Ross & Rachel

“The play’s first moments are exhilarating, the cataract of words issuing from Ms. Vevers’s mouth suggesting a psychological detonation...But once the script settles into more familiar rhythms and then into fantasy sequences, the intensity of that language dwindles, and the excitement lessens. The arguments become more obvious, and the postmodern reliance on once-popular characters comes to seem cute rather than particularly trenchant.” Full Review

"Without an authoritative performance, 'Ross & Rachel' would be unpalatably sour, incomprehensible, or both. It takes a few minutes to get into Vevers' rhythm, but once one does, her fierce and uncompromising dedication to Fritz's words carry one past any objections...The highly unpleasant, starkly observant 'Ross & Rachel' is more memorable as a calling card than for the work itself. Nevertheless, there is plenty of talent here -- a distinctive writer's voice and a commanding performer." Full Review

"Fritz’s writing is vivid and offers Vevers many opportunities to display a wide range of emotional choices, but even had I appreciated the references to 'Friends,' the material is too slender to have made much difference to me. It did, however, get me to watch some 'Friends' scenes on YouTube, an experience that, I regret to say, didn't inspire me to consider binge-watching its 118 hours, which would have occupied nearly five round-the-clock days of my life. I guess you had to be there." Full Review

"Ross and Rachel, you see, are both portrayed by the same actor (Molly Vevers), and just where one spouse starts and another ends is at the center of this clever, if overly complex, hour...That one can imagine Ross in his hospital bed, or Rachel at her office, flirting with a co-worker, speaks to the strength of Ms. Vevers’ performance. Dressed simply in a white bathrobe, and with no set pieces other than a shallow, black, reflecting pool, she effectively transports us." Full Review

“Be warned. ‘Ross and Rachel’ is a bit like airline food (when we used to get it) – edible, but god knows what’s on the plate…Molly Vevers turns emotion and character on a dime, though with no character distinguishing variation...A decision to break the fourth wall also confuses. The actress’s investment is wrenching. On the whole, Director Thomas Martin paces too quickly and indulges in hysteria too often. When staccato speech establishes atmosphere, however, he effectively helms.” Full Review

"A well-written and beautifully performed duologue for fans of 'Friends,' haters of 'Friends,' and those with no opinion either way…Vevers effortlessly switches back and forth between the two in one monologue, yet it's never confusing who is speaking…This isn't a 'Friends' parody, but a tragic look at a couple in which one is unhappy but doesn't know how to get out and the other idolizes his spouse so much that he doesn't even think of her as a person." Full Review

"Overall the production provides an interesting perspective on coupling and de-coupling…Fritz’s writing is at times compelling and energetic. Through the direction and staging of Thomas Martin it becomes confusing, illogical, monochromatic, and amorphous...The director’s and actor’s choices don’t quite enhance but indeed distract from Vivers’ overall fine, but under-modulated portrayals of the two characters." Full Review

"Fritz’s writing is at its best when deep feelings shine through the character’s self-absorption. Far too often, though, the dramatic stakes are lowered by the fact that no one seems to really care…For the audience to stay riveted, the characters need to have something more to lose than just their TV illusions of marital utopia. The play does provide a showcase for the dynamic Molly Vevers…Her disarmingly youthful face belies a brooding intellect and startling emotional range." Full Review

"This very talented actress relies on wit, candidness and sentiment to tell her story and doesn’t hold back when giving audiences the complete picture – in both the joyful and difficult times...For an entertaining and eye-opening take on life, love and relationships, 'Ross and Rachel' is guaranteed to make audiences laugh and cry as they join Vevers for the ride. Get ready to meet this legendary couple in a whole new way!" Full Review

“A tightly written tour de force for Molly Vevers…She is quite good in this challenging role…Vevers is too fine an actress and the dialogue too complex to incorporate silly moves and allow for a nonsensical set design—it’s unnecessary and distracting. ’Ross & Rachel’ is strong and powerful, and it demands attention, and Vevers brings the words alive...She has a manner and a presence reminiscent of fine actresses from another era. This is her era, her time.” Full Review

"Fritz’s excellent script neatly eviscerates the pop culture ideology of destiny and a world where love is equated with grand gestures and far-flung locales...Vevers flips between the internal and external voices of both Ross and Rachel, though she thankfully avoids impressions of Schwimmer and Aniston. Her expressive face and voice deftly tell us exactly who we’re hearing." Full Review

"The play’s real cleverness lies not in its name, but in the fact that it isn’t necessarily about 'Friends' or Ross and Rachel at all. It could be, or not...It's an experience to watch Vevers command the stage, spiraling out of control with subtly increasing intensity. Despite some laughs, the play is actually quite dark. Fritz doesn't take us where general expectations would have us go, but where it counts -- in the middle of the road -- where it is messy and bitter and cold." Full Review