Fringe Review

“Boomer Mommas’ SHOES. Sparkle” is a lighthearted solo set by Jaybird Laughs, built on personal stories, warm crowdwork, and the simple joys and frustrations of aging. Aimed squarely at parents and grandparents, her humor is self-aware and good-natured, with none of the generational finger-pointing that often shows up in this kind of material.

Jaybird’s strongest moments come through connection. Her easygoing stage presence turns even a small crowd into a living room, inviting the audience into her world. Her riffing with audience members felt genuine and confident, and she handled the intimate setting with grace and humor.

The central metaphor—pulling different shoes from a bag to match different stories—is playful and promising. When it clicked, it added a layer of charm and clarity to the storytelling. Expanding on this structure could give the show a stronger throughline and help organize the many anecdotes into a more cohesive arc.

Some elements felt underutilized, like the colorful mannequins and props that filled the stage but didn’t quite tie into the performance. Similarly, while the notes on her phone helped keep the set on track, finding ways to internalize the beats more fully could tighten the delivery and open up more room for spontaneity.

Jaybird clearly enjoys performing, and her warmth goes a long way. The show feels like it’s in an early stage of development, with lots of potential to grow. With more polish, sharper transitions, and a few anchor points to hold it together, “Boomer Mommas’ SHOES. Sparkle” could become a strong, joyful piece for audiences looking to laugh at life’s later chapters.