Confessions of the World's Worst Missionary

When I first heard about this show, I expected it to be a fluffy instructive time about the woes of Africans and AIDS from an over-privileged white girl. What I found was quite the contrary: a truthful retelling of a girl's heartbreaking journey with a huge side of snark--just how I like it. At first, Ms. Alfinito is a little bit rough and gruff around the edges, but in the end it's all part of her charm. I think she could win over the most platonic audience member with her wonderful vulnerability and honesty. This show is a MUST see! Do not miss it--so rarely can you find a solo show that actually moves you and isn't simply a chance for a theatrically neglected person to get on stage and whine. There is a wonderful story to be told... full review

To be honest I'm not sure any of these "ratings" properly expresses how I felt about this show. It's true its a little rough around the edges, not always "perfectly orchestrated" (yeah I just had to look up how to spell orchestrated) but I believe that's part of the real charm of it. She doesn't try to answer every question or tie up life in a neat bow, but exposes it to be just that... life. It's interesting, not a "show" on some levels, but a very worthwhile piece. I left really wanting to talk about it- having my own thoughts, opinions and questions- and that's what I think art is- causes you to not know exactly how you feel about it, and still continue to process it way after the final bow. Well done! ... full review

I really enjoyed myself at this show. Lina does show us the world of, well, well-off white girls learning about the problems of Africa and dealing with it: And that's not bad. It's the sort of theme I've thought about as for myself, and what can I do for the world- and what I've that about when my priest says we have it so well here in L.A. with our designer bags- and I enjoyed that great suitcase Lina used as a prop! And yet, there's such an imbalance in the world- and what can we do about it? We try to be loving, and Lina seems to have done a great job with that. Even though she can't fix everything, and she doesn't have the answers, she's making the world a better place. And now, she is using the medium of theatre to make the world ... full review

Very well written and fairly well performed. I thought the story was very interesting, but a little long winded. She could easily take out some of the script to give the piece a little more breathing room, and still have a strong story. It also got a little preachy at the end.... full review

Lina Alfinito's Confessions of the World's Worst Missionary has a great title, tons of energy, and lots of heart. While I have to be honest and say that I was expecting something more along the lines of the recently popular Book of Mormon, it's much more refreshing as a theatre artist to see that people are finally going out on a limb and taking some risks. While Ms. Alfinito's show is a little rough on the edges (especially on technical side) and it takes a little bit of time for the solo performer to warm up to her audience, this show certainly packs a very honest and truthful punch that takes you on a worth while journey to the other side of the world. ... full review

The emotions run high in this production, with comedy being the dominant feature, it has splashes of serious sadness. Lina draws you into her adventure to give you a real original feel of the events she encountered on her missionary trip. Her passion is genuine as she relates to the audience how important it is to be aware of our fellow humans across the world, who live extremely rough lives, and to appreciate our lives here in America. Although not as professional as other plays may be, considering the expenses and time involved, this play is very entertaining and not one to be missed! See it for a great laugh, but bring a tissue...just in case!!... full review

One of the most impressive parts to this piece is how honestly Lina portrays herself, even (and especially) to the point of satire. The version of herself who boards the flight vs the lingering, painful questions as she tries to de-plane gave me great insight into this young artist. Culture shock doesn't begin to describe her journey, and I actually think the rough workshop form worked in her favor most of the time: the writer/performer is still processing that summer, and doesn't have much of an answer for herself, never mind the audience. Life isn't cut and dry, after school specials with the solution at the end, neither is the story Lina tells. I am still thinking about everything she said, whether I may agree or not, and thank her for br... full review

For a play that touts the author/performer's status as a Christian missionary, this is a play that first and foremost sets out to entertain and inform, not to proselytise or judge. Lina Alfinito takes care to point out the riches and benefits available to the first world, and the tragedies of bigotry and disease that have been inflicted on the third, but never in a way that condemns the audience or the world in which they live. Instead, through a deft sense of mood and pace, and a playful attitude of self-deprecation and introspection, Alfinito gives a sense that she longs for unity and understanding above all else, and is confused by the ability of the world, and of herself to achieve it in a way that's ultimately satisfying. Starting the ... full review