What I liked
Each of the characters was well cast in their respective roles. Fringe alum Bruewer played a seemingly opposite role in last years’ Chemistry, so this role showed a refreshing new side to her acting ability. While Stall bared it all, quite literally, in a much more serious and deep role than that of his comedic performance in last year’s Fringe Shorts. While Barker, as the younger brother Miles filled the role of the younger brother not taken seriously, but also providing the much-needed comedic relief amongst some otherwise tense moments between brothers. Finally, Woodley, playing the older and successful brother, expertly showed his responsible older brother side with a hint of needing his own moment to hide from the spotlight of golden child and deal with his own secrets. Playwright Lisman shines in his writing that is filled with sordid topics and dark themes that make for quite awkward scenes but writes in such a way that you find yourself drawn to the character rather than repulsed by the culturally incorrect subject.
What I didn't like
Apathy Killed the Cat ended at the 2017 Hollywood Fringe festival on June 23rd, with a crowd that vocally enjoyed the dark topics and cat fantasies on stage with a huge round of applause for everyone when the show ended. This is Lisman’s third year participating in the Fringe and I’ve now had the pleasure to see two of his productions. Be sure to keep an eye out for this talented playwright as he still has more creativity to show the theater world in the future.
My overall impression
Apathy Killed the Cat is a one-act play written and directed by Ryan Lisman and premiering at the 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival. The play centers around an unstable playwright named Colin (Aaron Stall). Colin is slowly losing his grip on what little control he has over his life as his mom is lying catatonic in the hospital and his treasured cat Rosebud is on her last life. While he has a loving and devoted girlfriend Lily (Autumn Bruewer), he is tortured by a secret sexual desire that no one, himself included, can understand.
