Recently, I was given the opportunity to check out the Audible Performance of All the Ways to Say I Love You by Neil LaBute and performed by Judith Light. As soon as I saw the name, Judith Light, I knew I was in.

All the Ways to Say I Love You by Neil LaBute, directed by Leigh Silverman, is a thoughtful, psychological solo play centered around the character Faye Johnson, performed by multiaward-winning actress Judith Light (Transparent, American Crime Story, Who’s the Boss?). Reflecting on an event from her past, Johnson confronts the defining question of her life: What is the weight of a lie?

All the Ways to Say I Love You received its world premiere production at the MCC Theater in September of 2016. MCC is under the leadership of artistic directors Robert Lupone, Bernard Telsey, William Cantler, and executive director Blake West.

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So did it live up to my expectations? Well, it was quite a performance, I’ll tell you that! I haven’t listened to a monologue in awhile, so that in itself was refreshing. And the monologue itself, the writing was superb. The story was compelling as it explored the things people do to stay in relationships because of security and comfort and fear vs. love. But the performance? The performance was actually not my favorite and trust me, I’m as shocked as you are.

The problem for me is that it felt like a performance, I could tell the emotion was manufactured. It simply didn’t feel organic all the way through and that imbalance between being completely immersed in the monologue and wondering where the heart was is what got me. I suppose I’d be more moved if I had seen this as a play when it ran in New York? I hope so. But it shouldn’t have to be that way. There should be no emotional disconnect brought upon feeling like I can see the puppeteer pulling the strings on stage. That’s distracting. Judith Light is a Tony winner but sometimes, things just fall flat.

So. Would I recommend this to someone who isn’t a Judith Light or drama fan? I can’t say that this would be something I’d rave about outside of those circles. But if you’re in those circles, definitely give it a listen because I want to know what you think.

The monologue itself is about 45 minutes long and the rest of the running time of the Audible Original consists of an interview between Judith Light and the director, Leigh Silverman as Leigh talks to Judith about her iconic television and theatre career. I very much enjoyed the interview. I don’t even have to tell you to stick around for that. The next time you have an hour and 42 minutes to spare, give All the Ways to Say I Love You a listen!

You can purchase or listen to a sample of All the Ways to Say I Love You on Audible now.