What I liked
The pre-show world building was a delight and isn’t something I’ve seen any other show at Fringe do. Zander Raphael added much needed levity while still matching the other-worldly vibe of the rest of the show. The transition from pre-show into the show’s launch was so seamless that it caught me off guard in the best possible way.
What I didn't like
It’s not a problem, but worth mentioning that I think the twist became clear relatively quickly. I could imagine future drafts that lean into the audience knowing everything up front or drafts that lean into keeping the twists and turns a secret. Either could be equally valid ways to hit home the points the play is making.
My overall impression
Ghost Train is a haunting cautionary tale about the state of the world. The themes discussed grow more timely by the day, and the script unpacks the issues in a really genuine way. I was particularly moved by Laura Baggett and the way her character choices both humanize and critique a woman with a conservative mindset. This is the type of story that sticks with you and leaves you introspective about what you can do to change the course of history.
