What I liked
It is always pleasant to see a performer genuinely having the time of their life on stage, and that is no exception with Kimberly Prentice. Her performance is simply joyful.
What I didn't like
Dramatically the biggest problem is the story; the stakes are never high enough for me to be fully invested.
Kimberly shares Pam’s story, which is inherently problematic because this production reads as autobiographical, and if it’s not, why couldn’t it be more interesting? The worst thing that happened to the character was getting fired from a job that was holding her back, and twisting her knee and ending her dance career before it took off? What kind of a privileged life has this individual led?
From the text, “Pam” tells us that she once had a dance instructor who told her that her choreography didn’t say anything, and unfortunately that’s how I feel about this show.
On a technical level, pantomime skills need work. I want to vicariously feel the weight of the fabric of the different garments, the texture of sequins and velvets, the crinkle of crinoline. And matching blacks, please.
My overall impression
A gentle piece with very little risk that pleased the mostly elderly audience around me. Perfect show to take your tightly wound mother-in-law to see.
