What I liked
The writing is spectacular, tackling important issues in a sort of low key way. That was powerful and thought provoking. If I had to recommend feminist theater to someone I would tell them Fight Song because it really GETS it. There is a lot to be gleaned from the way these girls talk to each other- this message is so on point. The way girls are conditioned by their environment is true not just for Texas and it’s a tragedy. The writing and direction is seriously impressive. And the performances of the actors were really REALLY good. Their accents were well done I wondered if any of them are from Texas or somewhere else from that part of the country. So cool! I lived in a very religious place when I was young and so I found those themes to be very interesting. The parts with God and Lucifer were some of my favorites. Samuel Camp had an amazing performance. His character was super well done, he nailed it. Sophia McDowell was such a beautiful God and I am just obsessed with the concept of this character. She seemed loving but wise and still strong. These two together are awesome.
Gabrielle Galloway steals the show, however. In the few moments she appears, she essentially represents a whole genre. She also brings the truth of a pretty big issue. She’s so backwards (sort of like some other characters in the show) but it raises the question, where is that coming from? You start to see these characters as victims… because the are slaves to this toxic way of thinking. The cheerleaders were each so good but I wanted give a special mention to Angela Rosado who plays Clara- I just thought her character was especially natural while also really specific. The subtlety in her emotional journey was really effective.
This show was surprisingly moving and very entertaining. There is never a dull moment.
What I didn't like
This is a tight show. I wouldn’t change a thing. Maybe just a little speedier on some of the earlier blackout moments. This show itself is some good stuff though.
My overall impression
It was soooo good. Very compelling. I have never seen a play like Fight Song, and I didn’t know what to expect but I’m blown away. It’s experimental in all the right ways while still delivering such a great story.
