What I liked
Theater has challenges with the competition from more and more other entertainment options, a financial model that’s difficult to sustain, and some very real equity and justice issues with the way crew are treated. These philosopher-carpenters walk through all of it in a way that is very easy to track and relate to, even for those who have never been theater workers. Adam Foster Ballard stood out as the friend I’d most turn to for advice. This is more than a theater rant, as time at the North Pole and the life of the infamous Gregor MacGregor emerge as dialogue points, and it adds to the believability of the characters as under-employed artists with a depth of knowledge unfairly suppressed by jobs that fail to tap their creative potential. Aaron Lyons has produced a script with some engaging dialogue, some jokes that landed well, and some issues for us all to think about.
What I didn't like
The challenge of taking on a depressing social/economic trend is leaving a message of hope that’s stronger than the problem you have set up. Sentimentality in the resolution is entirely appropriate, but if there was a point to develop in greater depth it’s what the redemptive power of theater is, and why it’s worth coming back to. The point is made, but felt less powerful than the real pain and frustration the characters expressed at the start. Simply more development and more time devoted to the resolution would give it more emotional punch. It may be worth considering some plot action that moves beyond the philosophical discussions. I want to know how Adam’s callback went…
My overall impression
A thoughtful and thought-provoking conversation between 4 characters you felt were your friends by the end of the show. It was like walking into Cheers as a backstage shop with a group of people you just wanted to hang out with more.
