What I liked
Everything. The writing that allows you to enjoy the complexity of the person in front of you, possibly despising her but almost certainly feeling for her (more and more as the show goes on). Hailey’s ability to make you “need” to hear what’s next. Rosie’s specific, beautiful, so so human approach to directing. Russell’s and Padra’s design that is simple enough to adhere to what Fringe demands but effective and supportive throughout. A perfect outfit crafted by Mallory that immediately gives the audience an impression of who this woman is. Ilana’s gorgeous and surprising violin playing. Skill, passion, and love felt from all.
What I didn't like
Throw some more money at this team because they will be creating your favorite theater in the coming years.
My overall impression
Hailey, Rosie, and the rest of the team are consistently unstoppable.
Knowing who created it, you walk in with high expectations only to have those expectations exceeded, leaving you thinking and talking about the play for weeks after.
Many one-person shows leave you feeling like there was an ensemble missing or that the performer was just talking at you without really taking you anywhere, but not when Hailey transforms in front of you. She has a way of taking seemingly unlikable characters and making you laugh, cry, and ultimately really care about this person all while commanding the stage and speaking from a position of authority.
Rosie is 100% my favorite director, always crafting beautiful and heartbreaking moments regardless of cast size, budget, or venue. The team of designers she brings together always seems to reflect the same passion and skill she has and works collaboratively to deliver shows that do exactly what theater should do: transport you somewhere and make you engage more deeply with the world around you.
The fact that Rosie & Hailey wrote this together is incredible but ultimately unsurprising, as the voice that comes through is one clearly based on both thorough research and extreme empathy.
