What I liked
Fun, charismatic actors and a well-paced script make this an enjoyable look into the lives of five relatable characters. (The way I’ve been…all of them at least once at various tables at various points in my life…) The show displays and accurately diagnoses the vitriol that’s all too common in political discussion today, even among those who likely agree on 99% of their issues. The unraveling of the party feels natural, and the set is perfect. A bit of the tension of a D&D game is replicated in the theater, and there is a good smattering of in-jokes for the dice-rolling, roleplaying crowd. The show addresses a lot of important questions that I imagine are relevant to many in the Fringe community, exploring hypocrisy, nuance (and its gradual loss), and the polarizing/isolating effect of modern political discussion. The “duel” between Will and Kyle over the inherent politics of art was a particular highlight for me!
The veracity of the D&D experience really resonated with me as both a player and a DM. From a Box of Doom to the presence of monster/spellbook cards to the axe from God of War to the hilarious sign on the wall, there are a lot of fun references that will tickle the gaming crowd. I think the show still would be accessible to those who don’t play as most of the dramatic action takes place away from the table.
What I didn't like
At times, the political dialogue bogs the show down a little. While I like the ending emotionally, narratively it felt like a deus ex machina. It has the potential to be a very powerful ending with a bit more setup/support from the rest of the script. I’d love to see what this looks like in a longer format to give more space to develop the characters beyond their political stances. The three characters who aren’t central to the political conflict don’t have a lot to do once the play gets going, which feels incongruous to the rest of their characterization.
My overall impression
The real world invades a beloved fantasy universe in one of the best depictions of a TRPG group I’ve seen put to stage!
