May 4, 2024

“The Princess Strikes Back: One Women’s Search for the Space Cowboy of her Dreams”

Recommended *** The title of Victoria Montalbano’s solo show, “The Princess Strikes Back: One Woman’s Search for the Space Cowboy of her Dreams” is perhaps as long as the actual show. The show, a premiere is in reality more of a stand-up comedy “set”, than a play or show. I had anticipated that this show being associated with Rivendell Theatre ( a wonderful company that is operated by women with plays for and about women), would be a true play, but found as I watched it, that is was in fact more of a comic doing her thing. She is funny and the story is cute.

As a thirteen year old, with the film” Star Wars”, she was introduced to the man of her dreams. Han Solo! I am sure that many teen age girls were in that same mode. Was it the character or the way that he was played ? During this monologue, we watch Victoria grow up and learn a great deal about her life, her romances ( or lack of), her love for life and her thirst for the love of one “Han Solo”!

She is highly energetic, for sure and often moves faster than the camera can catch, leaving us lacking in sharing every facial gesture. She has a great face for close-ups and these looks are a bit awkward at times due to some poor camera work. To be hones, the night I was scheduled to watch the stream, something happened, so I watched the show on my phne in Michigan this morning thru the magic of Computer Technology and You Tube.

On a small screen much was lost, but perhaps I will re-watch on a larger screen later.

I love her face and her delivery . I also love her way of revealing herself and her cute way of describing her life. Her use of pie in describing her sexual experiences is delightful and her uncanny way of describing her arch enemy ( Princess Leah) is powerful and come t think of it, actual!

We get to watch a teen grow into a professional out of work actress all the while searching for this love in a galaxy far far away.

$15 was the price to have this comic in your home to tell her powerful story- check on u-tube and with www.rivendelltheatre.com