Cheryl Bear:
24 Jan. 2021
“
An incredibly funny and authentic relationship between siblings from afar as they wittily communicate over our most common vehicle, text message. Well done! ”
Recommendations
Recommendations
- Stephanie Alison Walker:2 Dec. 2020“ The Burdens is so smart, so charming, so full of heart and so funny it makes you wish you had written it. But you didn't. Matt Schatz did and it shows. Because it's so smart, so charming, so full of heart so funny-- very on brand for Mr. Schatz. I absolutely adore this brother/sister relationship and love that they get their very own play that includes everything I mentioned above and also suspense! It made me laugh so hard I cried and also moved me to tears. ”
- Deb Hiett:23 Nov. 2020“ Oh man. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. This play is wonderfully written and paced, and provides each of the two amazing characters terrific arcs. The playwright really captures that ineffable sibling *thing* -- that connection that simultaneously drives a person insane and also feels like the best hug you've ever had in your life. There's a line in the last third of the play that also made me gasp with how lovely it was, how profound and meaningful. I just loved it, and think everyone will relate in some way. Cheers! ”
- Doug DeVita:14 Oct. 2019“ "The Burdens" is a wonderfully dark two-hander, nearly farce-like in its rhythms and premise. Schatz spins his tale of two murderous siblings with a sure sense of the comedic possibilities, and there are laugh out loud moments on every page. Easy to produce, two great roles, and sure-fire laughs make this a gem for production. ”
- Donna Hoke:9 Apr. 2019“ This play is a slice of life in the best possible way in that it reveals two ordinary siblings at their best, worst, most loving, and most hating. Two people who aren't trying to be funny, which only makes them all the more so. This is a two-hander, but it feels like a multi-character rich play. Bravo! ”
- Monica Cross:24 Mar. 2019“ This play is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. This play could be done literally anywhere: all you need is two actors (maybe two cell phones) and the script does all the rest! Full of emotion and lessons on life, this play takes the audience on an adventure as told through text messages. ”
- Jason Parrish:30 Jul. 2018“ This play is something special. Fresh, funny, irreverent, and incredibly twisted - this has something for everyone. I laughed on every page, and was delighted to include it in Florida Rep's 2018 PlayLab Festival. Its take on family in the 21st century when communication in an age of technology can be just as complicated and fulfilling as a living room drama. Matt has given us something wholly unique that will resonate with audiences all over the country and all over audience demographics for so many reasons. I cannot say enough good about his view into these characters' lives. ”
- Zoe Jovanovich:22 Jul. 2018“ Wow. This quickly became one of my favorite plays. I never thought I'd get to type the phrase "comedic thriller" ever in my life. This play starts as a slow burn, and then quickly picks up the pace until you've devoured the script whole. Every time the siblings' schemes take a sharp turn for the worse, your jaw will likely hit the floor. ”
- Nan Barnett:2 Jul. 2018“ Sharp, witty, surprising, and twisted enough to leave you laughing at yourself for laughing at it. This sibling story is so perfectly now that you'll wonder why it hasn't actually already happened. Or maybe it has. Texting, technology, and terrible typing make for some great comedy.
” - Gina Femia:18 Oct. 2017“ This play took me down so many twists and turns, I couldn't see what was coming. It's surprising, dark and like Matt's other work, so, so funny. I loved this sibling murder comedy and I think you will, too. So produce it! ”