Review: ‘A Haunting Revue II’ at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026

Impro Theatre’s second annual tribute to Rod Serling’s “Night Gallery” at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival focuses on three sci-fi/horror stories. Its “A Haunting Revue II” features stories about an adopted extraterrestrial in “Birds of a Feather,” a mysterious big brother in “The Lateness of the Hours” and workplace creepiness in “The Flight or Flight Response.”

Though set design is minimal, each vignette has its own distinct visual identity. Lighting helps elevate the production and give certain moments more texture and atmosphere. Each piece also begins with a brief introduction, giving the audience context.

However, while the production has potential, it overall needs stronger focus, clearer storytelling and more committed performances to fully land as they felt underdeveloped.

At times during a recent performance, it was difficult to follow some of the stories because the actors were hard to hear, which made it challenging to fully connect with the given circumstances.

Also, the actors’ chemistry in several scenes felt surface-level, though I do think there is potential here. With stronger vocal projection and a deeper commitment to the characters and relationships, these performances could become much more engaging.

Direction also had some effective staging choices, but overall, the scenes lacked focus and emotional build. The stakes did not always feel clear or fully developed, which caused some moments to fall flat. The pacing could be tightened, but the staging for each individual piece worked well enough to support the stories being told.

Even though some of the scenes feel underdeveloped, the variety of the vignettes, the lighting choices and the structure of the evening offered moments of interest. With more refinement, this could become a more cohesive and engaging production.

For tickets to this and other Hollywood Fringe Festival shows, visit HollywoodFringe.org.