What I liked
This show had me cracking up. Even though I’m not an actor, it was relatable as a fellow creative and just a human being. Sam’s portrayal of the intense desire to create despite overwhelming odds, ridiculous obstacles, and frequent rejection, was very honest even with things exaggerated for comedic effect. She did well interacting with her prerecorded material, including a podcast with some satirical acting advice and a multitude of casting directors from Sam’s auditions. I also appreciated how there were some lovely moments of genuine emotion but Sam could quickly lighten it up if she chose with a simple look or witty comment. Sam was so dedicated and passionate the entire show… I could feel every emotion just from her facial expressions. She had complete control over each moment and brought the audience along with her on her journey.
What I didn't like
Basically, I just wanted more. Occasionally there’d be some throwaway one-liners that I thought could be really interesting to explore further. For example, “Am I a Lesbian?” felt like it could be a whole song!
My overall impression
SAM is a hilarious one woman show that simultaneously celebrates and critiques the struggles of being a working actor. The eponymous Sam has a great voice, a powerful stage presence, and spot-on comedic timing.
