Review: ‘Homecoming’ at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026
- Dondre Tuck
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
“Homecoming” at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival is an autobiographical one-woman show by Dara Kosberg that follows what happens when she receives a phone call from her father telling her that her mother is dying and she needs to fly home from Australia. What follows is Kosberg navigating the unhealed parts of herself while reflecting on the complicated and superficial relationship she had with her mother.
Kosberg’s performance is honest, thoughtful and emotionally clear. She’s easy to hear and understand throughout, and she does a healthy job balancing the show’s emotional beats with its comedic timing. I do think it would have added another layer if she could lean more into impersonating her family members, especially to help shape their personalities and make those relationships feel more distinct. Still, that doesn’t take away from the fact that Kosberg delivers a grounded and engaging performance.
David Ford’s direction is simple but effective. The blocking is appropriate and never distracts from the story, while the pacing has a healthy heartbeat. Transitions are handled well, and the technical elements help support the emotional rhythm of the piece.
Set design for the show is simple, with a chair, one large block and a small round table. The lighting does a lot of the heavy lifting in this production, helping to give the show texture, movement and flair without overcrowding the stage. Musical moments are also tasteful. And hearing Kosberg’s grandmother over the intercom gives the show a gust of wind to help it soar.
Overall, “Homecoming” is a thoughtful and honest one-woman show about grief, family and the complicated process of making peace with relationships that never fully gave us what we needed. Kosberg brings sincerity, humor and emotional clarity to the stage, and while I would like to have seen a bit more distinction in how her family members are portrayed, the production still lands with heart.
It’s a simple, personal and reflective piece that leaves room for the audience to think about their own family dynamics long after the show ends.
For tickets to this and other Hollywood Fringe Festival shows, visit HollywoodFringe.org.
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