What I liked
I admired the way play’s two acts complemented and played off each other. I confess I was a little disoriented at first because the dramatic situations within each act initially felt disconnected, and there was a significant time jump between the acts. But now I wish I had been a little more patient and leaned into the play more; Danny is a master of subtle exposition, giving the audience just enough information to follow the characters and keep the story moving. In combination, both acts work together beautifully to make a cohesive and satisfying whole. The direction and performances were stellar and all the themes rang true. I enjoyed the balance of humor and heartache in the play, and the love that infused it. I’m being a little broad and vague here because I want to avoid spoilers!
What I didn't like
Everything I love about intimate theatre shines brightly in this play and production. If I’d been asked what could be improved on the night I saw the play, I probably would have said something about wanting more details about Danny and his family’s back story in Act I; but on reflection, this feels near-sighted. While the exposition is lean, I see this now as a strength of the play and the economy of its storytelling. Patience will reward you here! The show really is a breathtaking accomplishment.
My overall impression
Unplugged Electric Guitar is a poignant drama filled with heart and humor, wonderfully nuanced in both its storytelling and finely drawn characters, brilliantly performed by its talented cast. I saw the preview performance and I’m still thinking about the play over a week later. The play’s two acts—separated by time and circumstances—are connected by the journey of central character Danny— sensitively portrayed by the playwright Danny Rocco. Act I explores an awkward and tender reconnection between Danny and his father, and much of the drama seems to live and breathe just beneath the surface of the dialogue, centering around things not said—until things ARE said! Wow! Act II is designed more comedically, but the emotional weight of the character situations is impactful. Taken as a whole, the play is a compelling exploration of family, the creative life, and the things that matter most as our choices carry us into the future.
