What I liked
Exploring a relationship through flashbacks and post-mortem isn’t a new idea, but the attention to detail and sheer performance talent here make this play distinct. Scott Langer’s story is dense with the true-to-life rituals and nuances of a relationship, carrying us to its giddy heights and despairing depths. The narrative feels distilled from real life experience, but is dramatized into vignettes that make it relatable for outsiders. I was drawn into world of the story from the first moment.
Performances are believable and rich with personality. Langer’s haunted and brooding male lead is nicely complemented by the alternately giddy and desperate counterpoint from costar Ashley Fountain. Though Sam Quinn’s best-friend-with-his-own-issues has only a brief episode on stage, he feels as real and fleshed out as the two principals.
What I didn't like
A story drawn from real life can’t have the curated through-line of pure fiction. While there were plenty of clear themes in the work (chief amongst them the destructiveness of self-loathing and insecurity) I found myself wanting more of a conclusion, rather than just an ending.
My overall impression
An alternately gripping, desolate, and funny look at the life cycle of a New York relationship, brought to life by three notably talented dramatic actors.
