Review by anonymous
June 16, 2025 certified reviewerWhat I liked
As stated prior, the cast was very talented – excellent casting all the way around. A very solid ensemble who could sing their butts off and act quite well. A special shout out to Will Riddle in his performance of Malcolm. Just wow.
The direction was spot on – a journey from joy and laughter to gut punches that left the audience in tears at times. Smart, smart staging that utilized the space extremely well. And incredible choices to expand the depth of this show. Bravo!
The writing was very sophisticated – a story about teen suicide that has a subtext of finding one’s voice to stand up against authoritarianism… very relevant to the climate we all find ourselves in at the moment.
What I didn't like
To be honest, the only crit I have for the show is the Title number of “Pump Up The Volume” that comes as the first Act Closer. While I realize the play takes place in the 90’s, this is the only number that did not seem updated or comparable with the rest of the score. It felt dated in a way that made it stand out from the rest in not a good way. It was also jarring at the start following the moments before and truly the only time in the show that disconnected me. To the creative team, please take it in one ear and out the other, but this is the only song I would look to rework as it is the title song of the show.
My overall impression
It was honestly one of the best productions I have seen in a long time, even being a staged reading. The cast was very talented – excellent casting all the way around. The direction was spot on – a journey from joy and laughter to gut punches that left the audience in tears at times. The writing was very sophisticated – a story about teen suicide that has a subtext of finding one’s voice to stand up against authoritarianism… very relevant to the climate we all find ourselves in at the moment. All surrounded with great music.
I was not expecting this in the least and am now a very big fan of the show.
