What I liked
see above, I’d love to see this show performed again!
What I didn't like
the parking situation, lol, but that’s LA on a Saturday night.
My overall impression
This was the best piece of theatre I have seen in the last few years. The story and characters resonated with me in a deeply personal way and the energy in the room throughout the performance told me I wasn’t alone in this feeling. The story, about a father and son’s relationship and the riddle that is pursuing your passion while simultaneously meeting the demands of growing up and living in the world echoes into the second act, where the character, Danny, must answer the same questions again, but from a new point of view, later in life. A lot of self-scripted work, or plays where the writer also plays a main character, can end up indulgent and focused on demonstrating the depth or range of the performer, a personal showcase. Unplugged Electric Guitar does not fall into this trap; all four performers do an incredible job of playing the positive, the characters are working for the “win” despite the obstacles between them. This play is performed with so much love, for the craft and the characters for each other. David Gueriera performance as the father is particularly heartwrenching in the most gentle and understated way, perfect for the intimate setting in which the show is produced. Life is hard, being an artist is hard and UEG made experiencing that difficulty easy. I was moved to tears at the end of the first act and my wife was weeping by the close of the 2nd. It’s just so real, so honest and so relatable. Rocco’s Script Writing Score yields incredibly authentic and lifelike performances which skip like stones over the surface tension of the emotional weight of the scenes, never getting lost in the gravity of self-importance and always reaching toward the light. I am so grateful to have seen this show, it’s helping me process something that needs healing inside me and I recommend anyone who has the opportunity to see it live treat themselves to the experience. Thank you.
