What I liked
I’m often skeptical of autobiographical solo shows, so trust me on this when I say you’ve got to see this.
Lara is an absolutely riveting performer, casting her acting over the audience like a spell. Which is apropos, given that the conceit of the show is Lara playing a fairy godmother.
There are several moments during the show where I scrunched up real tight and squeaked over how uncomfortable things were. There are several lines that will cut to the bone and make you go – “no… no one would never actually say that to another person… would they?”
So that’s good.
And oh, this show GOES THERE. It is not afraid to wallow around in discomfort for a second or two. Or fifteen.
The discomfort is balanced out by how funny Lara is. Her reenactment of… well, no spoilers, but of a PARTICULAR LIFE EVENT WE ALL EXPERIENCE is beyond hysterical.
The piece is very #relatable in the best ways. You will see yourself reflected in the young girl Lara once was, because whether you have ever been a girl or not, we have all been fed some very strange concepts about love. You will nod in recognition, you will laugh, you will cringe, maybe even cry.
You never think abuse will happen to you.
What I didn't like
The way Lara decided to end the show is impressive, but also not to my preferences. Which is a hundred percent fine – it’s purely a matter of taste.
I doubt most people will mind.
My overall impression
Lara is an incredibly skilled performer and seeing her physical acting chops is worth the price of entry alone. Fortunately, she has a compelling and painful story to go along with it.
