What I liked
First and foremost, the writing. This is the finest script I’ve heard in ages. Far and away the best at The Fringe this year. The use of actual quotes of both men throughout the play was a deft touch, and thankfully not ham-fisted. Another nice thing about the script was the delicately handled thematic elements, wherein both men are brasher than the average individual, but I never felt that “beat over the head with the point” sensation.
While most of the acting ranged from good to great, three actors stood out in my opinion:
Craig Woolson, as Hemingway age 38 bloody well delivered in the first scene. His performance was full of interesting choices and clear ideas.
David Gallic (Welles age 45) and Richard Malmos (Hemingway, age 60) had a delightful final scene that showed both the growth of the characters and the entropy of a friendship fallen by the wayside. It was truly lovely.
What I didn't like
Some of the rapport in the middle of the show felt a little clunky, I think simply considering the pace a bit more would ease that.
My overall impression
It’s 1937, we open into a small screening room on a young Orson Welles being harassed on his delivery of narration by an older, wiser Ernest Hemingway. This one moment gives birth to a turbulent, yet warm relationship that would span twenty-four years.
The show is constructed of three vignettes between two men. In each of the three scenes the actors are swapped out for more age appropriate versions, but the through-line of the characters that we’ve seen is never lost due to: one, the talent of the actors, and two, the brilliance of the script.
I’m not one to gush about shows. That said, see this show. Go prepared to really listen, to really observe, and to really feel.
