My overall impression
Powerful writing by LaBute, clean direction and emotionally charged performances make this show a HFF “Best Show” contender.
The casting is near perfect. Helen played by Sage Martin is a tour de force of emotions, power, resiliencey, vulnerability and the primary reason this show succeeds. Tom played by VonDexter Montegut displays a wit and charm that is very endearing to the audience while also showing an unease and prickly sense of self doubt and neediness from his peers.
The two together make a convincing and wholly likeable couple.
But in true LaBute fashion we are set up for the soul crushing fall.
The end of this well staged production is no surprise; it is LaBute after all, but that doesn’t stop us from being taken into a devastating and heart wrenching moment with Helen. A brilliantly performed moment of sheer vulnerability and piercing reality.
