Mike F.

On stage, Marla is gasp-out-loud hilarious and also deeply solemn, shockingly bold and also emotionally vulnerable, pop-diva precise in her magnificent vocal stylings and also hear-a-pin-drop delicate in the right moments. She has a loose script but is truly in conversation with her audience, and it's a conversation that feels urgent, vital, and life-affirming.

And as someone who wasn't raised as a Christian, I learned a lot about Christian doctrine and history from Marla's monologues, in addition to the very specific context of fundamentalist family taboos, Bible college, purity rings, and of course lavender marriages. The show is both an emotional and an intellectual roller coaster that nevertheless leaves you feeling uplifted, seen, and hopeful.

Marla is headed to Edinburgh Fringe in just a few weeks to present this show on the world's most famous Fringe stage. Once you see it, you'll understand why.

Hallelujah!