Chelsea Lake Roberts

As the ship is sinking, everything on stage is suspended for a moment. Then comes Patel’s terrifyingly hard work of staying above the water. This story, in this time, in our place at the Wharton Center, is an opportunity to process together, to experience another perspective and reflect on our own. It is a chance to remind ourselves that smart, beautiful pieces of art are something that makes life worth living and fighting for, ferociously.

The entire evening was a celebration of her voice — the power, control and range she brought to the songs, as well as her speaking voice, including the memorable and hilarious things her character said. Frankly, I was overcome by the power of McCrimmon’s cords. She stood on stage for more than two hours and delivered, again and again, one of the most incredible vocal performances I’ve ever heard. I can safely say I was awestruck, and I remain starstruck. And that was only night one.