What I liked
I loved the format, the length, the actors, the writing. I loved the comedic beginning. It’s always good opening the play with one of the strongest actors to capture the audience. Francesca Gamez was charismatic and funny and must have had prior training since finishing her conservatory program. Masturbation, lesbians and ex-boyfriends made a interesting story in a short time. The second one act gave stalking a comedic light which I didn’t know was possible. I liked the crying put in the middle act, because it would’ve been too much to start with or end with. I think it was great to put the last one act in the end because it was my favorite. Most can relate to being in a date and differences between genders and I loved how the other two actors played the thoughts in their heads versus what the actually said. I also loved the choice of using the opposite sex for their minds. This last act was the most realistic for me and loved what the woman decided to do in the end and her reason for it. Each play was the best in its own right, with the right amount of comedy and poignant moments that inspire living to be better ourselves and the world.
What I didn't like
I would have loved if my friends would have got let in, there we still seats free and only a little bit late. Everyone is late in LA and there were concessions if people were that impatient. The only other thing I would have suggest is more clarification on the check list within the program. I started getting mentally prepared for audience participation and felt like an idiot when I figured out when the play started that that wasn’t the case. HA.
My overall impression
This was a fun look at three different scenarios of relationships. Three short one acts with that common theme of love. None of them gave hope for a fairy tale ending in real life, but it was an interesting to see the outcomes of these very possible scenarios. The three one acts combined and the order they were put in gave us comedy, drama and heart. It was the perfect length and with those three ingredients executed so well by the actors, Theater and Chill is a great example of what Hollywoid Fringe is about.
