12.21.24 - Holidays can be the roughest time of year for split families. With so much hurt, resentment and confusion, any happy front gets pushed to the back. Young Charlie just wants something positive in his life, and he finds a way to get it, unsafe as it is. DC Cathro captures the anger between his parents, both blaming the other for this lapse in judgement, but he allows us to identify with them, and are relieved when they come to an agreement as to how to proceed. Uplifting and hopeful.

In a brief 10 minutes, DC Cathro delivers a truly moving story of two divorced parents and their six-year-old child and the difficulties coping with the split they each face. The initial image is frightening, and although reason eventually wins out over emotion, there is a sense that the road ahead for these three will not be smooth. A very different kind of holiday story, but an authentic one worthy of inclusion in any holiday themed festival or any time of year.

An incredibly creative, fast-paced show full of emotional and environmental tension. DC Cartho is a master at creating these scenes where the audience is a half-step behind the action, creating the illusion that what the audience is rooting for is going to happen, giving them a false sense of control. The touching ending between Polly and Ben, especially the both names part really hit me. Love, ultimately it’s about love!