What I liked
What I appreciated most was Vivia’s honesty. There were moments when she shared how people closest to her discouraged her dreams—telling her that someone with her body type wasn’t meant to be a cheerleader or steering her away from pursuing acting in college. Those moments hit me hard because my experience was so different. I was fortunate to have people who poured into me and encouraged my gifts, and it made me realize how much harder life can be when the voices around you are telling you “no” instead of “yes.”
As I listened, I found myself admiring not only the story she was telling but the woman standing in front of us telling it. Despite the discouragement she experienced, she has remained joyful, creative, ambitious, and fully herself. That truth gave the performance an added layer of power for me.
I also loved the way she brought the story to life through distinct character voices, humor, music, and physicality. Holding an audience’s attention for an hour by yourself is no small feat, but Vivia did it with confidence, warmth, and authenticity.
As someone who traveled from Atlanta to attend the premiere, I can honestly say the experience was worth every mile.
What I didn't like
Honestly, I found myself wanting more. By the end, I was so invested in the story and the characters that I wasn’t ready for it to be over. Especially when she shared her clip of being on the show. Would love to see scenes about her dating life. I’m curious to hear if these are the stories that didn’t make it for this version of the show.
My overall impression
Bellyful is one of those performances that stays with you long after you leave the theater. Vivia E. Armstrong takes us on a deeply personal journey, but somehow makes it feel universal. Through humor, vulnerability, music (playing Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama” during seating was the perfect set up!), and masterful storytelling, she invites us to examine the emotional weight we carry and the ways our lives are shaped by the words spoken over us. I laughed, reflected, and found myself unexpectedly emotional at several points. By the end, I wasn’t just thinking about her story—I was thinking about my own.
