What I liked
I was rather in awe with the ENERGY that filled the room when this performer took the stage! I loved the audience interaction and direct breaking of the fourth wall to really involve us in this quirky, lovable, complex character! The use of multi-media was certainly a unique addition with voiceovers, videos and years to accentuate the story. Use of a simple white sheet to symbolize a tent and room partition as well as tiny handheld props were great! I must also APPLAUD the character work done here – I am just so incredibly impressed by this actress!!
What I didn't like
A few of the transitions were a bit lumpy (in my humble opinion). Without the use of the years being projected, I think certain details might have gotten lost in translation. While I adore the fact that this was non-linear storytelling, I wonder if a separate director might benefit future shows just to help bounce ideas off of and smooth a few things over.
And while this will be the most nit-picky of comments received, the eggs were more than I could handle… I had to turn away.
My overall impression
Sometimes, a show just HAS ME! I came into The Iditarod not knowing the performer or her previous work, but I left an ENORMOUS FAN! The facts don’t lie – sometimes, a performer is just so AHHHMAZING, her energy so INFECTIOUS, her storytelling so REVELATORY, and her way to interact with the audience so BRILLIANT, you can’t help but fall under her spell!! And I was completely under Teresa Tottle’s (portrayed by actress/writer Maria Gnoza) spell as she held a little party, had deep conversations with her Mother and teacher, journeyed to Alaska to race in the Iditarod, and felt all the feels about her twin sister. This is just an exceptional SOLO SHOW!!!
