What I liked
The beginning was so realistic that, at the first couple minutes, I almost wasn’t sure if the production had started or not. Then I heard them doing the typical production safety call, and I immediately got flashbacks to being on set! The OS voice announcing the incredibly corny titles of each vertical was so funny, yet its not even an exaggeration. I really liked how the message of this play calls out the disappointing and oppressed reality of vertical productions, the treatment of actors, and their rigged casting system. As an Asian-American myself, I feel the frustration of not being the first choice for a lead in these – despite getting to be a lead in other types of film. I have always felt the irony of a mostly-Asian production team, but the cast consisting of white lead actors and people of color being limited to supporting or background. Each soapbox speech was compelling and I saw that the actors seemed to believe what they were saying. I’d like to shoutout my good friend Lonnie Sugarman for being an excellent King Tony and standing up for himself and his fellow actor!
What I didn't like
I understand that the stage is relatively large, but I felt there was an unnecessary amount of actors who were not involved in a particular scene standing around for minutes on end. I don’t know if that was intentional as I know there are long grueling hours of actors being on set waiting for cues. That’s all.
My overall impression
Well done to everyone in this talented group! Thank you for making me cringe and die of laughter from the sheer accuracy of the vertical film world, I was truly transported onto set.
