I've seen Akron a few times now. To me, the treatment of the storyline from introduction to resolution is best described as dichotomous.
So, the first half - up to the hot tub scene during spring break - is a 9. The second, barely a 5.
Act I I love the openness of the two young men, loving, togetherness, the acceptance of their friends and Benny's parents. I particularly love the line by Benny's mom: "When did he become old enough to do the things he's not old enough to do?"
Then comes the devastating revelation. And the treatment of the story goes downhill in a hurry.
Act II The worst example of the above, among many others, is the argument between Benny and his dad. There are so many better challenges to be offered than: "For once, why can't I have what I want?"
The delay of confrontation between Benny and Christopher regarding the past occurs after they reach Ohio. That just squeezes the tension out of the plot. That should have happened in the bedroom right after the hot tub scene, and Benny should have driven back alone.
The rest of the story, the markup, the re-acceptance of the Cruz family after Christoper's mother's visit (the only high point in ActII), all becomes entirely illogical whether or not you agree with and like a "happy ending."
In conclusion, Akron could have been so very much better. It's a waste of a rather unique storyline that didn't get the writing prowess it deserved.
So, the first half - up to the hot tub scene during spring break - is a 9. The second, barely a 5.
Act I I love the openness of the two young men, loving, togetherness, the acceptance of their friends and Benny's parents. I particularly love the line by Benny's mom: "When did he become old enough to do the things he's not old enough to do?"
Then comes the devastating revelation. And the treatment of the story goes downhill in a hurry.
Act II The worst example of the above, among many others, is the argument between Benny and his dad. There are so many better challenges to be offered than: "For once, why can't I have what I want?"
The delay of confrontation between Benny and Christopher regarding the past occurs after they reach Ohio. That just squeezes the tension out of the plot. That should have happened in the bedroom right after the hot tub scene, and Benny should have driven back alone.
The rest of the story, the markup, the re-acceptance of the Cruz family after Christoper's mother's visit (the only high point in ActII), all becomes entirely illogical whether or not you agree with and like a "happy ending."
In conclusion, Akron could have been so very much better. It's a waste of a rather unique storyline that didn't get the writing prowess it deserved.