What I liked
Crafted as a science fiction comedy, you are immediately launched into a technologically adept world just a few shades different than ours. The eye-poppingly eclectic costume design by designers Alex & Juli Abene helped immensely with the world jump, given that Fringe sets by nature must usually be sparse. We meet an assortment of characters with refreshingly gung-ho attitudes, including a socially disinclined protagonist named Mary with smarts in abundance (Aliza Pearl), the creator of the titular robot and whose arc of discovery we follow; her new roommate (Jessica Reiner-Harris), providing a healthy dose of heart to the evening; a rival tech-savvy inventor, Lavender (Bonnie Gordon), soaking up the foil vibes; the cheeriest best-friend one could ask for in a musical, Billie (Xander Jeanneret); and a tycoon with his own plans up his sleeve, Mr. Norton (Rob Warner), at who’s whims the characters rush to create some new invention that will dazzle.
All of this culminates in a story (no spoilers) that brings to light, with a huge amount of love and good humor, the trans experience in a way that this cisgender man could recognize and be moved by. The robot, Marsh (Kelby Jo McClellan) is a voice we could all learn something from, and the ways that other characters grow and evolve is simply… “Cheddar”. Cheese at it’s absolute finest.
What I didn't like
Would love to see this with more complete set design to flesh out the world Laser has created.
My overall impression
You will leave feeling moved and grinning from this energetic, uplifting, and surprisingly emotional musical from the singularly crafty mind of Laser, with more than one ear-worm from co-composers and music director Aaron Wilson, shepherded by the comedic direction of Ashley Ward, and performed by a vocally adept cast full of energy and playing all the right emotional beats.
