What I liked
Dara Kosberg gives a beautiful performance in this touching true story about how she coped (and is still coping) with the loss of her mother at an early age. The show goes back and forth between poignant and funny often, but it never gets the feel of a roller-coaster because Dara is emotionally connected at all times. Whether she’s making you laugh or cry, being funny or feeling sad, mad or frustrated, she is always present. She gives a seamless, nuanced and natural performance that draws the audience in for a very engaging 50-minute theater experience.
The show is well directed by David Ford who utilizes the entire, mostly empty, black box stage to create pockets of light and dark that help move Dara’s performance along. There is also creative and touching use of what I’m assuming are actual recordings of Dara’s Grandmother to add to the backstory of Dara’s life as well as the humor and heartfelt emotion of the show. It’s a well-done and welcoming night of theater all around.
What I didn't like
I loved the show so no real criticism here. The only thing I would say, and this is really just about my way of experiencing a show, is maybe slow things down a little? When I’m watching an emotionally moving play, I like to savor the moments and sometimes the actors move onto a new section so quickly, I find myself trying to catch up with what just happened. However, to be fair to Dara and all other HFF performers, the Fringe format of “get in-do show-get out” sometimes makes this difficult. The time limitation for Fringe stages is daunting. I’ve mentioned this in previous reviews I’ve written in the ten+ years I’ve been coming to Fringe and there is probably nothing that can really be done to change this. It’s not a reflection on Dara’s performance or the direction, as the show was paced well considering the time limitation. It’s just a general observation.
My overall impression
A heartfelt, funny and poignant show about coping with the death of someone you love and finding a way to get through the grief and to rediscovering your own life beyond the loss.
