Complex relationships, vividly disturbing stories, and creepily convincing intimations of the supernatural come together in this expertly-written piece that keeps the audience guessing about what might really be going on. Gatton’s sharp ear for dialogue captures each character’s individual voice, and the well-observed domestic scenes feel personal and lived-in. But the play has larger resonances too: its scope expands almost imperceptibly as it examines and questions the bitter losses and hard-earned triumphs of the past several decades of American gay history. And it’s chock-full of fantastic audition monologues!

There are two things I love without reservation: ghost stories on stage and plays by Vince Gatton. The chilling atmosphere of this domestic thriller had me thoroughly creeped out by page three—in a good way. I love the way this play utilizes storytelling, both direct-address and within scenes, to help the audience put the pieces together. Though all the clues were there, the reversal felt like a magic trick. I also loved the moment the framing device came full circle. Ultimately, this is a strong, emotion-packed script about the power of our darkest stories, for better or for worse.

I am haunted by this twisty play about what haunts us. Grief, anxiety, activism are all mixed into what seems like a genuine ghost story. A play about the power of telling our stories, when we are ready to tell them. Makes me want to read more Vince Gatton plays!