My overall impression
A great show that displays the complication of high school (and human) relationships, and weaves a compelling story of scenarios that could lead to a school shooting. It’s humorous, relatable, and I appreciated the fact that it humanizes each character, from geek to jock, illustrating that everyone has the potential to make mistakes and poor choices that can lead to tragic consequences. The cast is great (at times some of the emotion gets a little overly-theatrical, but still nice work). While some audience members commented on the lack of social media presence in the story, I liked the focus on person-to-person relationships. (I also was a high school senior in Colorado during Columbine, so the lack of social media – and the great soundtrack – was very relatable.)
Slight spoiler alert My only question was regarding the choice of who ends up as shooter at the end. I applaud Greg’s choice to present a message that anyone – regardless of demographic identity – can end up perpetrating a shooting. However, the reality (that he acknowledged in a talkback) is that not just anyone HAS perpetrated school shootings…they’ve been overwhelmingly male, and caucasian. I think it’s an important reality to acknowledge for the show to pack a full punch.
Truthfully, at one point I anticipated that the play might throw us a curve and end WITHOUT a shooting. Or everyone brings a gun, and no one shoots? Hmm…I was excited for the possibility that the play would give us an unexpected ending, and present a scenario of what COULD be, rather than what HAS been.
