Context: I watched the Jagged Little Pill play for the first time at this place.
Both the show and the acting were really good. This play tricks you into thinking it's going to be dated and predictable, where all the white men are horrible people and the black women are always in the right while also being a jerk about it. With this context, during the beginning of act 1, the play seems dated, and Jackie, played by Verere Ighara, seems impossible to sympathize with. The introductions of the character also seem overly stereotypical. Then the second act happens, and you realize it was all a trick. You realize the plot is taking all the right twists, everyone is imperfect, and you aren't supposed to sympathize with Jackie any more than the other imperfect family members, likely less in fact. The "unsympathetic" acting from Jackie is actually perfectly suited for the role she actually plays. Mary Jane, played by Laura Newman, who started off seemingly like a stereotypical overprotective mother, gets a ton of time to shine in the end of act 1 and during act 2. Only then did I start to realize how good her acting was. Steve, played by Gill Newman, also does a great job acting as the love starved father, and shines brightly in act 2. Jo's singing of "you oughta know," played by Maggie Wandell, was extremely impressive, and Bella, played by Chloe Ridolfo, does a good job with her role, despite limited lines. The story is also extremely touching; I was crying by the end. With that said, the best acting has to go to Nick Healy, played by Luke Hamilton. Maybe it's just cause he's the easiest person for me to relate to, but the subtle yet impactful way he expresses his grievances is remarkably acted. I was blown away by the range of emotions he could convey, despite having limited actual voice lines. This was especially prevelant in the beginning of act 1, while I was still under my false assumption about where the show was headed and thinking everyone lacked subtlety.
Overall, while I haven't been to many, this is the best play I've seen by a landslide, and would highly recommend to anyone reading this. This isn't a cash grab. This isn't dated liberal propaganda (or angry conservative propaganda for that matter). This isn't novice acting. It's a nuanced tale of people with problems, remarkably acted, and well worth your money.
