←Recommendations of Concordance

Some plays are as much fun to tell people about later as they are to read or watch. "Concordance" is one of those. I can't stop talking about this, especially with other folks who know their way around a cleverly quoted scripture. A rich blend of historical fiction and fantastical ecclesiastical exploration, Minigan's twisty two-act drama, set in an 18th century madhouse, uses hallucination as flashback to spectacular effect. Would love to see a fully-costumed production of this one.

A fascinating journey following Alexander Cruden as he fights to be freed from madness and the confines of Bethnal Green. Captivating and well done.

In “Concordance,” John Minigan displays his love of language, story, and theater as an empty space humming with possibilities. Five actors portray 22 characters to convey 38 years in the life of Alexander Cruden, compiler of a Biblical concordance. Minigan structures the play in a series of visions that flow like fragments of a mad man’s memory. Cruden was not merely insane, though; he was the victim of injustices practiced against the poor. By turns wildly funny and heartbreaking, “Concordance” is a masterful play about one man’s faith in love, God, and the power of promises.

The play opens with Alexander Cruden shackled in a madhouse trying to free himself with a butter knife. But is he mad? Minigan asks that question over and over. Bound by absolute faith, as well as strict devotion to a person from his past, Cruden walks a blurry tightrope between insanity and belief. Minigan takes you on a twist-filled journey that keeps you wanting more. And he does it with some full-fledged belly laughs that underscore the precariousness of Cruden's story.

This is not so much a portrait of a man’s descent into madness, but rather a desperate attempt to ascend from it. When “Concordance” begins, Alexander Cruden is already hopelessly there. Through Minigan’s wildly engaging vision sequences, we piece together the devastating effect that devotion and faith can have in excess. His journey is packed with surprising and satisfying turns throughout. Don’t be daunted by the twenty-two characters to be played by five actors here... produce this, and challenge your performers and audiences with what is a truly stunning piece.

A fascinating exploration of keeper and kept, madness and maddening - Minigan's historical ride takes twists and turns, climbs peaks deftly and crashes down thunder that can be heard across the centuries. I drank this play like a tall glass of water, wishing that a theatre company would take a chance on its world. Check it out!

I'm a sucker for history, and Alexander Cruden has always been one of those historical figures who have always fascinated me. Thank you John Minigan. This play is beautiful. Lyrical. Heart-wrenching. Mind-bending. Genre-defying. There isn't a list of words good enough or long enough to describe this story. Also: five people play twenty-two characters--and it works brilliantly!

Corrector corrected. A new genre of play has been created. I dub it the "Minigan." It is easy to see why the play hasn't had a full-on production. It is beyond unique. The following genres apply to the play: comedy of manners, comedy of errors, morality play, fantasy, period, biography. The only play I've read/seen in which the lead had a stutter. I heartily recommend this play for people who are tired of the ho-hum, bland and idiotic plays which are slowing twisting the American theatre into its grave. Poor Alex Cruden. Enjoy! Strong teenaged female role as well.