What I liked
Matt’s writing is sharp and natural – best of all it doesn’t feel forced. Katie’s direction is refreshingly simple and uncluttered, making smart use of the small space and allowing the actors’ natural delivery to take center stage.
What I didn't like
If there’s one area for potential growth, it might be in the ending… while it has all the feels and was emotionally satisfying, it felt slightly abrupt. Maybe a beat or two more could give the final moment room to fully land.
My overall impression
Sweet Air is a beautifully understated, hour-long gem about a platonic meet-cute between two strangers on a New York subway. Thoughtfully written and perfectly paced, it captures the quiet intensity of human connection in the most unexpected places. Katie Oliver’s direction makes masterful use of the bare-bones black box setting, allowing her actors to shine without distraction. This show is Intimate, grounded, and quietly moving… a definite standout at this year’s Hollywood Fringe.
