What I liked
“Confessions” has been in performance for seven or so years and continues to evolve as Bellina hones the script and performance so that both the intimacy and the social bite are stronger. The humor draws us in and eliminates any possibility of judgmental morality in the performance and even in the audience experience. All the characters Bellina brings to life are revealed as flawed and lovable people, no matter how much we may laugh at them. This is live theater at its best.
What I didn't like
I hope that Bellina continues to work on highlighting the larger issues of race in America. They appear often, of course, but more as asides than explorations. Naturally, the entire show is an exploration of race and racism. I think letting the latter appear a little more would increase the show’s power. Just a little more, though; the family experience is the rightful center.
My overall impression
An loving (and constantly funny) memoir that opens out onto larger social issues, brilliantly performed.
