Family Fries

What I liked

The brother “Nick/George” was very strong, even if only on stage for a bit. His connection with Jake at the end richened his character and purpose tremendously. IN addition, Fries was lucky to have the woman playing his drugged up girlfriend even though SHE only had a small amount of dialogue. They both nailed it. The “Unsung heroes” of family fries.

It feels like the roles for Mike, Diane and Jake were written for these actors. (Realizing later that Jake is also the author of the play – so that tracks.) I’ve seen Lucas in other things before and this was definitely a departure from the norm. His chemistry with Eberhardt was extremely evident. His hug with Diane broke my heart.

Then you’ve got the dad who is such an important addition to this wild ride. A very well-rounded character played by a gifted performer who could have easily phoned it in and not recognized the impact he has on this story.

Bringing it all together was the Captain of the ship, Will Thomas McFadden who should never stop directing. He did for the audience what we Fringe-goers are always begging for. He put together an incredible cast and show that made us all relieved 5 minutes in when we realized how freaking good this is gonna be. Then he never stopped reminding us until the very end.

What I didn't like

The music was sometimes too loud and the cast was attempting to talk over it. It was hard to understand what the depressed brother was saying sometimes, because of his emotional deliveries. But the emotional deliveries made me emotional so I’m torn. Some of the blocking seemed confusing to the actors like they didn’t expect certain people to be in certain places at certain times. And I questioned why they’d have staged it that way. But again, maybe that’s part of the intended chaos.

My overall impression

I came as a plus one with someone who was a friend of a cast member – but I didn’t really know anyone in the show. I’d seen a couple of them perform before so when I recognized them I got even more excited. Pam herself being one of them. Lucas being another. Amazing script, amazing, cast, amazing direction. Literally… WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?!