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THE CROSSWORD PLAY (or Ezmeranda's Gift) by Donna Hoke

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  • Paul Donnelly:
    16 Jul. 2022
    “ The fascinating art of constructing a crossword puzzle Is layered over with an absorbing personal narrative to give this piece both momentum and humor that builds to pathos. As the Puzzlemaker rethinks and revises entries the audience is forced to rethink the emotional cues that have been laid out before. This is a brilliantly structured and deeply compelling tour de force for a solo performer. ”
  • Sarah Tuft:
    16 Sep. 2021
    “ One actor. One set. One story you’ll never forget… THE CROSSWORD PLAY (OR EZMERANDA’S GIFT) is a master lesson in economical storytelling. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. This elegant, smart, layered, play is as carefully constructed as the crossword puzzle it features, and as dramatic as the love story it tells. Sure to be an audience favorite - produce this play! ”
  • Ed Friedman:
    11 Jun. 2021
    “ This is one of the most inventive, original, end engaging pieces I’ve seen in quite some time, with a wonderful performance from Ms. Martino. I’ve been burnt out with Zoom plays, but this was great. Did not see the end coming, but in retrospect Ms. Hoke deftly drops bread crumbs. I'm hoping this sees many live stagings.

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  • Nick Malakhow:
    12 May. 2021
    “ A really well-structured and tightly-written piece that is a perfect balance humor and pathos. The real-time creation of the crossword puzzle is a satisfying and surprisingly theatrical conceit, and the surprises and potent revelations feel both organic but not "out of left field" once they happen. On the contrary, they make you go back and reevaluate the earlier moments in the play and reveal storytelling that had been unfolding all along. ”
  • Margie Semilof:
    19 Feb. 2021
    “ Such a clever, witty and heartbreaking play all at once. I was grabbed immediately because I love crosswords (pen, holes in Sunday paper) and was so taken with the intelligence of weaving the character's story with the how-to-make-a-crossword lesson. It packs in a bunch. ”
  • Hilary Bluestein-Lyons:
    18 Feb. 2021
    “ Hoke tackled this one-person show with remarkable finesse! Throw away any pre-conceived ideas about what goes into making a crossword puzzle or what type of person creates crossword puzzles, because this play is so much more. Hoke expert juxtaposition of language, meaning, emotion, and relationships creates an intriguing backdrop for one woman's story. ”
  • Melinda Gros:
    17 Feb. 2021
    “ Terrific portrait of a talented woman coming apart then finding redemption set against the backdrop of crafting a crossword puzzle to win back a man she really shouldn't want. Heartbreaking and fun - ”
  • Connie Schindewolf:
    14 Feb. 2021
    “ I was hooked from the beginning even though I didn't think I'd be since I don't really care for crossword puzzles...it was about so much more. About losing in love but gaining in self respect. The main character is intricately created to be puzzling, humorous, empathetic, and down-right lovable. A beautiful story. ”
  • Tina Esper:
    13 Feb. 2021
    “ Clever, funny and heartbreaking, Esmeranda's Gift is an intricate puzzle that ingeniously unfolds to reveal the many complicated layers of love, obsession and ultimately, compassion. Bravo, Donna! ”
  • Marj O'Neill-Butler:
    12 Feb. 2021
    “ This is a tour de force piece of theatre. The character tells the story of her failed relationship while explaining the art of creating crossword puzzles. Clever and moving, with a twist at the end I didn't see coming. Great one hour production for any actor able to use both sides of her brain at the same time! ”

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