What I liked
The heart of the play is Rebecca, played with emotional intensity and conviction by Jill Holden. Like many liberal progressives, Rebecca is struggling to come to terms with the shock, fear, and sense of helplessness brought on by Trump’s second term in office. She is searching for some understanding of what is happening in the country, and her journey gives the play much of its emotional power.
Steve Hofvendahl provides an effective counterbalance to Holden’s high-energy performance, bringing a calm, grounded presence that keeps Rebecca from going over the emotional edge. The contrast between the two performances works well and creates a compelling dynamic. I also appreciated the play’s focus on empathy—or the apparent lack of it in our current political climate—which gave the story both relevance and depth.
What I didn't like
If I had one suggestion, it would be that the play might benefit from a more pronounced shift at the moment when the couple realizes that what once seemed like a distant problem—something happening to other people in far-off places—may now be arriving quite literally at their own doorstep.
My overall impression
I found the play both entertaining and thought-provoking, with strong performances and assured direction. It tackles timely political and social issues without offering easy answers, raising a number of intriguing questions about empathy, division, and how people make sense of a rapidly changing world. It is the kind of play that is likely to spark thoughtful conversations long after the final curtain.
