HOW TO SWALLOW A VOLCANO
Written & Performed by Anne McDermott
Developed with Matt Hoverman
Directed by Pedraic Lillis
Presented by The Midtown International Theater Festival
Anne McDermott’s HOW TO SWALLOW A VOLCANO is a reflective journal type of solo show written and performed by Ms. McDermott. She recounts her experiences in looking for love, acceptance, and professional success in her amply timed one-hour solo show.
Set in present time, Ms. McDermott chronicles her progress, as well as numerous setbacks, in her life as she struggles to find her way through her tenuous relationships. With the help of a therapist, Pamela, she attempts to do just that.
The whole situation was set in motion twenty years ago when her best friend got engaged. Nearing her mid-thirties, Anne decides that she needs help with her love life. At the weekly sessions with Pamela, her life’s choices unfold and are in need of being addressed. Week by week, their time together becomes more precious to Anne.
Keeping her audience “in the know” with the various people who have entered and exited her life, Ms. McDermott showcases her talent as she charmingly impersonates them. Her creative imagination is apparent and it works well for the telling of her story.
One item of note is that Ms. McDermott might consider increasing her volume while speaking as herself. Those crucial moments when she moves from one episode to the next. I was on the 3rd row and strained to hear what she was saying a number of times in the show. When expressing strong emotions, her volume was fine.
HOW TO SWALLOW A VOLCANO is one of thirty-six shows at this year’s Midtown International Theater Festival. The festival runs through July 26.
HAPPY FACE MINUS
RUN TIME: 60 minutes
CLOSED
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