REVIEW: Quit While You’re Ahead

Alexx Rouse is one of my favorite young writers. She has a distinct voice, and seemingly doesn’t know how talented she is. I like that.

Alexx Rouse is one of my favorite young writers. She has a distinct voice, informed by her quirks and doubts and self-consciousness, and seemingly doesn’t know how talented she is. I like that about a person.

She’s written a new play, QUIT WHILE YOU’RE AHEAD, that I would have pegged as hers (if I didn’t already know) at about the two and a half minute mark. The show goes dark quick, but comedically. I was instantly intrigued.

This show is a “filmed play” and looks to have been shot on an actual stage somewhere. Trevor Browning plays “Jason,” Nick Riley is “Chad, and Rachel Kazee plays “Janie.” The acting is mostly strong, with a notably distracting performance up top. (It’s hard to calibrate subtlety in an empty space, I suppose.)

Director Brandon Leatherland directs the play as is written, with basic blocking and traditional theatricality. Thankfully there are multiple camera angles, which help the action from being too static. It held my attention. I’m excited to see more from this talented playwright, preferably in an actual theatre.

I miss theatres.

This year’s Cincinnati Fringe Festival is 100% online. Check out cincyfringe.com for all the details!