My overall impression
This is a pretty straightforward show. Alicia Dattner takes us on a walk through her (not exactly) romantic history and uses that as the basis for some soul searching and some answers mining. So far, it sounds like a dozen shows you’ve seen.
Today.
But what makes this a show worth seeing is Dattner’s spirit. Her enthusiasm on stage is intoxicating. When it’s over, you want to run out and do your own one person show (or kiss the first person you meet). You get the idea she’s not just a great performer, she’s probably a great person. (Her handling of some late comers was masterful and kind. Always a wonderful thing to see a performer take care of audience even when they’re fifteen minutes late.)
The show is about love and romance and fantasy and hope and failure in all those realms. It’s a moving piece because Dattner has the ability to move an audience. She knows just how to mix the funny and the painful, the consequences of stupid choices and the freedom that hard earned knowledge brings you. Her story could easily be a victimy, sad tale of misaligned desires and spoiled youth. But it’s not. It’s a a fun, funny, painful ride that leaves you feeling like being human isn’t so bad after all. Or if it is so bad now, it will get better.
And if you’re a comedy geek, you’ll love the fact that while Dattner has no problem delivering funny lines, she also likes being silly. Funny faces, little noises, she’s just fun to watch. PLUS! On the night I saw her the room was very talky.
I don’t blame them. She’s so engaging, I wanted to talk to her too. I just waited until after the show was over to do so).
So, see this show if you want to be moved by the sheer power of a performer’s spirit. Alicia Dattner will do it.
