What I liked
I absolutely loved the messaging in this show! When it comes to debunking racial and physical stereotypes, Diana is on-point, honest, and entertaining. poised, funny, and approachable.
One of my favorite takeaways came as Diana portrayed her Mother, Rosita. Feeling helpless and depressed, her Mother told her to “go out and live your life or stay home and disappear.” That is one smart Mama!
Of course, the execution of this show would not be what it is without Maggie Whittum’s gifted direction. Using a flight attendant’s words to punctuate transitions to different moments/locations is a stroke of brilliance! Also, the pacing of the show is smooth and seamless.
What I didn't like
This is purely nitpicking, but I am wondering what would happen if projections with photographs would enhance the show? Perhaps sharing photos of Kansas, Colombia, and family might make for an added visual bonus to an already meaningful show. Food for thought.
My overall impression
Ladies and Gentlemen, if you’ll kindly take your seats, Diana Romero has landed at the Hollywood Fringe Festival! Not only is her solo show, Me, Myself and Other a whirlwind of self-discovery, emotion, and travel, but it’s also a raw and vulnerable look at what it means to be “othered” in society.
Diana’s journey is colorful and truly one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s growing up to hippy parents, (who also happen to be atheists) in Kansas, returning to Colombia to attend a French private school, or moving to back to Kansas and then Washington State and living on the grounds of a mental institution, this 50-minute show is full of surprises. And nothing is more shocking than her diagnosis with MS.
Armed with her wheelchair, Romero, a microphone, and minimal set design, Diana mixes humor and drama in sharing her experiences. And just like any flight, sometimes, oxygen masks fall and there is unexpected turbulence. Make no mistake though, this show is a hit!
