What I liked
College application sure has changed since the “prehistoric” age when I was applying. All I had was my SAT score, GPA and the all-important essay to rely on. There’s so much more for college applicants to do nowadays to get a leg-up on the “competish”.
Lauren Sarah Young is a gifted writer and performer. It’s a very funny solo performance and I truly believed Lauren was “Sutton Summers” the world’s most narcissistic, pampered (yet caring, confident, smart and talented) high schooler. I believe Sutton Summers could probably get into the college of her choice without all the hoopla she went through but that’s because Lauren herself seems so smart and talented that it came through in the acting.
And Lauren made me really like Sutton (someone this privileged and self-absorbed is easy to hate), but “Sutton” made me feel cared for (as one of the “Summertimer” subscribers to her Vlog). I really did feel she was rooting for her “subscribers” (audience) to achieve and actually wanted us to get into the college of our choice (I didn’t by the way….coulda used her help waaay back then!)
And as a collage artist myself I really loved the extra touch of the cute brochure Lauren made and handed out (along with pens to fill out those all-important applications!). I am truly “Suttonspired!”
Good work Sutton Summers
What I didn't like
I think it could be shortened. I loved all the little Vlog vignettes, discussing various topics about applying to college with Sutton Summers talking about her own life issues, but solo shows get weary for me at the 60 minute mark.
I think Lauren could cut the show and not lose the tone, humor as well as the very-important empathy for the character. Making it shorter would strengthen the piece. Perhaps work with a solo performance creator? This show is a winner and could be tighter. Needs to be booked at high schools and colleges everywhere!
My overall impression
Funny and clever idea. Very current topic (all the hoops one has to jump through to get admitted to the college of one’s choice) done in the clever, inviting format of a video blog. Lauren Sarah Young is a versatile and talented writer and performer. This is a show that could (and I think is) going to play at colleges (maybe high schools too?). Funny and informative. But, it could be shorter to be an even stronger piece! Recommend!