An automated radio station in Iowa represents the deadest of ends for Chris Wood and Loralie Kent. Then one Saturday, they wait for the arrival of Mitch Maclay. In this surprising one-act play, Craig Bailey covers a lot of emotional ground. Chris and Loralie argue, order take out, and fly paper airplanes, but as the shadows lengthen, past sorrows make way for hope, and Chris and Loralie discover how to set their lives in motion. Moving and unpredictable, “Mitch Maclay Sings Just for You” offers great roles and powerful monologues. Suitable for high school programs. Highly recommended.

I love plays that commit to a very specific moment in time and capture the transition from one way of doing things to another. Bailey's piece is so detailed and real in its depiction of this time of change in the radio business that it feels written by someone who was in the industry and watched it all happen. The interaction between the two characters stays fresh and engaging, and the dialogue is consistently witty. Anyone who remembers radio as it used to be will appreciate the nostalgia without feeling trapped in it.

This play was read at our Zoom script reading night. It was unseen by the readers. The play was most enjoyable and for a two hander in a static situation managed to maintain interest throughout. The characters are believable. I have to admit that there were a few things our group did not follow but I'm certain American audiences would. That in no way detracted from it. Congratulations to Craig Bailey