mckellstar's review against another edition
4.0
4/5
This was… bizarre. Not necessarily in a bad way, but in a “I don’t know how this makes me feel”, way. However, I do feel that Rapp is a talented writer who knows how to write some very interesting dialogue; I’m just not sure how I feel about this play as a whole.
I’ll need some more time to process before I can give a full review.
This was… bizarre. Not necessarily in a bad way, but in a “I don’t know how this makes me feel”, way. However, I do feel that Rapp is a talented writer who knows how to write some very interesting dialogue; I’m just not sure how I feel about this play as a whole.
I’ll need some more time to process before I can give a full review.
livrad's review against another edition
4.0
In this play, a Yale literature professor and college freshman banter about Dostoevsky, writing, and the current state of technology. From a writing standpoint, there are moments when the dialogue is a little obsessed with itself, pompous with what the voice of academia "should" sound like--all the while blurring lines of appropriate boundaries for a professor and realism for a student. It isn't a true look at an eighteen-year-old boy, but a theatrical view of what that boy *could be* like if written by a committee of slightly pretentious writers. Once you get over that lack of authenticity, you can enjoy the remaining art. The plot is tight, with great, consistent use of breaking the fourth wall. (The professor's relationship with the audience is more primary than that to the student.) The ending is also one that sneaks a punch, and I can only imagine the sense of "whoa" had I seen it on stage, instead of reading it on a page.
efabri123's review against another edition
3.0
Pleasantly surprised. I didn't realize it was a play when I purchased it but as a theater major those hold a special place in my heart. There were times I was a bit frustrated because there was more monologue (telling instead of showing) than necessary... Could have been more than a one act play but lives fine on its own. Loved the ending. Didn't see the twist coming.
capy's review against another edition
1.0
i thought pretentiousness was going to be what i didn't enjoy about the play but it's actually deeply unrealistic and predictable, hardhearted intimacy did not work in this one
lizflude's review
Woah. I dont think i liked reading it that much, there were moments that I really sang for me, but when it was done I was wowed. The way it rings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
lbernard1892's review against another edition
1.0
I dont .... If you like loud professor x student pairings then this is for you. Otherwise I don't recommend this.
laurengarcia439's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I need to go lie down
jeanniechambers's review against another edition
5.0
This reminded me a little of the Norman Rockwell self-portrait of the painter looking in a mirror as he paints, and it’s a repeated mirror image. This story seems to be a writer writing about a writer writing about a writer, albeit, the characters add layers making the story very interesting.
Loneliness. Face down in the snow. Art as life.
Loneliness. Face down in the snow. Art as life.
jacobjonk's review against another edition
4.0
The plot feels tightly woven some things I've read lately can be so eclectic in their ideas so it's nice to get a play that provides substance and strong ideas through the catalyst of a strong through line. I love the mystery it left me with on one specific point that I won't spoil. I loved how the story was told and I thought it was really good 4.5 stars
nerickson0518's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75