Tilted Hilton Productions
An exploration of fatherhood, identity and legacy through the story of a man shaped by loss and violence. Facing trauma and addiction, he chooses love and music to break the cycle and become the father he never had.
Through a mirror narrative of failure and transformation, one path reveals the cost of not changing, while the other reveals what change makes possible. At its heart, it asks: what do we carry forward, and what do we choose to leave behind?
What audiences are saying:
“A raw, honest look at fatherhood and the weight of legacy.”
“Poignant, powerful, and deeply human.”
“Heartbreaking in its truth. Hopeful in its courage.”
If you are looking for local heart at the Fringe, look no further than Tim Hogue’s debut play, Paper Fathers: Shadows and the Songs We Leave Behind. Directed with sensitivity by Andrew Davidson, this solo performance is an unforgettable exploration of generational trauma, legacy, and becoming a man who belongs to his children. Hogue contrasts his childhood grief of losing his dad to a car accident, with the idea of a “paper father”: a man who looks flawless on greeting cards, but is hollow in reality. Donning a hat, he shifts to personify Disney legend Cliff Edwards (Jiminy Cricket), an absentee parent who sent money home from the road but never realized his daughter needed him, not the cash. Hogue’s words will warm your heart as you follow him through addiction and trauma, and finally his choice to be a father who stays. The ending completes a beautiful full circle — allowing Hogue to finally stand healed alongside his childhood self. He is a local playwright to watch.
A must see for anyone who has lost a parent, or will. Sensitive and honest, Tim offers a powerful performance in an understated way.
This lovely show deserves to be seen! Heartrending yet hopeful – and never approaching maudlin. It’s a personal story that could have ended in tragedy seamlessly blended with an historic one that does. It’s hard to believe this is Tim Hogue’s Fringe debut as a writer and solo artist because it’s so skillfully staged. And it’s so beautifully written there were collective audience gasps in response to his evocative words.
Paper Fathers is a powerful and moving play. It tells an honest, heartfelt, and deeply personal story of fatherhood, loss, and healing. The performance is captivating from start to finish, and you can feel the sincerity and emotion behind every moment. It’s the kind of show that stays with you long after you leave the theatre. I’ve already recommended it to friends and plan to see it again.