The Allison Wonders Show
★ ★ ★
3 Stars
One woman. Seven puppets. One show. But it doesn’t necessarily feel like a one-woman show as Allison Wonders invites her tiny,vibrant characters to life in her performance of The Allison Wonders Show.
Allison charms you, not only with her outfit which is decked out in sparkles but also with her personality which is equally dazzling. Her show consists of many different personalities and voices, presenting them in a fabulous and hilarious way. Her exuberant characters create a warm and friendly atmosphere that’s easily enjoyable for a wide audience.
However, I will say there is a bit of a wild side to this show, so it is definitely suited for a more mature audience. Allison is equipped with a sense of control and focus as she maintains the challenge of bringing multiple, distinctive characters to life. The show begins with her introducing us to her puppets. As the production moves along, we watch her funny, personable characters embrace the universal human experience. She also incorporates her personal troubles and thoughts into this performance.
The puppets are filled with quippy jokes and expressive humor. The banter Allison creates between herself and the puppets creates an exciting energy in the room. There was frequent laughter throughout the show and there was also audience participation involved.
There was small gift bags filled with puppet-related knick-knacks that she encouraged us to use throughout the show. This was such a fun part of the experience. I applaud Allison for her quick recovery when jokes were missed or delayed, given that pleasing an entire audience is a difficult task.
Allison makes it look easy to be a ventriloquist. The jokes are geared towards those who can understand the tension that life contains as we grow older. She makes it known that her puppets are used as an outlet and perceived as art which, of course helps us make sense of reality. It is honesty and passion that make this a memorable performance. There is a sense of lightness as we get to know parts of her life. It is refreshing to feel like a kid again, yet also therapeutic to be simultaneously surprised by the unhinged jokes made.
The unfiltered and heartfelt The Allison Wonders Show is something worth watching and remembering.
The Allison Wonders Show
Starring: Allison Wonders
Performed on November 5th, 2026
October 19 – November 22, 2026
Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street, in Manhattan
Reviewer: Jenna Perry
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