What I liked
Larry’s noir-tinged delivery was compelling and focused. He projected an easy confidence that was impressive given the walls of text he delivered, especially the the more introspective, vulnerable sections.
While appropriately minimalist in the tech department overall, the sound, lighting, and projections were appropriately evocative and well coordinated. I personally feel the microphone added something, it certainly didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the piece.
What I didn't like
I think the projections really worked, and it would have been nice to have more of them. I imagine it will really help audience members unaware of the events/locations discussed better visualize what’s happening in the story, as most will be coming in with no frame of reference.
My overall impression
While I’m especially primed to have enjoyed this as another devotee of this particular cult, I feel that this impassioned recounting of one man’s experience has a touching universality to it that presents just the right message for Fringe. Something profound can occur when the right piece of art reaches the right audience at the right time. Whether it’s a big budget film reaching millions or a live actor in a room connecting directly with an audience of one, the transformative power of a story well told can save a life and set it on a completely different path. One towards inspiration, self-understanding, and maybe even a community of like-minded seekers who were looking for the exact same thing. If a piece of art has ever done that for you, you’ll recognize something of yourself in Larry’s show. And if none ever has, who knows? Maybe this will be the one.
