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A Good Year by Philip Middleton Williams

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Recommendations

Recommendations

  • Ricardo Soltero-Brown:
    30 Nov. 2023
    “ Marc finds himself in some tense tête-à-têtes! Remarkable how Philip Middleton Williams draws his characters so completely, it's like reading the work of Edward Albee or Sam Shepard. There are wonderful tiny moments in the script, so precise, that it'd be remiss to dismiss them as director, designer, or actor. PMW has written a roadmap for a funny, vulnerable play about power dynamics, aging, honesty, and the implications of teaching: what does it mean to teach, what is its true purpose as one's purpose, and just who the hell is on the receiving end of the lesson? ”
  • Morey Norkin:
    11 Oct. 2023
    “ One of Philip Middleton Williams’s best, which is saying something! By the end of the first scene, the potential conflicts are clearly outlined, but by then you’re hooked and anxious to learn the details. The power dynamics at an upscale private school raise serious ethical questions for first-year teacher, Marc. And then there are his lingering feelings for a recent ex. It all plays out in great dramatic fashion. I always feel a little wiser after reading a Philip Middleton Williams play. Read and learn. ”
  • Sam Heyman:
    5 Oct. 2023
    “ Philip Middleton Williams has a remarkable knack for taking what could be a pulpy, melodramatic premise and imbuing it with just the right combination of humanity, humor, and heart. “A Good Year” bounces between every gay teacher’s nightmare and every gay man’s wet dream, but along the way, Williams demonstrates his well honed gifts at writing relationships, both between new acquaintances and former lovers. There’s a lot to admire in Williams’ characters as well, as each of the four roles gives their respective actor great material to work with. Excellent! ”
  • Darrin Friedman:
    15 Aug. 2023
    “ As is typical for Philip, he gets right to the point with "A Good Year." He is unafraid to go there and make people see not only the vulnerabilities in his characters but the complications that hit them in the face so unforgivingly. If you are looking for a piece representing his work as a whole, this is one to look at. It's powerful, engaging, and of course, well-written. I highly recommend it. ”
  • Donald E. Baker:
    16 May. 2023
    “ Fleeing to a new job across the country after the dissolution of his long-term relationship, Marc is vulnerable to being manipulated into situations that threaten his job and his reputation. By the end of the play, lessons are learned, a villain escapes unscathed, a student finds his footing as an independent adult, and Marc finds that after adversity there is hope for future happiness. As a character, Marc is flawed but sympathetic. Another excellent, engaging work by Philip Middleton Williams. ”
  • Rand Higbee:
    4 May. 2023
    “ Philip Middleton Williams has his own unique and highly effective style and it is on full display in "A Good Year." A young teacher lands his dream job but finds that it comes with a challenge or two. Or three. When trouble rears its head does he do the right thing or the convenient thing? Can he look the other way for a friend, or would that violate his own ethical standards? All this in the midst of a love triangle (or is it a love quadrangle?) he finds himself in. A fine piece by Mr. Williams. ”
  • Jack Levine:
    26 Aug. 2022
    “ PHILIP MIDDLETON WILLIAMS’ “A Good Year”, is a wonderful play and is highly recommended. I really enjoyed the love of teaching imbued by Marc, as he did what most teachers do: value their students, give all they can to encourage their students, and expect nothing less than the best from their students. The challenges of working in Marc’s “dream job” were more than he might have expected. Marc’s integrity, love of teaching, and his high moral standards were tested. There is much to like in this gem by a very talented playwright. ”
  • Ryan Kaminski:
    7 Feb. 2022
    “ As someone who is studying to become a teacher, I am always intrigued by stories featuring teachers and stories set in a school and Philip Middleton Williams did not disappoint with his compelling drama. The dialogue is witty and engaging, the premise is gripping, and the character interactions put you on the edge of your seat. I loved the twists and turns as well as the love triangles that Philip sets up so well. Compelling and well done! ”
  • Joe Swenson:
    31 Jan. 2022
    “ Philip Middleton Williams has once again proven that he is a master at dialogue story telling. This time through the eyes and interactions of Marc Griffen. The teacher is the student metaphor fits perfectly in a year in his life. This is different than his previous shows as tension and release ebb and flow throughout to give a true "A year in the life" type story. The word that keeps coming up for me is authentic. A Good Year is an authentic look into fictional characters. ”
  • Daniel Prillaman:
    21 Dec. 2021
    “ We experience growth every day, but there are weightier moments, moments we can point to, where the things we encounter instill a resolve in us. These tests remind us not only of the people we are, but the people we hope to be. "A Good Year" is an unflinching example of what remaining true to your morals (whatever they may be) can cost. Money, friendship, dreams, in some cases...everything. But that resolve is something that never goes away. And that matters. Williams has a powerhouse piece of writing on his hands, and I eagerly await where it may go. ”

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