What I liked
Eli Barraza has written a touching, nuanced script that digs into the thorns and complications of the ways friendship necessarily changes as people grow together and apart through various stages of life. Barraza is one of those golden sci-fi/fantasy genre writers who is extremely knowledgeable about many niche topics, yet always manages to write extremely grounded and relatable work. Has she thought through all the ins and outs of ghost logic and willing to play with that? Of course she has. Is this show actually about the pain of when friends grow apart and the joy of when they grow back together? Of course she has. Has Barraza used the common mythology of ghost stories as a tool to help us examine a modern/universal phenomenon about belonging? You know where this is going.
Lex Agolsove is phenomenal (pun so intended and I’m not even sorry) as the ghost. It takes a really incredible performer to be so mischievous and at times kind of rude and still make us love the character. Even when her character is pushing boundaries and making bad choices, we’re still rooting for her because Agolsove imbues so much personality, warmth, and lovability into the character.
I just want to give José Donado a gigantic hug the whole entire time. He navigates extremely complex emotions with a subtle deftness. He has so much respect for the character and the work, reaching a direct line to your heartstrings. Even when what he’s saying or deciding breaks your heart, you understand where he’s coming from. Even when he’s angry, you feel safe.
The two together are nothing short of magical. Celia Mandela Rivera has drawn top-level performances out of top-level performers like a magician synthesizing all the elements of the world to create a major impact. The pacing, timing, and staging are all absolutely marvelous, and Rivera’s work shines in the silences, the cracks, and the threads woven into this play’s most powerful moments.
The hug at the end of this play is the Best Hug in Theater and I’m tearing up just thinking about it.
What I didn't like
Apparently the night I was there a moment was skipped? Oh, no…I guess they have to have an encore performance…I guess I have to attend…oh no…
My overall impression
An unflinching and beautiful exploration of grief, time, friendship, and loss.
