What I liked
Jay’s use of the audience was fantastic. He made everyone feel included and turned the performance into a shared experience rather than a simple monologue. I loved how he blended humor with sincerity, allowing us to laugh one moment and reflect the next. The props and personal memorabilia added another layer of authenticity and made the storytelling feel even more tangible. The free prizes for audience members were such a fun and unexpected touch, and the post-show Q&A made the experience feel even more personal and interactive. Most of all, I appreciated how honest and vulnerable he was. Thank you, Jay, for sharing your story with such openness, warmth, and heart.
What I didn't like
My only critique is that I wanted more. The show was so engaging and enjoyable that it seemed to fly by.
My overall impression
Only Child Syndrome is a raw, heartfelt, and deeply authentic one-person show that transforms personal memories into a warm, hilarious, and moving theatrical experience. Jay Whitmore is a natural storyteller, effortlessly drawing the audience into his world through humor, vulnerability, and genuine connection. The personal details, from family photos and chess trophies to stories about his self-proclaimed “arch nemesis” made the evening feel intimate and uniquely his own. What stayed with me most was the show’s reminder that being an only child can be both a gift and a blessing; while Jay may have grown up without siblings, his story beautifully reveals the community, friendships, and chosen family that surrounded him.
