What I liked
I was OBSESSED with the Timmy intrusions and the silly spelling of Timmy’s interrupted moments. I successfully got a whole picture for who Timmy was throughout the show which is a feat for a character that isn’t present or heard. I really believed there was an unseen second character in the show! Timmy’s arc was a really successful b-plot to give us rest from learning hard lessons and to include an actual child in a show about children’s books.
The audience interaction with the red and green flags really worked to make the show feel like a conversation and I found myself making jokes with the flags with my friends in the audience as the show led us along this sassy journey.
What I didn't like
The pacing of the projected graphics with the stories could be tightened up and smoothed out a bit but that’s partially because I saw the preview showing and I know it will only get smoother the more time Phil has on stage with it! Also possibly more movement around the stage could be nice! I also kinda wanted even more raunchy stories. Phil really won me over with the poop story at the end and I found myself wanting some of that even more vulnerable and crass energy smattered more throughout.
My overall impression
I KNEW something strange was up with all those children’s books I read from childhood but I didn’t quite know how to explain it fully till Phil laid it out for me in this beautiful heartfelt ted-talk-gone-wrong. This show allowed and invited us to be angry at being led astray by the books we were told to trust as children. Phil’s personal stories throughout the show were really successful and engaging grounding moments, reminding me of the deeper truths and impact these stories have on us through the confusing and embarrassing process of growing up.
The first book I ever read when I was young was The Giving Tree and I definitely internalized its message of giving without expecting equality back and it was nice to feel validated by this show that that message sucks!
