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In a Clearing by Karen Saari

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Recommendations

Recommendations

  • Paul Donnelly:
    5 Aug. 2022
    “ There is so much hard-earned truth at the heart of this moving study of addiction and loss and the need for independence. The four characters who comprise the cast are complex and vividly drawn, but full and compelling portraits are also drawn of many of the people in their lives. There is a rich sense of the entire community that deepens the narrative. The central relationship between Mark and Pam is depicted with humor and depth, authentically charting the vagaries of mutual attraction at just the wrong time. There is so much to celebrate about this accomplished piece. ”
  • Nick Malakhow:
    17 Jun. 2022
    “ A trim, well-paced, character-driven play that explores recovery, grief, the push-pull of home, family, and what happens when all of those things intersect in a complex fashion. I appreciated how each character was flawed while also having their own personal moments of redemption. Saari also provided an insightful window into the town, its culture, and its tensions with the particular cross section of characters selected--an impressive feat to render the town with such detail with just four humans! Lastly, I appreciated the humor/drama balance here. I'd love to see it on its feet in production. ”
  • Andrew Gall:
    8 Sep. 2021
    “ This is a deeply felt character-driven play. It is peopled with characters that are at once familiar and yet surprising and revelatory in where the play takes you. Without veering into sentimentality or caricature, this play examines the interwoven bitter and beautiful truths of ordinary people who make extraordinary discoveries about themselves. Highly recommended. ”
  • Michael Proft:
    18 Dec. 2020
    “ In this wise and surprisingly funny play, Saari examines addiction, love, loss and redemption. Without resorting to stereotypes, the author captures the lives of a small microcosm of people living in Michigan's upper peninsular (Yoopers) as they struggle to find their respective footing in an ever-changing and indifferent world. The central relationship between newly-returned Pam and broken Mark is finely nuanced and sensitively portrayed. Saari provides no easy answers. By focusing on such a specific place and people, the play taps into essential truths which give these characters and situations both dignity and size. Highly recommended. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    23 Aug. 2020
    “ A beautifully done play that captures the nature of rebuilding one's life after addiction that moves us and is incredibly heartfelt. Well done. ”