What I liked
James and Nicole’s insight into the deeper nuance of these characters is expert- both on the page and in their performances. The fact that these two have almost nothing in common but can find security in one another to vent to really speaks to their roles as the listener in their respective plays. Also, the great care the script takes to follow the arc of Hamlet and R&J with such nonchalance makes this story so much easier to absorb. It doesn’t demand an audience to study these plays beforehand, it gently guides them along with chill simplicity. Any Shakespeare fan can get the weighted joke behind “I saw a play today” and any layperson might be intrigued by the chaotic unraveling of these outside stories from the armchair perspectives of two victims of circumstance. Also, the lighting was… AWESOME! From the ‘fairy-lights’ slowly fading in and out to the text-buzzes. Chef’s kiss
What I didn't like
This is understandable with budget restrictions, but a little more set dressing would be cool. Just to give more options in the living room to play around with. At a certain point, the couch/coffee table felt like the only pieces of furniture in this affluent house. Maybe move the armchair more towards the center so the option for both to sit can also create some distance. So when they come together, they have to share the one couch.
My overall impression
A savvy portrayal of Shakespeare’s favorite sidekicks that’s as hilarious and tragic as the plays that inspired it— exploring themes of loyalty, honesty, and survivor-guilt through a human need to vent.
