A Therapy Session with Myself

See it if you'd enjoy an interesting look and better understanding of difficult mental issues faced by young people. Well portrayed by this cast.

Don't see it if you want a polished play - there is a lot of potential here, but it is a low budget production that could use some sound and light tweaks.

See it if You want to see a play about a guy that is dealing with some mental health issues and how he is attempting to deal with them. Self therapy.

Don't see it if You are not comfortable hearing about a person with mental health issues and how he deals with it and how it affects people in his circle.

See it if you are so interested in stories about someone with Asperger's Syndrome that you can overlook poor acting, direction and writing.

Don't see it if you expect a professional performance that is, at least, fairly well written and somewhat compelling.

See it if you want to see a fairly well written show that seems more like a solo than a show with a cast of more than 6

Don't see it if nonexistent sound design and miscast leads become a nonstarter for you (lead actors are solid, but not right for the roles)

Also There was no reason to need sound design in this show, but once it was decided to use music and voice overs a sound designer became essential, but nonexistent.

The three leads did a good job portraying an individual with social anxiety and depression, but were too young to show any understanding of even mild Asperger syndrome. They should have seen Larry Phillips performance in the Arbuckle Syndrome or even better the producer should have contacted the Identity Theater Company to see if they knew of actors with mild Asperger's who could have played the three leads.

I was very impressed with Holly Payne-Strange's direction. None of the TV direction that I have seen far too much of lately was apparent here.

Anthony Piccone's writing shows promise. Perhaps this show was too personal to show brilliance.... Read more Read less

See it if you're looking for one person's insight into their own journey.

Don't see it if you're looking for a professional, polished production.

Also I really appreciate the effort, and it is important to think about inclusiveness around neuroatypical people. However this piece felt too personal and indulgent. It was like looking into the diary of a frustrated teenager who didn't have any connection to broader issues. I just wasn't into this at all.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to support someone in the play.

Don't see it if You want to see a play that you can relate to and that hold your interest.

Also The seats at the Kraine Theatre are extremely uncomfortable.

See it if you have a deep interest in Asperger's syndrome, anxiety and depression. Amateurish and not well delivered it still has merits.

Don't see it if you have no patience for productions that leave much to be desired and if you can't see the value in this exploration of relevant topics.

See it if Perhaps someone interested in clinical psychology.

Don't see it if Very aptly named, particularly the "for myself" part. Lacking in dramatic impact, and very, very (did I say very?) repetitive.

See it if you are interested in how the developmentally disabled think. Actually, how "typical" people think as well.

Don't see it if If you are looking for a big flashy musical.

Also My group of 4 enjoyed it. We thought the actors did an admirable job. Sometimes a bit slow & repetitive, but overall we liked it.
Seats in the Kraine theater need to be replaced.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested and/or want to understand more about mental health, or were once a teenager/young adult

Don't see it if you're not interest in mental or were never a teenager/young adult. You're easily put off by less-than-broadway theatres.

Also The play is an interesting telling of experiences with mental health throughout the protagonist's life. The flashbacks are insightful and interesting additions to the primary plot. The writing is well-paced and largely linear. The storytelling benefits from the self-reflective nature of the various "versions" of the protagonist.
While the writing is quite realistic, the actors could use some additional rehearsal time. The play is only staged once per month so all of the versions of the protagonist are a bit disjointed with one another. The ensemble cast could also benefit from additional rehearsal to gain better flow with the writing and each other.
The writing clearly has talent for storytelling, especially on difficult topics. I would see other plays by the same playwright in the future.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a moving look at a serious mental health issue.

Don't see it if You are not comfortable with a serious play that explores mental health issues.

See it if If you want to see a very real telling of a story of someone’s internal struggles and going deep into their mind. And incredible acting.

Don't see it if You are easily triggered by sensitive material.

Also I absolutely loved the acting of this show. The actors were all very well cast in their roles. The show was incredibly well written and extremely thought-provoking. The only thing I would highly recommend is if the actors would put more volume into their speaking, because often times throughout the show I had trouble hearing what they were saying which is a shame because what they were saying is so important and intriguing. Also could use a couple of sound tweaks in certain spots. Highly recommended show.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see some very in depth self analysis of the actors true internal struggles.

Don't see it if You don’t enjoy deep dives into sometimes self indulgence.

Also Very brave which is why I scored it what I did. But the line between brave divulging of personal info and narcissism is razor thin.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in characters with mental health issues.

Don't see it if you prefer light comedy, or have a short attention-span.

See it if you want to see a first-person account of growing up with extreme anxiety.

Don't see it if you want a polished production. The acting was good, but there were more than a few tech glitches.

See it if you are interested in a well acted delineation of one who is autistic and struggles with intense internal battles, but leading to acceptance

Don't see it if don’t want to watch the dramatic struggles and wreckage of someone with autism and depression.

See it if You are interested in a discussion of mental health from one persons point of view. It has a very personal story, acted and directed well.

Don't see it if You get easily bored, or don’t want to focus on just one person.

Also I particularly enjoyed the acting of the leads and was impressed by the staging. The tech seemed odd.... Read more Read less

See it if If you enjoy non linear stories, good acting, strong directing and an engaging, personal look at mental health.

Don't see it if You have high expectations for set or lights. Or if you are uncomfortable discussing topics such as suicide.

See it if You're interested in a brave, honest, and sometimes painful first-person account of living with Asperger's, social anxiety, and depression.

Don't see it if You are easily triggered by sensitive topics, such as substance abuse or suicidal ideation.