The Sphere of Fixed Stars in the Heavens by J. Holtham

What I liked

The actors were warm, vulnerable and charming. The simplistic set worked well with the story and the props – the lighting choices and the music cues – so technically / artistically the experience / the ride I hope for in a black box theatre. Simple, effective, and letting the actors/story and emotional journey thrive.

What I didn't like

I would have liked a little more in the costume department, not because it was necessary for the flow of the show, but because costumes can help illustrate the passage of time, and while I understand a reason to be minimal in this environment and could appreciate a commentary on reappearing in the same outfits throughout – small addendums would have been nice – especially in the later decades with all the MANY changes and generations that transpire – I was overjoyed with the singular CULT adjustment and craved just a little more (says the former Costumer)

My overall impression

Sphere of Fixed Stars in the Heaves was beautiful. it was a wonderful lifelong journey in the pursuit and avoidance of love and connection.
It was funny, and sharp and moving and pure and complicated. Vexing, occasionally romantic and a pure expression of connection and hope.

I loved this show.
I laughed. I cried (a lot). I was fully charmed by the performances and moved by the story of hope, connection, feelings of freedom, and being untethered yet, still, through it all, seeing connection.

And who doesn’t love opening with Repliant jokes that land a SOLID emotional callback? High-fives to all the nerds and tech/performances to provide such an impactful moment.