What I liked
Wow, Kathleen was magnetic. What a wonderful character she’s created in Dr. Adelaide Graves. She manages to stay charming and funny while she shamelessly pushes her line of products. The inclusion of her multiple books, candles, and other add-ons was a nice touch. Everything rounded out her world and made it feel more real. Even as guests entered the venue, we were treated to a small sample from the Grief Box workbook (the fun part).
I thought it was smart to have some seats along the sides of the stage, since that gave the space a sales seminar feel. It made it easy for Dr. Adelaide to play to the whole room and she had some great bits of audience interaction, pointing out specific people or getting the group to do a call and response with her.
But funnily enough, the best part was watching the slow unraveling of her psyche throughout the sales pitch. There were hints of her “fully healed” facade breaking down throughout the show, often immediately followed by a return to form with a fun gag / product demonstration. When she truly digs into her grief over her grandmother’s death, it finally escalates into a jaw-dropping display of anger and eventually guilt. As Dr. Adelaide states in the beginning, we will all have to grieve at some point. This show, watching the performer go through her own grief and pain onstage, was immensely relatable and such a poignant gift.
What I didn't like
All I can say is I would love to be able to purchase an actual Grief Box! Healthy? Debatable. But amazing? Yes. Maybe not the easiest merch item, but you’ve got a buyer ready! (Living for those candles too.)
As for the performance itself, I thought it was very well done. I’m not sure how Dr. Adelaide would be able to eventually sell the new idea she settled on at the end (the larger version of Grief Box), but that’s what the marketing brainstorming is for! A great show all around.
My overall impression
Grief Box is a total must-see, with a balance of humor and catharsis that was stunning to watch. Kathleen has done an incredible job of exploring grief through the lens of comedy without shying away from the very real darkness that can hide behind a happy face.
