I don’t like writing at length about shows that weren’t my cup of tea. (It makes me feel mean.) I really love finding the good in small shows but I found this very questionable as a festival selection.

I actually thought The Last Piece had kind of a neat premise: a divorced couple is brought back together by an early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis and hash out their memories together as he begins to forget. Laurel Sharakan, who plays the lead, Amara, has a really standout voice.

The writing just doesn’t work. This comes from the mind of writer Shreya Jha (book, music, lyrics), who is a moonlighting medical student, and it’s just—ugh. Syrupy. Jargon-y. They do not speak like people. The songs are very weak. I’m sure she’ll make an excellent physician. A lot of people leaving this one at intermission.