The Rental

A gem of a play! Superbly acted! The complex (two) characters change in the course of their time together (50 minutes, real time) and call each other out on their BS. In doing so they raise many issues relating to class, consent, sex and more. Of the many plays I have seen this year -- this is hands-down my favorite!... full review

Absolutely brilliant! Writing, acting, directing...excellent! I loved every minute of this 50-minute play. Astin and Corvino were amazing! It delivered what it promised. From a shy, uncertain virgin and a caring, knows-her-stuff prostitute, to an angry, virgin-no-more, and a stand-up, right-on, full-on confident, no BS prostitute! Feminine power explodes! It's a significantly powerful, funny at the perfect times, awesome play. ... full review

Playing out in real time, a sexual encounter between two strangers shifts from sharing a moment of tenderness to an examination of personal integrity and sexual politics. This fascinating drama takes a familiar sounding premise and manages to create a thought-provoking, fast-moving hour. I highly recommend this show.... full review

A well-acted deep dive into a call girl's appointment with a 20-something virgin. Both characters are impeccably defined and have clear POVs. The actors are fearless in their portrayals. An interesting snapshot into these two individuals' lives.... full review

The Rental artfully leads the audience through an array of emotions as you get an inside look at the life of elyse. Astin does a beautiful job enveloping the character and can not only utilize but masterfully create different emotions ranging from being vulnerable to disbelief and then outright hatred. ... full review

Both Astin and Corvino turned in Tony Award-worthy performances as a call girl and her virgin client. The story takes you in one direction and then shifts into an entirely different one, with mind-blowing results. Check out the rest of the review at http://www.lamusiccritic.com/indie_voice_blog/hff18-day-1-see-it-or-skip-it/.... full review

What a thought provoking story superbly told by two great actors. I was thoroughly captivated by the ebb and flow of the plot, and the two contradicting lifestyles each of the characters led. It greatly explored the stereotypes of sexual encounters and consent/respect within that realm. It had just the right amount of balance of funny and drama. I would definitely see it again!... full review

There were some great moments in The Rental. Some interesting turns and choices occurred that I didn't predict, and the play explores an interesting topic. The acting was really good, and the dialogue is well crafted to allow the actors to really dig into their unique perspectives. I would have liked to have seen the stakes being raised and the character's objectives being slightly stronger, but overall this was an enjoyable play. ... full review

I was drawn to The Rental because to the premise. As someone who creates and performs in shows that are erotic/sensual in nature, I was curious to see how The Rental would play out. I was happy about the unexpected twists that took place within the plot. I enjoyed the actors' dedication to their roles, especially that of the virgin. ... full review