What I liked
This show unfolds like a finely tuned engine. Made my laugh, think, remember, tear up, and left me with a smile in my heart.
What I didn't like
There was a long gap of silence from the end of the preshow music to the start of the show, but hey it’s Fringe:-)
My overall impression
THIS is how you do an autobiographical solo show! Starting with the script, Jon Gentry’s writing is lyrical and poetic, while also engaging and just plain fun; the opening lines put us on alert that we are listening to a well-studied and serious performer, who then quickly and playfully delves us into his upbringing. The story is exquisitely crafted, not just in hitting the high notes of his life, but in how the through thread lies subtly under the surface until blossoming at the end. And as a performer Jon deftly holds our attention moment to moment, the whole audience hangs on his every word. And I have rarely seen a solo show so well directed—Shinelle Azoroh’s masterful crafting of the staging, prop use, music and Jon’s performance is a joy to experience. And actually, JOY is what you will feel in your heart at the end of Black Bastard:-)
