IMPORTANT NOTE: We cannot certify this reviewer attended a performances of this show because no ticket was purchased through this website or the producer has not verified they attended.
What I liked
Interestingly, this theme of using virtual experiences for comfort mirrors simple interactive distractions like Plinko game online. In this casual online game, a ball drops through a maze of pegs, bouncing unpredictably until it lands in a random slot. While it’s based on chance, watching the ball’s path offers a calming, almost hypnotic sense of escape — much like Jess finds in her VR therapy.
For Jess, virtual spaces become a controlled environment, much like Plinko game online, where outcomes are out of her hands but offer a safe, soothing alternative to reality. Both experiences highlight the importance of finding personal ways to manage overwhelming stress and pain.
What I didn't like
Ugly Lies the Bone is not only a story of physical recovery but also a study of how people create coping mechanisms in difficult times — whether through therapy, games, or digital worlds. It’s a moving and meaningful performance for anyone interested in resilience and the power of small, simple comforts.
My overall impression
Ugly Lies the Bone, written by Lindsey Ferrentino, is a raw and emotionally charged play that dives deep into trauma, resilience, and the human need for escape. The story follows Jess, a soldier returning home from Afghanistan, carrying both visible scars and internal wounds. As she struggles to reconnect with her old life, Jess participates in virtual reality therapy to ease her chronic pain and regain emotional control.
The stage production masterfully contrasts harsh reality with immersive virtual worlds. Through clever use of projections, lighting, and sound, the audience experiences Jess’s shifting state of mind — from painful awareness to moments of digital serenity.