In the Company of Sinners and Saints did not provide me with the experience I was expecting.
Yet, truth be told - I wasn't exactly sure what I was expecting. The idea of a play dealing with the dangers of the internet and social networks does seem like an interesting idea, but could it work? Debating wether or not it could, I decided the best approach was to decenter myself from my thoughts and focus primarily on what the play had to offer.
It is important to note that the play is still in the stages of development. It is still a work in progress. The following words I write are meant to be constructive (not destructive) criticisms to this fledging play. I will focus on larger picture issues with the play rather than nitpick away with pointless criticism.
The first thing I noticed was that the play borrowed a plot tool used by the successful CW show, "Gossip Girl," the idea of a gossip blog playing an increasingly important role in the key character's lives. Was this intentional or unintentional? I'm not sure. Perhaps the writer, Monica Michell knew this connection could increase interest in the audience while providing a strong backbone for the tone of the play. Yet, the use of the "Sinners and Saints" blog in the play seems to have faired unfavorably with many I questioned about the play. Some felt the blog aspect was sort of bolted on to play already dealing with a large topic. I too felt the blog added more weight to the play and perhaps could have been handled in "lighter" fashion. Also of note, I found the revelation of who the author of the blog was to be quite predictable.
Along the same lines as the blog plot point, is the use of purgatory in the play. My own bias against the whole "Five People You Meet in Heaven" story arch might explain why I didn't enjoy this part of the play - but it is hard to ignore the fact that this idea has been used many times (especially the 8os) in pop culture, and seems stale. This of course is personal opinion, and I have spoken with many who disagree with me. Yet I do feel it is a fair request that perhaps an even "fresher" approach to this part of the play be explored. I feel the play would highly benefit.
I found the music for the play to be very well written, yet I can't help but agree with many peers who thought the use of it became far too distracting. The main song, although good does not seem to lend itself to repeat play. Perhaps the music could be played less and thus providing deeper and longer lasting emotional connections with the audience when it is played.
Some of the blog posts i've read have also mentioned the problem of length in certain parts of the play. Sitting in the audience, I have to agree. It was hard to ignore the chit chat and bored looking faces during longer parts of the play. It's not that the audience was rude, many of them returned back to the play with full attention once the play picked up again, it's that the length of certain scenes just dragged for far too long. The intro car scene did not need to be as lengthy as it was.
A classic warning story the play did have large portions that were perhaps better suited for a PSA . This is what hurt the play the most. Of course in any story that pushes awareness there has to be some aspect of PSA , even soapbox, but the play relied too heavily on this. The story is strong enough to stand on its own. There really is no need for the video guy (including his rap sheet), the accident, much less the coma. The stories between the two friends, the mother and her daughter, and the main character and the employer are enough to support the play. More importantly these parts of the play are also the most relatable for the audience. If these parts of the story were focused on more it would prove much more successful for the play.
Even if I didn't quite enjoy the play, I still think it was a valiant effort. Please note that a play dealing with such important issues is very important. Thus this play will be and is important. Certain aspects are still requiring tweaks and tuning, but the basic idea is loud and clear. And everyone can agree that's a good thing.
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