How do adult siblings recover from the manipulation of their bitterly divorced parents? This brother and sister lead disparate lives. Their longing for connection is disrupted by misplaced blame and bitterness. Their initial interactions are cagey and defensive. Through a series of difficult reveals their walls come down and we are left with the hope that they can start anew. These characters are brilliantly illuminated by the honesty of Heyman's dialogue and perspective.

This is a messy, tension-filled, but ultimately heartwarming little play about two former step-siblings and the broken adults who chose to be right rather than allow their kids to be happy. It's loaded with tiny reveals that evoke that fantastic 'surprising but inevitable' feeling that everyone loves in a play. The action of the play is vulnerability, and I loved watching each character slowly but surely reveal their deepest wounds. Because of this intimacy, this would be easily staged anywhere!

Family dynamics are always interesting because they can be complex - even more so when there is a blended family involved. Ratchet this natural tension up a little with divorce and forced separation (following years of forced cohabitating) and you have Sam Heyman's The Divorce Reunion. Well-crafted with reveals at just the right time, this short is certain to please audiences. Heartfelt and honestly-portrayed characters drive the narrative. Wonderful.