What I liked
The characters developed by Pam and Dan, brought to life by this talented cast, are layered and clear. The conflict created for Hannah is felt by the audience, in some uncomfortable but very affective exchanges. It earns its content warning, as it may definitely be a challenge for folks to take in some of the calls you hear on the line (and one particular moment on stage which I won’t spoil). Like any good thriller, there are moments you can cut the tension with a knife.
I can’t say enough about the performances. Emily Clark works with such precision and stability, while also holding a tremendous amount of vulnerability at bay. Lucas Alifano bursts into the scene and brings so much energy and levity in moments, and will make you cringe in the next (in the way his character is intended to). And Jeff Scot Carey is perfect as the trustworthy known entity in this play that mostly focuses on the relationship between two strangers as Hannah begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together from the calls that evening.
The tech elements and set beautifully create the reality of the piece. The direction is intentional, detailed, and the play hums along at a pace that keeps you guessing.
What I didn't like
I wish it was longer? It ends abruptly, but I suppose like many of the most dangerous situations this play deals with, that’s exactly how they end. Still a bit shook, honestly. But I think that’s the point, so not something I didn’t like. It’s exactly probably the sense of unease I’m meant to feel after leaving this show.
My overall impression
The story, the performances, and the direction are all fantastic! It does an amazing job of balancing humor, tragic truths about the world we live in, and suspense. It really begins to mind fuck the audience just as much as it does Hannah (played by Emily Clark). Lucas Alifano (playing Nick) is pitch perfect, and though Jeff Scot Carey (as Randall) may not be on stage for nearly as long, his presence is felt by the end. The theme of women learning to trust their instincts in a world that insists the danger is under control is an apt description, as stated on the show page. And the characters within the piece reveal just how they each embody every element within that theme.
