What I liked
VfTR features a charming and hilarious cast supported by a strong, keen script from Drew Petriello. Thomas Hollow does brilliant work navigating the shiny veneer and rotting underbelly of a politician while making Tom Ryan a likable (dare I say lovable?) figure despite his ambitions. Tom Ryan is privileged and pampered, so takes a skilled combo of work from actor, writer, and director to deliver the complex character that carries the three acts of the show. Other standouts for me were Clarissa Sie’s Cassie Hayes, the emotional heart of the show (until she’s not) and whatever the hell is going on with Reid Emmons as Senator Lionel Humphreys.
Everyone’s talking about it, but that first act twist was brilliant. I’m amazed I somehow wasn’t spoiled for it and don’t intend to ruin that for anyone else. I also really liked where the third act took these characters. I feel like everyone had a believable pivot or stayed on the track they chose for themselves, and I liked the ways that changed over the course of the final scene.
What I didn't like
I think the reality of the Act One twist can be mined even deeper, particularly for (even more!) comedic beats. The core structure, basic themes, and detailed characterization are there, but some fine-tuning could make this piece really sing! I know it’s supposedly the last time Tom Ryan will be on the ballot, but I’ll still show up to campaign if he runs again!
My overall impression
West Wing wit and hometown heart collide for an intelligent look into what we’re willing to lose in order to win…
