What I liked
Great strings added to the scenes of heartbreak during the musical, with effective and attention-grabbing small stage choreography throughout. I especially enjoyed the “classroom” scene watching the teacher ruminate about the kids all on their phones, then taking them away which resulted in a major dispute played out through song and movement. Such heart-wrenching lines, such as “We don’t have to be nice because people already like us,” “if everyone is agreeing to the same things (online), it must be right,” and “what does it cost to be deep and authentic?”
I loved this musical so much, I wish it could be put onstage at my community theatre and in high schools across the world, not just in this country.
What I didn't like
Great lighting effects enhanced the scenes, although several times the young performers seemed to miss their marks and sing in the dark for awhile. Good sound engineering during the virtual presentation with the dialogue and songs clearly heard throughout.
My overall impression
WOW! As a former high school theatre arts teacher, I am amazed at the wonderful talent and true-to-life story taking place in this world premiere production. It always amazes me when I am out in public how people are always on their phones and don’t speak to each other in real time. And that’s not just teens but adults as well. This musical deals with that issue; kids trying to be who they think they want others to see them as rather than being honest about who they really are and their real feelings and problems. The two leads, Norman Thatch as Hudson and Erika Cruz as Aurora (who pretends to be Terri online) take you inside their hearts and souls as they attempt to deal with their judgmental friends while attempting to be authentic with each other. But just who is being real? Is anyone? Bravo to the entire production team and cast for bringing attention to this noteworthy musical about teen angst and the pressure to fit in, even when feeling as if “I am Not Enough” or “I am Too Much” with each other.
