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Performance 6/22/25 – Portland Stage Studio

PUT THIS SHOW AT THE TOP OF YOUR LIST. Sam Atwood’s storytelling is a masterclass in the craft. With some taped down rope and a single stool, Sam is able to transport us through his journey from infancy to today through his vivid word choice matched with unparalleled honesty, vulnerability, and humor. At first this set up might seem simple, but it’s an incredible device to further educate us as audience members on mental health, disability, shame, accessibility, and trust. Every movement on stage is intentional; every anecdote is an invitation to learn; every surprise is well-placed to gently challenge our expectations and empower us to be better.

Community is a theme throughout Sam’s work and philosophy that resonates deeply with me — and dare I say, most artists. We find the strength of individuality through the support of community. We build community through shared experiences, good and bad. PortFringe itself is an incredible community of artists ready to experiment, take risks, and support each other through these endeavors.

Sam has a community super power. His storytelling transcends beyond the “theatre crowd.” In a time where learning, personal growth, and acceptance is constantly challenged and belittled, Sam presents his story in a way that embraces the Every Man and makes “snowflake” ideals like tolerance and acceptance, well… COOL. When I say everyone should experience this show, I mean EVERYONE. This is the perfect piece to be performed outside of traditional theatre walls because that’s where it will make the strongest impact; and that impact will be long-lasting.

PS. Sam enjoys a cute butt and let’s all be honest with ourselves, who doesn’t??

Reviewed submitted on 6/26/25 (updated 6/27/25) by Allison McCall, PF25 Independent Review Team

Performance 6/26/25 – Portland Stage Studio

Eyes Out, is the story of Sam Atwood, A Blind Badass. Though he wasn’t always this way, no… the story of Sam is a sad but hopeful tale, all starting in 1976 on Halloween night, the night he was born. Pretty sick birthday right? But Sam was diagnosed with Glaucoma, if you don’t know what that is, it’s basically when your vision is … decaying (aka eventually you will go blind). But I won’t go too far into the story telling section of this, that’s Sam’s job – a job he does extremely well, keeping the balance of Story and Comedy.

His storytelling is aided not just by his body language and movements but also by his eyewear. How? …Different [pairs of] glasses helped keep the story moving along (giving us something to be impressed by… with the stunning amount of pockets he had on his 4 pocket vintage-esque military shirt with camo patterns). We are shown… the trusty Aviators [and] a sick pair of shades with a white frame (thin and sleek, very badass) [with which] he signifies his desire to be a “Legally Blind Badass”. [Then] … a pair of large, black framed, reading glasses from his upper right pocket… a nerd… a precocious young man who found himself collecting shoes and knives, … being a big reader [and] playing D & D (before it was cool).  …Its hard to describe this show without spoiling too much … please go attend Sam Atwood’s Eyes Out, and remember “There’s One World, and We All See It Differently” so live life and don’t make it harder for others, and please enjoy Eyes Out as much as I did. 😀 

Review Submitted on 6/27/25 by Rigel DeLisle, PF25 Independent Review Team