What I liked
Favorite songs included: a striking solo about the pressures of being a parent to a sibling and the cleverly crafted group numbers whose lyrics hypnotically overlap.
The chorus was an absolute joy, bringing boundless energy at all times, even set changes!
What I didn't like
Some of the dialog could have benefited from better enunciation, but clarity can be difficult in a venue without mics.
My overall impression
Where Within is a piece about being lost, whether physically, spiritually or emotionally, yet never once loses its audience. The music is poignant and will strike a chord inside anyone who has ever struggled with the prospect of change (on other words, all of us). The chorus is a colorful group of extremely passionate young performers who tirelessly fill every inch of this intimate venue with their love for storytelling. Every lead has a clear and profound connection to their character that informs their life onstage. They deliver dialog that is refreshingly raw but still extraordinarily poetic and even leaves room for levity! Strong directorial, scenic, and design choices were made to effectively bring such an immersive piece into its transitory performance space. Each artist who was helped bring Where Within to Hollywood Fringe should be exceptionally proud of themselves. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.
