What I liked
Most of the reviews for this play are positive, and rightfully so. Although a couple of the reviewers seem to have a problem with the actor playing the lead, I thought he did an amazing job. I understand that after several lead changes, the playwright/producer (Mitchell Reiter) has stepped into the lead role. It was not obvious to me that he has never acted prior to this. More than just knowing the lines, there was a depth to his performance that I found very impressive for a first time actor. Minor, fixable things like remembering to face the audience and vocal projection would be my only words of advice, but otherwise, I thought he was terrific in the role of Domino.
The entire cast was amazing. They all brought something different to the stage and to the story. I thought I was in for a debate when I asked my group who their favorite was but we all loved the bartender, played by Staci Rodrigues. Aside from Domino, she probably had the most difficult role in the play. Essentially, she was playing another man’s conscious. And not just any man. A man projecting misogynistic ideologies. A man who has let life break him down, either at the hands of the men he works with, or the women he has tried to love. She calls him on his garbage at every turn and doesn’t let him get away with any of it. The actress delivered a nuanced, pitch perfect performance. She toed the line perfectly between how much give and take she would allow. While some of the other characters were inherently funny because of the writing, the bartender got laughs because of how grounded and real she played it. I was surprised to read that this is her first time doing theater. She seemed very comfortable on stage, and as the bartender, she is on stage the whole time, even when she is not a part of the scenes. I kept thinking how uncomfortable I would feel if I had to do that, but she seemed very natural and comfortable on the stage.
The bad guy was another favorite, but we all agreed on the bartender. Overall, the cast, the acting, the set design, all of it was great and I hope more people get to see this play.
What I didn't like
Make sure the audience can hear you and see you. The ending seemed a little off. It felt like there should have been more to it.
My overall impression
Impressive cast. Interesting story. Very relatable.
