What I liked
loved the staging and the writing was so realistic
What I didn't like
occasionally the actors were a little too far upstage, so one of the lights was hot on their faces at times (but this didn’t happen much)
My overall impression
(I’ll preface by saying it’s practically impossible to type this without crying due to the impact this show had on my soul.) Everyone needs to get their tickets NOW to the final performance!
To the entire CHBGND team, I was blown away. I had NO idea what this show was about. Going in, I cringed, slightly afraid I would be offended or uncomfortable (since I previously struggled for years with bulimia); instead I was welcomed by the brusque, matter-of-fact dramedy surrounding the conundrum of self-hate.
Marnie Olson wrote a rollercoaster of a show. At points I was sobbing, and just when I thought I couldn’t take enough, a song-and-dance would sweep me away with a breath of comedic relief. Some of those (dark) scenes were direct moments from my life, almost word-for-word at times. I’ve never seen anything so artfully and concisely depict the heartbreak of hating your body.
Jennifer Novak Chun—thank you for directing this beautiful monster-piece. I was obviously impressed by the music, costume changes, sets/props, and all things technical. But I was more affected by your heart behind this show. I wrote you before the show began to ask how “triggering” it would be to someone who’s dealt with body issues and eating disorders. You were direct—it could be triggering, but also therapeutic. Though our conversation is private, you shared your heart, love, and belief in your show with me, and that made me feel brave enough to venture it.
Gloria Galvan—you are always one of the funniest performers I know. You know your body so well, and it worked in incredible ways for this show. Not only can you take up space, you can also practically disappear. Thank you for going THERE.
Elisabeth Blake & Edward Alvarado—I’m just going to have to repeat myself. I don’t know y’all, but I feel like I know a little bit of you now. Thank you for being brave enough to go to the depths you did. You two broke my heart at times, and then you’d rescue it right back. You should be very proud.
Michelle Danyn— holy crap. What an incredible actress you are blossoming into. I’ve never seen you go so deep into a character before. I was mesmerized with your presence and I’m SO proud of where you went with each scene. I know we all have our body image issues, but staring them straight in the face is exceptionally brave. Thank you for taking a risk.
Ladies & gentleman—I’m so proud of you for confronting the stigmas of society and just putting yourself out there. It’s time that eating disorders and depression have a voice, and not just a gloomy, overwhelming, scary voice. Discussions surrounding this can be lighthearted and at times comedic, as well as eye opening. This show has stirred me inside, awakening me to love myself even more. We must work hard everyday to love who we are!
