What I liked
The play is deeply personal in a way that keeps audiences connected to the character and subject matter. Ariella is an incredibly charismatic performer and her stories a beautifully crafted and emotionally powerful.
What I didn't like
There’s a lot going on in this play and I think future versions could benefit from some organization. Some stories could probably be streamlined and there’s work to be done in making all of the bits build off each other. Still, though, the strongest first iteration of a one-person show I’ve ever seen.
My overall impression
Ariella Salinas Fiore has accomplished a truly difficult task. She has taken the perspective of a vast, often-overlooked, marginalized community and (through a series of personal anecdotes, historical research, and philosophical insight) presented it to us in a passionate, funny, evocative, and deeply human way. And in under 60 minutes too!
The Fat Girl’s Guide to Life, Sex, and Everything In Between is the kind of play you see and wonder why it hasn’t been done before while being so grateful that it has finally appeared. My hope is that it will find a home in other performance spaces after Fringe. For those who missed it, keep a lookout! Viva la fat girls revolution!
