See it if Stunning production design w/able direction & edgy acting (PA Jones a standout) can't really mask Stanton's shaky plotting & ambiguous tone
Don't see it if Stanton's talent evident despite campy mash-up of Shakespeare's Midsummer via Bunuel's Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie Ending very muddled
See it if Cannot think of a reason unless you’re suicidal
Don't see it if You value your time and sanity Read more
See it if you enjoy interesting design elements. This play would receive a grade of F in Playwriting 101.
Don't see it if you value excellent writing and fine performances in plays. You won't find it here. Read more
See it if you think you've seen theatre done every possible way so far.
Don't see it if you're out of town this week.
See it if want something original and a bit of a fantasy
Don't see it if you can't tolerate bad music, get restless, want to see something conventional
See it if Read my review at Stagebuddy.com
Don't see it if Go see this show, no need to have reservations.
"Impeccably designed...A methodical production that descends from the ordinary into the bizarre...Poetic moments by Stanton, along with the songs by Bridges make this work most impressive. But ‘Solstice Party!’ also feels too empty...There is something in that empty space, but Mercer offers this to us far too slowly....When the bomb drops, it’s not earned or particularly interesting. All along this has been a kind of hipster 'Get Out,' yet with stakes that don’t feel real.”
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“Stanton creates a draconian world where words and music conjure unseen forces from which no lover’s heart is immune...A play that I found stuffed with ideas; It’s a thrilling and compelling cauchemar and it left me wanting more...It’s a scary play and folks were jumping in their seats and giggling their fright away. I look forward to more compelling and dynamic work from this company and director with big ideas and even bigger creative energy.’’
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“Though the acting is strong, there’s a lot of awkward exposition that makes the play feel overstuffed. There’s some good original music...but its inclusion isn’t always organic to the narrative...Stanton’s script is rooted in strong ideas—it addresses friendship and exclusion, reality and hallucination, the lure of the cult and the power of self-loathing. Unfortunately, the execution of those ideas doesn’t quite meet their ambition.”
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