What I liked
Most solo shows are motivated by little life nuggets that the performer’s family/friends/reps and/or dead relatives think are just adorable. Long gone, it seems, are the days of actual content that succeeds in crossing the barrier between performer and observer – the days when a person’s individual story could stand as a litmus test for our own humanity. This show crosses that barrier in spades. Ms. Steinwedell has A) the perfect story to tell, B) an inherent ability to tell said story and C) absolute nerves of steel which allow her the propulsive leap of faith it takes to expose herself so brazenly, allowing us to truly see her, flaws and all. A heartbreaking and terrifying journey which, thanks to the writing, performance and incredibly deft hand of director Kimleigh Smith, wraps us up, smacks us around and heals our broken hearts with something as simple as forgiveness and acceptance. This is textbook solo show mounting and should be studied as a “how-to” for future performers.
What I didn't like
Not a lot. Perhaps the last few minutes of summing up could use a bit of tweeking. Felt tagged on a bit. But, again, the sincerity of performance makes that a wash.
My overall impression
This show should be used as a template for how to do a solo show.
