This is genius in the making. It’s fairly impossible to tell you about it without messing up the comedy but… it isn’t just stand-up. I waffled about whether to write a review at all because honestly I think it would be better to just go in completely cold. But I think some people who are sensitive to comedy might need to see this. So here’s my mini-review:

The first 30 minutes are good comedy. Then she drops a bombshell. Then some more comedy but mixed with Bill Hicks-style commentary. And it’s good, very good. She eases your way into the final moments. The end is powerful. The part directed at men is wonderful, though I’d like to hear a man’s review of how that worked for them. I did cry during some parts, as I had been warned. Overall, the more I think about it, the more masterful the whole piece is. I thought sometimes her pacing was off – some of went so quick I didn’t have time to react, but really that’s part of her power as a performer. She does a slow, gentle setup so by the time you get to the heart-rending parts, you can feel right along with her, instead of feeling awkward or strained. And she’s right; comedy is all about tension and release. She’s amazing at it. It might not seem so at first, but it will leave you with a lot to think about. I may want to watch it a few more times.