincott, Montgomery Independent – Montgomery, AL

“Combat choreography (handled by Drew Fracher) is so intricate and so unsettling it makes the WWF’s dance patterns for a Hulk Hogan match look like a beginner’s tap dancing class.”  Roger Grooms, Cincinnati Enquirer – Cincinnati, OH

“Drew Fracher assisted, staging realistic fight sequences that threaten to erupt off of the tiny Shelterhouse Theatre stage.”
Tom McElfresh, City Beat – Cincinnati, OH

“The four likable heroes let their swords do a lot of the talking for them, under the dazzling fight direction of Drew Fracher.”
Dan Hulbert, Atlanta Journal Constitution – Atlanta, GA

back to top

Awards

2003‐2004 Ostrander Award for Best Drama (Director) ‐ MACBETH ‐
Playhouse on the Square ‐ Memphis, TN

2003‐2004 Ostrander Award for Best Director of a Drama ‐ MACBETH ‐
Playhouse on the Square ‐ Memphis, TN

2004‐2005 Ostrander Award for Best Drama (Director) ‐ OF MICE AND
MEN ‐ Playhouse on the Square ‐ Memphis, TN

2004‐2005 Ostrander Award for Best Director of a Drama ‐ OF MICE
AND MEN ‐ Playhouse on the Square ‐ Memphis, TN

2005 Cincinnati Entertainment Award ‐ Best Supporting Actor ‐ SIGHT
UNSEEN ‐ Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati ‐ Cincinnati, OH

2005‐2006 Cincinnati Enquirer Acclaim Award ‐ Best Direction ‐ A
STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE ‐ Cincinnati Shakespeare Company ‐
Cincinnati, OH

2005‐2006 Cincinnati Enquirer Acclaim Award ‐ Most Valuable Player
Cincinnati, OH

2008 Creative Loafing Best of the Bay award – MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS ‐ American Stage Theatre Co. – St. Petersburg, FL

2008 ‐2009 Cincinnati Enquirer Acclaim Award ‐ Best Regional Premiere (Director) ‐ DYING CITY ‐ New Stage Collective ‐ Cincinnati,
OH

2010 Cincinnati Entertainment Award  - Best Production (Director pt. 2) – ANGELS IN AMERICA – Know Theatre – Cincinnati, OH

2011 League of Cincinnati Theatres Acclaim Award – Outstanding Direction – SKIN TIGHT – Know Theatre – Cincinnati, OH

2011 League of Cincinnati Theatres Acclaim Award – Outstanding Fight Direction – SKIN TIGHT – Know Theatre – Cincinnati, OH