What I liked
Great show and great pace. Really liked the characters and writing.
What I didn't like
It would be great to have a fully mounted Broadway (Not OFF) production with rotating sets as this play goes back and forth from scene to scene BUT that said this was a show that could have very well been eaten alive by sets and props (Like way too many shows at the HFF17) this year but if your going to have scene changes talk to director Chris Levin. Wow! masterclass on keeping the show moving. As it moves forward they do take a bit long but this is Fringe after all. TEN times faster than any I’ve seen. The last scene change was way too long at a crucial time but I saw a preview. Also the last scene writing-wise goes on a bit too long. It looped around too much and the audience got the wrap up about 8 minutes before the actors. Minor problems indeed.
My overall impression
This is a show that could have been whiny and irritating and could easily have gone in the wrong direction. Our lead is a Charlie Brown sort(His name is Charlie) but the actor keeps him likable throughout the show. A difficult task when playing this conflicted character. Much credit to the director too for keeping it light. His supporting actors really pump the show up with calm, deft, sharp acting. Not all characters need to be stars and they support not only the script but they support Charlie AND they support their own character choices with the ability to work together. Another refreshing thing to see. It is Charlie’s story and good actors can give it that concentration and intention. Very talented cast indeed. It doesn’t rock the foundations of the world but it does give us a clear and deft look at the new generation….and it gives us hope. So important in this world we live in now. Great job.
