ReviewPlays.com

"Coke-Free J.A.P."

Reviewed by Elizabeth Lopez

Directed by Craig Carlisle, this is a story about a young, neurotic, 22-year old woman named Sage Saperstein, written and performed by Fielding Edlow, a curly top beauty who has spent the last nine years of her life drinking herself to a bloody stupor, taking drugs and having sex with multiple partners in order to feel loved instead of perpetually lonely. For years she’s lived a life that’s left her empty and disillusioned.

As a promiscuous teenager, she experienced life intoxicated by either drugs or alcohol, not to mention going through men like a fat man goes through cheeseburgers.

Now, out of rehab and ready to jump into New York’s dating scene, .all of that is behind her.

Unsure of what her new life should be, Sage, who is also extremely bright and self-analytical, trades her addictions of the past for a taste of the real world. The question now is, will she have the stomach to deal with life’s challenges? Will she have the courage to break away from her old life in order to start a new one? You have to see this show to find out.

Coke-Free J.A.P. is a one-woman play full of hilarious moments and shocking dialogue that will make you laugh-out-loud. You will be unable to keep your eyes off this woman- Edlow is terrific as a woman on the verge of an emotional explosion. She begins with a frenzied monologue, distraught as she is trying to find the right outfit in order to make ‘the right impression’ to a man she’s never met. She desperately tries to figure out what the ‘right behavior and attitude’ will land her the man of her dreams, while admitting at being clueless about men in the past. If only she could stop thinking about taking a drink or getting high to pass the moment of terror. Her date doesn’t have a clue that Sage has been out of rehab for 92-days and that she’s fighting her inner demons-and boy does she have demons! She can turn into a monster in a split second! She’s like Linda Blair with Shirely Temple’s hair and Barbara Steisand’s personality. This is one princess you don’t want to mess with.

Fielding Edlow is absolutely wonderful as the nutty, zany Sage, a woman on the verge of going over the edge, scared out of her wits, but determined to win her life back. Her struggle is both hilarious and touching as she fights to win her self-respect, and a boyfriend. Edlow really delivers in a terrific performance. I highly recommend this play for adult audiences.