What I liked
The writing was intriguing. The lighting was spot on and I appreciated that they did not try to force lighting cues into the show.
The way the actors used the entrances of this stage were great and the top moment with the bathroom and the Lysol received a great chuckle from the audience.
The set design was detailed and simple. Very fitting for the play.
What I didn't like
I honestly felt like there was simply a lack of chemistry and connection between the actors on stage and that the stakes have to be higher from the start. Our heroine comes down the stairs in the morning after a night of fighting, but they are both still hoping the other one will say something to save it, to save “them.”
If we start with that and then watch it crumble, it’s much more interesting for the audience.
Both actors seemed like they can get there. They had great instincts, but I wanted to see them push themselves further. And again nerves might have come into play. Once they get those out of the way, this could be a triumph.
My overall impression
This is a very well written show and a great choice for a Fringe piece. Two actors, one set, meaty dialogue, and emotional tension. However, the execution by the cast and crew felt safe and under-explored.
Essentially we are watching the last fight a couple will ever have and the tension must be palpable and the stakes have to feel high. Are they actually going to split after 5 years? And what does this mean? What will the future look like?
The writing gives these great ping pong punches between the couple that end with one last volatile insult thrown by the man or woman that forces a pause. A time out for a brief moment in the verbal boxing match.
I kept waiting for the rise in tension between the actors and emotional outbursts, passion, drive, but instead I found myself believing this couple had nothing left to hold on to from the top of the play. It was as if the steam had already boiled out, leaving a slowly paced, tension-less, nervous fumbling on the stage.
I will say that this was opening night and perhaps there were a bit of jitters, so I would give it a second look.
