My overall impression
BOOZE, BALLS AND BLUEGRASS is boozy and ballsy, and definitely has its moments of blue. Under the deft direction of Michael Kass, Laura Carson handles autobiographical material with a blend of intimate self-exploration, gentle self-deprecation, and ultra-specific, insightfully critical yet loving portrayals of her cast of characters. As an audience member, I got the feeling that Laura HAD to get this story out so she could let go and move on with her life after the long decline and death of her alcoholic dad. To be honest, this sub-genre of solo performance is generally not my bag. But Laura has the chops, guts and depth as an actor to transcend the usual onstage therapeutic intervention we get so accustomed to expecting from a performer telling their story. She and Kass provide us with personal yet universal exploration of loss that, even through the haze of booze, is crystal clear. Go see it!
