Calvillo’s performance was excellent and made me connect with her character instantly. The overall theme of finding your happiness through the songs and musings was well done and relatable. They matched well with the tone of the play and the arc of the story. I also really enjoyed the costumes and set decoration. It utilized the space well and immersed me in the world.
What I didn't like
The only thing I can think of is I felt it was a bit short though that makes sense with the scheduling at the Fringe. I would have liked to see the story expanded on with more dialogue in between the songs.
My overall impression
Fairytales is a wonderful show with a delicate balance of whimsy and beautiful melancholy. What makes the show work so well is how earnest and heartfelt it feels. Angelique Calvillo elegantly embodies the spirit of a wayward soul looking back on her life’s perceived missteps and finding a path forward. Many of us feel a sense of hopelessness in our 30s that our career and life goals have not panned out exactly how we hoped. What makes this show resonate so well is how it captures those universal anxieties while showcasing the joys in what we have achieved rather than fixating on what we haven’t done. Calvillo’s songs are a fantastic way to vocalize these fears and jubilations.