What I liked
The fearless, raw honesty combined beautifully with the bubbly humor. You’d think that combo wouldn’t work, but in the hands of a mighty performer, it absolutely slays.
The online audience was even bigger than the in-person audience at the show I attended, and they appeared to be from all over the place. Which brings me back to my rant that it is an ABSOLUTE SHAME that streaming live theater seemed to be tossed away after the Pandemic. It can still be done! It SHOULD be done! Diaz did it!
I also liked the set, the flip board, and the shout-out to one of my all time favorite Christmas movies!!! (NOTE: This show is not a Christmas show…just in case you’re one of those people who – for reasons you need to go to therapy for – you don’t like Christmas or Christmas movies.)
What I didn't like
MORE. AND MORE. AND ONCE AGAIN MORE.
I really hope this is just a starting point/template. It can be longer.
What I personally would like to see if it’s expanded (No Spoilers):
+ The family fallout, particularly Mom, which is implied to be a complicated relationship.
+ A touch more of heritage, it’s overall meaning in their life, and how it played into their big-picture journey. (This relates to the Mom/family thought above.)
There were signs of it on the set, but only touched upon a bit in the overall show. I think digging a bit more into this is very important if for no other reason than Younglings struggling under the burden of cultural expectations can watch, be Seen, and realize they’re not alone. (This relates to my assumptions about the demographic of their online audience, which I saw rolling in.) The issue they are tackling in their show is a Whole Thing in general, but for non-pale cultures (like mine) It Is An Even More Whole Ass Thing that is ridiculous to deal with/navigate. I’m guessing similar in Diaz’ culture.
Also I thought there would be more “steps”. It looked like that flip board had more pages. If expanded they can reveal those mysteries!
My overall impression
This is a delightful and honest exploration of a person bravely claiming the Being they are despite the expectations of the Being they “should” be. Diaz rides that roller coaster of emotions with confidence and command of presence. So much packed into 1/2-hour! “This one goes to 11.”
