I'm very particular about parenting plays and this one gets it. It's real, complex, hilarious, specific, so very relatable and inquisitive. Hallie Palladino gets underneath what's at the heart of struggles for parents and friendships. There's no re-packaging old stereotypes here, but unearthing truths and searching for catharsis. The Cleanup is a wonderful ride of a play with huge stakes, delicious relationships, beautiful metaphor and imagery and a satisfying catharsis.

*maybe spoilers*

I saw this live in Chicago and thought it was extraordinary. It showed how people in groups relate to each other in a really realistic way--it captured something true to me that I haven't seen on stage--then took a turn I wasn't expecting and which has really provoked me. I'm also dazzled by how it took a low key circumstance and found depth and insight.

Smart. Suspense. Surprising. Proximity Play is all those things. BUT ALSO, I feel like when staged, so many parents will watch and feel like, AT LAST SOMEONE UNDERSTANDS MY CHALLENGES. I think this play will make a lot of people feel good--and yes, that's despite or along with the pain we feel for what some of the characters experience. It will make the audience feel loved and understood, which is one of the most awesome things a play can do, in my opinion.