"A delightful and authentic coming-of-age story…Miskell was positively splendid as the ADHD suffering Ty...Nadia uses her newfound sexuality to conquer her long-time crush, their childhood babysitter, resulting in damaging perceptions of what relationships should look like. The play progresses to explore this theme in great depth with mostly entertaining results...The story does feel too repetitive and could probably be edited down. Still, Phoebus’ hard work and thoughtfulness is evident."
Read more
"This coming-of-age story is accessible and universal. But by the second act, Phoebus explores a new style that does not even come close to being as successful as her poignant first act…Despite the drastic contrast of the script, 'Kiss It, Make It Better' featured visionary direction...'If Kiss It, Make It Better' ended after Act I, it would be triumphant. But Act II ruined the strong momentum. And it’s a shame because Theatre 4the People almost had a smash on their hands. So close yet so far."
Read more
"Raw and poetic, the play falls upon you as a tsunami of engrossing pain, untamed passion, and tenderness that is confused with cruelty...The daring lighting design and projections complemented the play very well and managed to not take away from the actors, who delivered performances that gave me goosebumps at times. Sometimes the text loops for longer than needed but, ultimately, Erika Phoebus did a great job evoking the memory of the dirt and poetry of teenage years."
Read more
"Like the awkward adolescents at its center, the script sometimes struggles when attempting to tackle large emotional beats. Thematic ideas fall like anvils, weighing down the action and stretching out the running time to two hours...The rapport between Phoebus and Miskell ultimately grounds the play. The actors have an easy, intimate chemistry...It’s hard not to be moved by the tragedy of these drowning teens clinging to each other, unable to keep from dragging themselves further down."
Read more