What I liked
Everything. But I’m specifically going to take some time to praise how vulnerable this performance is. It demands a lot of the performer – not only in the content and action of performing, but in inviting in audience participation in the way this show does. And so it also invites a vulnerability from its audience – which is uncomfortable at times, but is all the more praiseworthy that Rachel is able to safely handle all of that and take care of her audience. Her love of other people is so apparent. I honestly need it to be filmed for HBO or Netflix to release as a special.
What I didn't like
I wish she was my therapist.
My overall impression
This is easily in contention for the best Fringe show this year. It was magical. I am so impressed by Rachel’s improv skills, and the air-tight frame she put around those moments of clowning. It was an uncomfortable, joyous, thought-provoking, emotional ride through how we relate to other people. The show is enhanced by Rachel having the insight of being a therapist, but then also further complicated by Rachel being a person having to relate to other people AS a therapist. The mix of simplicity and complexity in the show is remarkable and I’ve never seen anything like it and I’ve never seen an audience so WITH a show. I want it to have a long future life. Rarely is it actually true that I think a play will have a profound effect on people, but this is one of those rare shows.
