Junk Girls

What I liked

The entire cast was great, but the performances that stood out to me the most were those of the notification officer, Beth, the punk rock reporter, Smitty and Mike, the husband/father married to a soldier in Afghanistan. All of their performances really moved me. They were so honest. Smitty was funny and quirky in the best and most authentic way but also very complex. Beth was so beautifully controlled one minute, but vulnerable in the next showing her insecurity, anxiety and enormous heart. And Mike just demonstrated so naturally the loneliness and longing of missing his wife while trying to be a good father. They really epitomized three lost and needy people trying to find their way in this world of war and death and uncertainty. But truly, every member of the cast was amazing – those were just the three characters I really connected with the most.

What I didn't like

I only wish in some ways the play was a little longer or there was more time to get to see the characters interact because it left me wanting to know more about their stories.

My overall impression

I was invited to join some friends at this show and was not really sure what to expect. To say I was moved beyond measure, especially with the current situation in Afghanistan, would be an understatement. The ensemble cast delivered a beautiful and nuanced performance that really touched me. I was in tears by the end and was very moved by the moment of silence after the bow in honor of our the soldiers who lost their lives. I was very young during the time period covered in this play during the earlier years of the war, but it really is relevant to current issues. The story would be very powerful at any time, but it felt especially meaningful right now.