I really, really wanted to like this show. It’s getting great audience reviews and lots of kitties. I have to admit, I don’t really understand all the buzz. Yes, the actors are good, but that’s pretty much where the praise ends. While the script was decently written, there was WWAAYY too many themes/points of interest to get through in under and hour. A botched hanging, freedom of the press, a gay love affair, murder…and on and on and on. The script didn’t dive into any of the themes long enough for me to really have an emotional reaction. I wasn’t completely sure what the playwright’s point of view was.
As I said, the acting was good. Solid. However, the accents really bothered me. I HATE fake accents. Especially when it doesn’t help the show in any way. Edwin Strout narrated the show and played other minor characters throughout. He did a great job and kept the show moving. However, he also added oddly placed comic relief. Nothing about the show was funny, and I didn’t think it was appropriate to grab for a few random laughs. At the end of the day, I think this show could be really good with a few re-writes. It’s certainly not a waste of your Fringe time, but I wouldn’t cut a bitch to get in line for a ticket. One leg in the air, and three Gay Golden Stars.
Gaye
