Part of FringeNYC: A former schoolyard bully and his 'favorite' victim each find their own personal hell as college roommates in "a cross between Albee's devastating 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' and the curious character dynamics of 'The Big Bang Theory.'" -examiner.com
... Read moreCategories: Drama, Comedy, Local. From Forget Me Not Productions. Written by Thomas Tafero. Directed by Cailin Kless.
FROM THE ARTIST:
Alex and Greg both claim to have put their school days behind them and are now “best friends”— but throughout an evening with Alex’s new girlfriend Cindy, their dark past begins to bubble up and unravel the world’s most dysfunctional “bromance.”
Liars and Lovers was playwright Thomas Tafero's first full length show. He premiered on Long Island to positive feedback and always hoped to share it with a wider audience in New York City. Unfortunately, a diagnosis with cancer and subsequent treatments put the project on hold. Three years after his passing, the Forget Me Not Productions team is honored to be making Thomas's dream a reality through FringeNYC.
"I went by the blurb, which announced a cross between 'Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' and 'The Big Bang Theory.' As it turned out, Thomas Tafero’s heavy-handed, poorly acted tale of college frenemies bears as much resemblance to those two shows as a radish does to a bicycle". Full Review
"It's undeniable that this text is rough around the edges and would benefit from edits to address the occasional homophobia and sexism. Particularly, Cindy’s character rarely wavers from the stereotypical female trope. That being said, Abar does succeed in adding a mix of coolness and quirk to humanize the unforgiving character. If the thought of bringing people together through theatre makes you happy, go see this play to experience its late playwright’s community." Full Review
"In a change-around the likes I have never experienced, everything improved by leaps and bounds after intermission. It was as if magic happened…A sloppy, choppy first half with unrealized potential that seemed like three people sniping at each other, replete with inconsistency, became a psychological thriller that brought us to the edge of those seats my companion and I would have deserted." Full Review
for a previous production "An unapologetic, three-character play, with biting dialog, just enough humor, and streamlined pacing and tension...Tafero brings us a scathing and insightful look into relationships, and in a daring premiere work, he nails every aspect. He has a wonderful way with words, and it never falters, whether it is casual conversation or heady, intellectual dialogue that doesn't get bogged down in pedantic drivel. He utilizes other theatrical techniques impeccably." Full Review
See it if You remember your high school and college days
Don't see it if you are turned off by dark subject matter
See it if you are interested in the dynamics of bullying throughout your life- work, relationships, family
Don't see it if don't like a show with only 3 performers and little scenery energy.
See it if You like good drama in a small theater.
Don't see it if You're just looking for some light entertainment.
See it if You like thoughtful, intelligent theater with an edge. Beautifully written, well-acted, wonderfully directed--a true playwright discovery!
Don't see it if ..can't think of a reason
See it if You like psychological plays and strong actors.
Don't see it if Actually everyone should see this play. Worth the time and you'll think abou it for days.
See it if You like a show that has a plot that bends your expectations.
Don't see it if You aren't comfortable with violence/sex. You prefer stories that have a lighter story line.
See it if This is absolutely a must see and the cast is phenomenal. If you like drama-comedies with a bit of a dark twist this play is for you.
Don't see it if you are bringing children or sexual content/vulgarity makes you uncomfortable.
See it if An intense "post mortem" exam of a bully-nerd relationship after the players are all grown up and "past all that." But is the ax buried?
Don't see it if Don't see if intense psycho-drama is traumatic for you.