What I liked
The writing is fun, funny, and witty. The direction is good and the cast is great. Christine DiTillio is always a treat to watch, and though Anna Luzia’s part was small, she really stood out to me and I had a blast watching her!
What I didn't like
While Chris Valenti is at times a masterful comedic writer, some of the sketches could be better.
I had an issue with the first sketch “Fandom”. In it, one of the few women in the play seems to lack autonomy, agency, and a voice. I do not understand why, when put in that particular situation by two white men, she did not say something more definitive and/or excuse herself. I didn’t need or want a big speech or a dramatic display, I just wanted her to assert herself.
Another sore spot for me came in the second sketch which is actually pretty well done in writing and performance until for some reason the black actor feels the need to have a diatribe that includes "coonin’ ". Up until then I thought it did a great job of highlighting subtle ignorance and addressing it in a clever, realistic way.
I appreciate and applaud Chris for taking on these subject matters at a time like this. Ultimately, the title “Straight White Men #trying to WOKE” hits the nail on the head. While trying to “woke” we’re all bound to fall short sometimes.
My overall impression
Good, fun, short and sweet.
