Sucks To be A Grownup is a one-woman show that feels like a combination of a stand up comedy set and advice from your worldly aunt that you definitely needed after college. CJ, the writer and producer, shares her thoughts on the differences between being an “adult” and a being a “grownup.”
CJ talks about several “teachable moments.” She dishes out some wisdom followed by an anecdote about the silly and interesting ways she learned those lessons.
CJ spends some time on musings, but most of the show talks about what she experienced in her travels, like her trip to Cambodia which entails meeting a tour guide who disturbs the peace and a very serious conversation with a monkey about his health.
You don’t have to be a foreign traveler to appreciate how she learned “life’s not fair,” “learn to roll with it,” and the worst possible outcome of stepping on the back of someone’s shoes.
CJ paints a vivid picture of each of her experiences and does her best to transport you there. She describes the sights, sounds and people around her. She is very friendly and takes the time to make eye contact with each audience member. She asks them questions and responds to their jokes. Together with the couches and dining room table chairs for seating, Sucks to be A Grownup feels very personal and CJ is very personable.. The whole show feels like your aunt reminiscing about her world travels while you sit in her living room.
Most of CJ’s stories are interesting, but there are parts where her ramblings lost my attention. There is an elevator metaphor that doesn’t quite land. She makes several observations about life which are interesting, but would be more fulfilling if there was advice attached to it like the rest of the show.
As CJ says at the top of the show, If you want a wonderful narrative with a great ending, “this is not your show.” But, if you want good advice and good storytelling, then this is definitely up your alley. In the end, she accomplishes what she set out do: share her stories in the hopes that you can gain as much from it as she did. Becoming an adult happens with age, but becoming a grownup can be a lot harder.
PS: The couches are very comfortable, but only in the front row, so get there early if you want the best seat in the house.
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Sucks To Be Grownup was written and performed by CJ. Presented at Capital Fringe Festival 2018 . Reviewed by Alexis Arnold.
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