What I liked
I found the script powerful, the pace dynamic, the set design crafty, the music choices lovely, and the performances strong, strong, strong.
What I didn't like
Perhaps they could do with one more techie? Some of the dynamism appeared to dip during a few protracted scene changes (though even this was mitigated by moments when characters themselves moved set pieces and engaged in dialogue, as with the students at Kingston High setting up the “desks”).
Whether it be through performance shift, script mod, musical cue, some greater light change, or another mechanism, I think the play could stand to benefit from a button at the end that clues the audience into its finality. Not quite sure why, but, even with the blackout, I wasn’t sure to clap until I saw the actors make their way downstage.
My overall impression
I thought ‘Prodigy’ was incredibly moving. Coming at the invitation of my friend, Eddie Yu, I had no idea what to expect and was completely blown away by the whole experience. Moved to near-tears by this tale of parents and children, set goals vs personal dreams, love vs duty, identity vs perception… It stirred the heart and asked us questions rather than pushing an answer or agenda down our throats. Congrats and kudos to the cast and crew!