What I liked
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Veronica Rosas is a powerhouse performer! She is incredibly fearless in this show and is not shy to dive in the deep end of mental uncertainty.
Director Ashley Karp has Rosas moving all over the space and that only adds to the excitement of will she/won’t she confront serial killer, Dan. Whether the audience is watching Victoria on the phone, applying makeup, changing clothes or making cookies, the action is intense and mostly at a 10 the entire time.
What I didn't like
I offer the following as the show continues to develop and grow:
1) There is so much exposition that I honestly think it’s too much. I would have relished less talking, more “doing” as this character goes off the deep end.
2) As much as I relish high stakes and a frenzied character exploration, utilizing additional pauses and silences will only help enhance the drama.
3) For whatever this is worth, I think it takes too long to bring up the fact that the character isn’t wanted by the killer to murder. Introducing that sooner and her child’s appearance will make a more powerful ending.
My two cents…
My overall impression
Writer/Performer Veronica Rosas has created a textbook solo show that meets the true definition of dark humor. If a person thinks about having a serial killer for a neighbor, I doubt most will ponder the “why” of why they have not been killed. However, that is exactly what Rosas’ character, Victoria does in this feverish exploration of loneliness and self-worth.
Make no mistake, this show is not going to be the easiest for some people. To poke fun at murder and suicide in this particular way might cause discomfort. For me, however, Slay Me goes against acceptable societal norms and that is the very reason why it is interesting theatre.
