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Can't Live Without You by Philip Middleton Williams

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  • Jan Probst:
    28 Jun. 2022
    “ An entertaining and beautifully crafted play. With the sharp, precise dialogue we have come to expect from Williams, and a character who literally leaps off the page, this intriguing story comes to life. An unpredictable romantic comedy that packs lots of laughs, Can't Live Without You is right on target for anyone who has ever wondered what happened to their big dream. ”
  • Donald E. Baker:
    12 Apr. 2022
    “ What more could you want? One set, small cast, well-rounded characters, engaging story, all put together by Williams’s sure hand. Donny, a writer of bodice-ripping romances, has always allowed other people—his girlfriend, his agent—to make major life decisions for him. Now Bobby, a character from Donny’s never-completed work of serious fiction, manifests himself, demanding all of Donny’s attention. But working on Bobby's novel would require Donny to make radical changes in his relationships and income. Reality and inspiration collide in this excellent work. ”
  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend:
    10 Jun. 2021
    “ What a terrific play! "Can't Live Without You" finds Donny, a writer of successful if uninspiring romance novels, working to meet his deadline when Bobby, the protagonist of his unfinished Great American Novel, shows up and makes him take a long, hard look at his life. The characters are rich and layered, the dialogue is engaging, and I love all the the little theatrical moments, especially the scene in which two of Donny's characters appear, interact, rewind, and start again as Donny writes and deletes, writes and deletes. Then Bobby starts interrogating them, and it's pretty much perfect. So good! ”
  • Maximillian Gill:
    27 Mar. 2020
    “ This portrait of a writer at a crisis point mostly of his own making is hilarious and gripping. Williams perfectly captures the breezy, sun-soaked atmosphere of a setting that fails to soothe a cast of characters who are all discontented in their own specific ways. The use of a character in the protagonist's head is a bold stroke that really works here; it adds dimension to the protagonist's journey even as it brings in another comic touch. This writer's work never fails to impress in every way. ”
  • Chris Gacinski:
    22 Mar. 2020
    “ For those who are not familiar with the writing of the immeasurably talented Philip Middleton Williams, “Can’t Live Without You” is a great first piece. This piece is relatable, and discusses the importance of authenticity and creativity. I’m sure we’ve all envisioned our characters in some capacity, but Philip takes it to the next level in his pristine writing style. A must-read for today’s writer. ”
  • Doug DeVita:
    15 Sep. 2019
    “ High concept, low-comedy, sophisticated wit, and hilarious farce are mixed expertly in Philip Middleton William's smart romantic comedy "Can't Live Without You." Serious life choices are questioned, but not given short shrift as the play bubbles along like a cocktail that reveals deeper layers of flavor with each sip, and in the end packs quite a satisfying punch. ”
  • Rand Higbee:
    11 May. 2019
    “ You are familiar with the conceit: A writer is confronted by one of his own characters. But playwright Philip Middleton Williams takes this conceit and runs with it in directions you aren't expecting, exploring relationships and life choices and so much more. Wise and witty, give this one a read. ”
  • Kenneth N. Kurtz:
    14 Apr. 2019
    “ I loved directing the first reading of this fine play, but loved even more seeing its first full production at Boca Raton's Willow Theatre. I have that happy feeling that I will soon be able to see it on many more stages. ”
  • Julie Zaffarano:
    29 Dec. 2018
    “ A resonating and compelling play where writer Donny realizes that he has slowly and steadily lost his true self to live a pleasant, but not authentic, life. As he is confronted by himself in the form of a character he created in an unfinished novel, he is also confronted by his partner to make a life choice that would completely close off the path back to his former self. No matter which path Donny chooses, hurt, pain and loss is inevitable. ”
  • Paul Donnelly:
    14 Dec. 2018
    “ A surprisingly complex, while still richly comic exploration of the ways the stories we tell about our lives and tell ourselves about our lives shape those lives. The play looks carefully at the need to be true to one's artistic vision while also being honest about the cost that has for others in our lives. There are comic heights in the depiction of the writing process and, perhaps most compellingly, there are issues and aspects of character left unresolved. ”

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