What I liked
I enjoyed the central conceit of this piece. It’s a simple idea, elevated by the Lisa’s and Esther’s chemistry. This is an excellent Fringe show, experimenting with a fun concept and taking it for a walk.
What I didn't like
I feel like I want more. I’ve seen a variety of shows, movies, and books that utilize the core trope of this piece, and I tend to enjoy it every time I see it. I find it effective in this staging to hew away from wandering down memory lane (as it were) in favor of keeping the piece a one-scene, one-room play. Time skips would be useful to buy more exposition, but I appreciate the momentum this piece has without indulging that additional trope. Taken as-is, I think there’s more to explore in the situational stakes, and that might be worth a look in some beats with bids for affection. Some of these feel like they’re trying to be a synthesis of zany madcap and real life fear stakes. Far from a performance challenge, I think this is a function of the ebullient, blithe, and playful language, which is very much the soul of the piece.
Far more importantly, however, I feel deeply cheated by a desperately unfortunate exclusion: a picture in the program of the rehearsal cat, Chunga. You can’t just tease a special guest star like that.
My overall impression
Ever go back for a second round with an ex? Try doing that a hundred times. Transference is a lighthearted romp through a dark past. In a single scene on a single set, two talented actors give us a peek at what it’s like to never really get over the love of your life.
