Shapes Like Things, A Soup Play (FringeNYC)
About the show
Part of FringeNYC: Danny’s dad was a scholar. Danny couldn’t read. Now Danny’s dad is dead. This puzzle of a play explores a dyslexic boy’s struggle to understand his father when words don’t work. More…
Categories: Drama, Local. From The Seedlings. Written by Emily Sorensen. Directed by Alexis Wilcock.
FROM THE ARTIST:
Shapes Like Things, A Soup Play is a new play brought to you by the playwright-director duo The Seedlings as part of The 20th Annual New York International Fringe Festival - Fringe NYC.
Danny’s dad was a scholar of Greek mythology, but Danny couldn’t read. Now Danny’s dad is dead, leaving a legacy of expert opinions and a web of memories for him to sort through. From emerging playwright Emily Sorensen, Shapes Like Things explores a dyslexic boy’s struggle to connect to his father and the world when words don’t work for him.
"The toll of loss on the family is evident in Jillian Crane’s transformation as the mother. Her character grips at the fringes of the family ties and feels completely spent. From the very beginning, Crane never stops fighting; it is powerful and devastating to watch…DeFriend's commitment to taking his time with each discovery allows Emily Sorensen’s words to come alive in a way that make this character and his journey not only accessible, but perhaps even somewhat universal." Full Review
See it if You're interested in set/costume design and art direction. Great staging and storytelling overall. Enjoyable!
Don't see it if You want to see a fast paced play.
See it if if you like plays like the Humans or enjoy plays that are "a slice of life"
Don't see it if if your were looking for a fantastical, and end enchanting musical.
See it if You appreciate plays about family relationships. The realistic dynamic between siblings, spouses, parents and children will resonate.
Don't see it if You are looking for a comedy. It is funny but also bitter, and bittersweet. I had tears a few times.
See it if You like stories about dysfunction and levity in family life and trust issues that come up when trying to make sense of yourself using words
Don't see it if That stuff isn't your thing.. also if you are looking for easy viewing that leaves out risky but insightful acting and production choices
See it if you like family dynamics, thoughtful storytelling and incredible acting.
Don't see it if you're in the mood for a comedy. The show has some wry, funny moments but otherwise is a drama.
See it if you want to see phenomenal actors who beautifully portray the painful journey a misunderstood boy goes through to be close to his father
Don't see it if there's no reason not to see this play! The emotions onstage are raw and captivating. Hurry to see it before it's over!
See it if You enjoy intelligent theater that is intense, funny, heartbreaking and hopeful.
Don't see it if You want to see something "light." Parts of this play are very funny, but it is not a comedy.