My overall impression
Jamie Andrews has a dark side. And ironically, sharing that with tenderness, wit and humility is where her brilliance lies. As a performer she gives Cookie a lost-yet-searching quality that pulls on your guts. As a writer she creates an internal discussion that will linger with you long after the curtain call.
As her Monster, the raw and rough-edged Scott Leggett could easily steal the show with his one liners, were it not for the immaculate ensemble work that shines equally bringht without ever pulling attention. Each smaller character is so committed and surprising in their uniqueness. The direction by JJ Mayes is wholistic in its utilization of both absurd humor, biting satire and heart-humming vulnerability.
In a festival that will never lack for gimmicky/crass/simplistic crowd-pleasers, more complex shows like Cookie and the Monster are always in danger of being overlooked. That would be a damn shame if you did. Check it. It would be difficult to find a more thoughtful, crafted passion project that at the same time possesses so much playful abandon.
