My overall impression
Well, it’s high concept for sure, as a play-within-a-play. And yet, in a way, it’s very simple.
This is a genre I love so I was excited to see it in any form onstage. Some of it works for me, some of it doesn’t. This show is full of amazing, strong singers who are a joy to listen to. Personally I think not all of the material they’re given is equally as strong, and they’re often distracted by the need to be funny rather than given the opportunity to delve into a character and a story. Then again, it’s a parody.
The possessed girl (Regan/Megan) is incredible, and somehow just gets better and better as the show goes on. Her physical antics are mesmerizing, and she is fully committed to the character, to which I can attribute much of the show’s success. (Her “replacement” later in the show also deserves kudos for a sassy, vocally strong performance.)
I would have loved to see an hour-long version of this show. 80 minutes felt a bit long to me, and the show dragged in parts. Thankfully, it did end on a really high note, with a couple of show-stopping musical numbers that brought the house to its feet.
