What I liked
I like several things about this performance. 1) The story is told by way of a letter that Grace writes to her dead mother to let her know that even though she misses her, Grace is figuring out (and succeeding at) life. It’s a clever and efficient use of storytelling. 2) The actress cast as Grace (Darbianna Dinsmore) is believable in this period piece. She plays many characters and all her accents (from English to French to Scottish) are spot-on. 3) I also like the mash-up of modern-day music and dance with Regency culture that director Megan Ford-Miller chose to enliven transitions and ballroom scenes. It totally works, adding charm and humor to the overall performance.
What I didn't like
As with a lot of solo shows that are done well, I wanted more (the show is 50 minutes). This is such an engaging story with a good message that it could be expanded into a full-length play with actors playing all the parts. Just a thought.
My overall impression
If you like Jane Austen, “Downton Abbey,” or “Bridgerton,” but with an extra slice of sly humor thrown in, you will love “She Stoops to Scandal.” Brilliantly written, authentically performed, and smartly directed, this is a refreshing sidestep from the traditional, memoir-style solo show. Instead, playwright Chambers Stevens gives us fictional character, Grace, and lets her recount how she outsmarts an unexpected scandal during the Regency period in which she lives. The overall message is great (especially to young women), relatable, and transcends time, making this show unique and engaging.
