What I liked
I loved this show, start to finish. From her charming introduction and exploration of a complicated childhood to the touching experiences that followed her into adult life, Bethany Vee dives straight into the deep end in I Have Too Many Feelings. Not only is this show intimately artistic, but it’s honest and layered in the way of illustrating exactly how Vee feels in this amusing portrayal of self-reflection.
Vee becomes a chameleon on stage, effortlessly slipping in and out of an entire ensemble of hilariously-realized characters. My personal favorites include: Chip the paintbrush, Ganja the…ganja, and a sleeping bag whose name I can’t recall because I was so impressed with how well she was able to pull off something so absurdly ridiculous. Vee’s physicality is excellent; the attention to detail in every character’s posture, voice, and attitude differentiates each one so distinctly, you almost forget there is only one person on stage.
I Have Too Many Feelings not only gives Vee a wonderful arrangement of personalities to play with, but also a collection of unique physical props, projected visuals, intimate stage lighting, and audible surprises that will keep your attention glued to the stage. Where a more inexperienced comic might appear stiff and guarded, Vee is vulnerable and free—not afraid to dance, belt out a musical number, or frantically writhe and roll around on the floor.The show’s quality of substance is a delight, as it’s as smart as it is funny. At one point, Vee presents a wonderful analogy referencing the 2009 critical darling, The Human Centipede, that is so clever, my knee-jerk reaction was to immediately applaud (and deservedly, the rest of the crowd joined me).
I Have Too Many Feelings is sure to be a star turn for talented comic, Bethany Vee. Culminating in a spectacular finale that leaves the audience hopeful and inspired, this is a show that is well worth the price of admission and one you’ll wish you hadn’t skipped.
What I didn't like
The livestream appears to be having minor issues. It’s a better time in person, anyway.
My overall impression
Bethany Vee’s one-woman-show (assisted by wonderful director and developer, Jessica Lynn Johnson), I Have Too Many Feelings, is not only gut-bustingly hilarious, but a raw and introspective look into the mind and heart of an LGBTQ+ 30-something still trying to figure it all out. While her anecdotes are deeply personal, Bethany lets the audience in so close that you can’t help but put yourself in her shoes, no matter who you are or where you come from.
While very playful, the show also tackles heavy subject matter including homophobia, anxiety, ADHD, and depression, but Vee’s ability to command the crowd into laughing with her through the punches leaves a lasting impression. Her commentary and execution are not only entertaining, but also thought-provoking and remarkably honest.
Vee’s stage presence and audience engagement is up there with the likes of some of the most seasoned professional comics in the game right now. Bethany Vee is without a doubt someone to watch out for—destined to headline her own televised comedy special, coming to a streaming service near you.
