What I liked
I was immediately impressed by the production value. From the costumes, to the ensemble to the band, this show was polished and fully realized, which is not what I expect from Fringe.
I liked the historical grounding, especially the part about the spanish american war and yellow journalism. Specific details like that made it feel grounded, authentic and like it had something to say.
The actor playing Lisa was phenomenal. She had an amy adams sweetness and warmth that stood out and infused all her scenes with humanness and sincerity. I also really enjoyed the actor playing the cafe owner. He seemed to be having a lot of fun, and making the most of his moments.
The two standout songs (to me) were the reporters regret song (I think it was called a shot of absolution) and the floozy’s seduction song where she throws herself at the reporter. Both were soulful and human, in different ways, that made them stand out.
Also in general, the cast was great. Beautiful, well trained voices who clearly had fun performing the power ballads with their whole hearts.
What I didn't like
The two strongest character songs were in the middle of the show, which felt odd to me. In general I think I enjoyed the last 2 thirds more than the first. During the first third, a lot of energy was spent establishing the world rather than establishing the characters. In particular, the main character felt flat and uninteresting to me before his big song of regret (which he sung beatifully)
Early in the script we’re told that he has abnormally sad eyes, but nothing in the direction or his portrayal showed this before his soul baring song. I think I would have been more invested from the get go if I’d seem him feeling tortured sooner.
also, the floozy character (sorry, I cant remember her name) is so fun! But I wanted her to have more fun with her suggestive lyrics and lines. I feel like that part could be cast as older and with more of a character actress. The lovely actress playing her was charming, but more of an ingenue.
And to that end, I felt like the cast needed more women. The breakdown was I think 4 women and 7 men. I think it would have benefited from an older female voice with more gravitas somewhere in the mix.
My overall impression
A polished, well executed musical with some lovely music and voices
