Unboxed

I haven't sat down to just read a play in years. It is a very different format requiring a lot more imagination from the reader as stage directions and dialogue are typically used as maps to bring plots to life by actors and crew members. I wondered how well Unboxed by Briana Morgan would hold up by simply reading the play and not having a chance to see it.

The premise is that Greg, who is a vlogger, receives a mysterious box in the mail while he is trying to increase his social media following and while he is having a heated argument with his girlfriend.

 Trying to gain social media followers being an integral part of a plot that is written for the stage is a really risky move. Theater has to be focused on outward actions while something that is written for the page can have more of an internal confluct.However, there were plenty of actions that could be choreographed on stage that made it satisfactory. Plot points such as the sound of a gun and the collar of a pet that could make this a really creepy play to watch if executed well. The tension between the two main characters having a huge couple fight made for excellent dialogue.

Since these components were so well done I would love to see a production of it. Too bad COVID 19 would slow down any plans for this in the bear future. It would make for an excellent spooky fall production. But since it has a solid plot it makes for an entertaining read in the meantime.

Thanks to Briana Morgan for this advanced readers copy.

I am also publishing this review on Goodreads