What I liked
Ben Hethcoat’s astounding performance as Atwater is both charming and infuriating. He’s surrounded by an excellent group of actors who each make their characters three-dimensional and are never predictable. In most situations, these people would be interminable, but here they’re fascinating.
Billy Ray Brewton’s direction keeps the heady, smart script blazing forward at a breakneck pace. The humor of the beginning political scenes and the sobering reality of the tail end match up beautifully.
What I didn't like
Nothing. I want to see this restaged with a bigger budget.
My overall impression
Son of a Bitch is a tremendously entertaining look at a controversial figure in Lee Atwater. Non-conventional casting, tight direction, excellent performances, and a haunting look at what American politics would eventually come to made this one of the best shows I’ve seen at Fringe.
