What I liked
I especially liked the dance in media montage with Kelly embodying her younger self watching and being inspired. Clearly. And with her back to us. Her delight and joy and infatuation with dance was evident and the editing of the video never let her fully get into any one, which just shows us how much dance there was to absorb in the 80’s. It was almost overwhelming. But even with her back to us, I could see her joyous smile watching it.
I also really loved the video integration of the umbrella and the light and the puppets.
And the pre show image and the surprising way the show starts.
I loved the use of the furniture to become whatever she required it to be. Especially hospital equipment.
There was so much fun and whimsy throughout that it was almost a clown show.
I love this show.
What I didn't like
It needed a much longer run.
As I write this, there is only one performance left and it’s this afternoon.
My overall impression
This is probably the best show I saw at Fringe (so far) this year.
Dance shows are always beautiful. Dancers are extraordinary. And no exception here. But most dance shows have nothing to say, or the message is so obtuse in the movement that all meaning is obscured by the dance itself.
That is not the case here. Here the dance is driven by and supports a very strong narrative.
From beginning to end the whole show is about what it is to be a woman who has the audacity to get older. The indignities aren’t spoken about, but they’re evident. Every scene hurls more and more at her. And she never complains, she just packs it away, carries it or cleans it up. She never gets mad about it, she never loses her cool, she takes every insult and hardship in stride and just carries on. It was so delightful.
