Lame Ducks (Dream Up 2019)

See it if You want to see one of the best shows at this festival

Don't see it if You are expecting a well thought out and executed show.

Also I know I only gave this a score of a 51 and that is because there are a lot of problems with the script. The basic idea of this show is not a bad idea but the playwright needed to write a better play so that they could execute this idea. I never get offended by anything on a stage but I think most people who see this will probably feel uncomfortable for about the last 10 minutes of this show. There are lots of holes in this story. I don’t understand why the character of Tina had to be shown on stage. I understand that she is a big part of Kyle’s past but I don’t think her character needed to appear on stage. I have now seen six plays at this festival and I’ve been pleasantly surprised because there are a few of them that are OK and this is one of them. The reason I am pleasantly surprised is because this building has a lot of bad plays associated with festivals... Read more Read less

See it if Interested in a play about damaged (both emotionally & physically) characters who through circumstances become roommates.

Don't see it if Scenes of B&D, sexual acting out, & violence are triggers​. Some of the situations are highly unlikely, though not without interest.

Also 2 of the 3 main actors are quite good, the other just adequate. With some tweaking, could be much better.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a story with characters that feel inplausible. Dialogue sounded as if written for reading rather than speaking. B-movie plot.

Don't see it if You want a well-crafted show that makes you feel something. The reveals throughout only made us squirm.

Also Unfortunately, the most interesting aspect of this production was the crochet afghan sitting on the couch. From the first scene onward, neither of the main characters’ arcs made sense.

The interactions between the leads never built the personal connection that one needs when such personal confessions and revelations are made later.

Scene transitions were uncomfortable and the sound cues were out of sync - starting before the dialogue preceding them ended!

Tina’s “backstory” scene needs to be cut entirely- the same idea could have been articulated in just a few sentences.

Plot points were thrown at us and never explored, which left us baffled.... Read more Read less

See it if if you're interested in an intense drama about a failed romance, involving violence & sex

Don't see it if you aren't interested in shows involving homosexuality, violence & rough sex

Also The show had good acting and a story which could have gone somewhere, but it ended quite abruptly. Thus, I found the show, Lame Ducks, a bit lame!... Read more Read less

See it if Intense dramatic performances in a tightly written piece dealing with a topic not always presented on stage.

Don't see it if You are put off by violent themes and simulated sexual assault.

See it if If You Like "SHORT STORIES/PLAYS" That Are 'REALLY, REALLY EXCELLENT." The "ENTIRE CAST/EXCELLENT"..

Don't see it if If You Don't Like Short Stories/Plays

See it if You're a fan of dark, sadistic subject matter. Like unique themes that push boundaries.

Don't see it if You are not into sadistic behavior, verbal abuse, strong language.

Also The play was unique for a festival. You don't get to see many shows of this caliber on stage. Especially themes of S & M, and twisted characters. I thought the play was unpredictable, and the characters were all looking for acceptance basically.... Read more Read less

See it if you like to be on the edge of your seat. Interesting characters and situations in this psychological drama--humor softens the intensity.

Don't see it if you are not willing to see a drama that is intense and touches on issues like abuse and S & M.