What I liked
There was something nostalgic about the scenes between the mother and daughter in the diner – it reminded me of shows like COME BACK TO THE 5 & DIME… and WHEN YOU COMIN’ BACK, RED RYDER? I think an entire piece could have been built around their relationship and circumstances. David Garver, as the coked up money man, is unhinged, unpredictable, and a constant joy to watch on stage. His energy is so distinct and consistent that you never question what he’s doing, even when the scene might require him to be playing ten different things at once.
What I didn't like
The “stage left”/“stage right” lighting left a bit to be desired, but I also think much more than that might have been distracting to the story, so what do I know?
My overall impression
AMERICAN CONSPIRACY takes a story most of us know and expounds upon it and subverts it in engaging and unexpected ways. The assassination attempt is the backdrop, but this is really the story of disparate characters that feel trapped by ‘something’, desperately looking for ways out. It’s a feeling we can all relate to, and writer Benjamin Schwartz deftly blends the comedy and drama in ways that take a simple tale and turn it into something truly complex.
