What I liked
I appreciated the cute pre-boarding instructions from the show, which added a delightful touch of immersion for the audience. This sense of immersion continued as we were greeted by the conductor, Zander Raphael, whose enthusiasm brought a lot of excitement to the performance. It was a fun way to start a show that tackles many difficult subjects while effectively engaging the audience from the outset.
What I didn't like
While Leia Vogelle’s writing shines in certain moments, there are instances where the performances felt less convincing. The burden of explaining trans identity and justifying one’s existence can be exhausting, and I found myself wishing for more raw emotion and rage from Marlene during those pivotal moments.
Unfortunately, the writing for Barbara tends to veer into caricature. She embodies the archetype of a white woman who fails to recognize her privilege, which leaves her character feeling somewhat one-dimensional. Although the actress delivers a commendable performance, the material does not fully explore Barbera’s motivations. The narrative lacks depth in understanding why she clings to her beliefs and what ultimately challenges her perspective.
My overall impression
The merging of past and present, as the two women find themselves in strikingly similar situations while riding on a train in Berlin, was particularly intriguing. It prompts reflection on the parallels between 1930s Nazi Germany and contemporary American politics.
