Church & State

I saw it last night. I really, really wanted to like this show (I'm definitely a member of the choir it's preaching to), but... I didn't. Even at 70 minutes, it seemed too repetitive to me, and (trying to avoid a spoiler here) I thought the decision to include the lines at the end was a mistake. However! I'm pretty sure I'm in a minority of one here. Last night's audience appeared to be sold out, it was extremely enthusiastic, and it quickly got to its collective feet at the end. (And the fine acting deserved praise.) But if you prefer plays to be more on the subtle or nuanced side... I didn't find this to be that. (I have to also say that in this political climate, I found the whole premise implausible, but that's the political climate's fault, not the playwright's. A person can dream!)

I thought this was a very bold piece, not so much for what it is saying but for how it is doing so. Its stylistic shift is a risk that pays off with unexpected results. Well staged and played, too. I have no idea how it will go over with critics, but I am glad I got to see it.