What I liked
The show keeps you on the edge of your seat for the full hour. The writing is spectacular, kind of a cross between who’s afraid of Virginia Wolf and The Goat by Albee. Full of subtext and danger and cutting witticisms. I’m absolutely gonna steal some of these lines: “A Love cancer, like my wife.” I’ve been a fan of Michael’s writing for years and this is a dangerously provocative addition to his impressive library of work. Well done.
And with great writing, you need good unique performers that can really make it shine. That understand pacing, strategic mine placing, and have a gift for language. And all four of these performers, have it. Each one understood the assignment. Schoen’s anxiety and helplessness was difficult to watch (in the best way). Leigh’s drive to control the situation and maybe even best the odds was absolutely tense and heartbreaking. Rebecca brought a guttural fire and sense of diabolical whimsy that ignited each new “gasp” moment. And Richardson was honestly terrifying, he brought a fully grounded and unwavering sociopathy out to play and did not hold back. Bravo to the exceptional cast.
The other thing I wanna highlight is the staging. Wow did this play move. It’s tough to stage a play that takes place in a living room or a dining room but the staging was fast, unpredictable, surprising and most importantly showed us, the audience, the shifts in status as they continued to evolve. Very thoughtful and brave direction. Really well done.
What I didn't like
More sex scenes. (Jkjk there was plenty)
My overall impression
Wowza Michael Shaw Fischer does it again. With bombastic and fully embodied performances, sexual chemistry up the wazoo, and some diabolical twists and turns this show is not to be missed
