Mom! WTF!

Carol opens with a question that hits immediately: “Are we born crazy or does life make you crazy?” It is a strong line, and for a moment, it feels like the show is about to lock into a clear thematic path. She launches into a reflection on motherhood, describing it as “like skydiving,” a plunge from chaos into calm and then back again. That same pattern defines the entire piece. Moments of clarity emerge, then dissolve into disorder.

The central issue is execution. Carol forgets lines throughout the performance and repeatedly turns to her script. While the broad intention is still visible, the constant breaks in momentum drain the material of emotional weight. Instead of a story about independence and womanhood unfolding with purpose, we are watching an artist search for her place inside her own narrative.

There are sparks of something compelling. The reference to an English woman from 1867 hints at a richer historical spine. The quick shifts between humor and disgust suggest a tonal ambition that could work with a tighter structure. The song about women’s equality points to the crux of the piece and raises a real question about how long women have endured inequity. But these elements never fully connect. The show jumps from idea to idea without guiding the audience toward a clear point.

Using a script on stage can work when it is a deliberate choice. Here, it feels like a crutch, and it becomes hard to stay oriented. The chaos mirrors the themes Carol wants to address, but the result is a performance that spreads itself too thin rather than revealing something new.

A promising concept that needs focus, confidence, and a firmer hand on its own storytelling.

Mom! WTF!

Performed on October 14

at The 19th Annual United Solo Theatre Festival

October 14 through November 23, 2025

Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, NYC)