←Recommendations of MONESSEN FALLS

When family life unravels and old dynamics die, what remains? Through the perspective of three distinctly drawn, believable characters, Burdick makes us twist and turn through a mine field of revelations. This is one powerful and captivating family drama!

A moving contemporary take on the endlessly relevant subject of the family drama. Burdick's characters are pulsing with need, and -- like the deafening hum of the cicadas that richly score the play -- they are all fighting to be heard.

A powerful look into family trauma and the sibling rivalry that has spun out of control. Well done.

Noise is used to stunning effect in Greg Burdick's "Monessen Falls:" the annoyingly persistent sound of Cicadas as they complete their mating cycle, the ominous, low rumbles of thunder growing into a massive storm, and the never-ending pounding of memory and heartache as two brothers, estranged for 17 years, must face the noise of their past as they stumble to a form of resolution and redemption, which in turn is signified by the noise of a keyboard clicking forward to a hopeful future. A beautifully written play that makes a joyful, if intense, noise all its own.

An engrossing play, about the intricate dynamics that exist between and among family members, as the past creeps into the present and the future, and old wounds are excised. Will they heal? Burdick's story is Pittsburg’s story, or a steel town’s story, or a mill town’s story. He does such a wonderful job establishing the past, the way it lingers, right from the get-go. I can see this story happening in so many communities. Missed opportunities, lost dreams, and family issues are universal, and this play explores those themes with grace and energy.

For a family drama, Monessen Falls feels dangerously exciting while Burdick still manages to keep it very real. There is nothing here that smacks of anything ordinary, and the play twists and turns on its own terms. Very well written!

There are some big themes running through this play: loss, memory suppression, sibling rivalry. Burdick uses them to maximum effect. Can you go home again? Should you? What happens when what you remember is not accurate? There are three compelling characters - all flawed and all worthy of love. The play is a journey of coming home and letting go. The revitalization of Monessen Falls underlies the hope for the family. All through the play, the visuals enhance the plot.

When parents are dead, when the home of childhood is no longer a home, when there's no sibling bond, maybe even no love, what is really left of family? 'Monessen Falls' by Greg Burdick addresses that question in a powerful play that also forces us to have compassion and understanding for our odd sibling. Where they are right now, how they behave, all their screw-ups is probably a result of their upbringing, their relationship with the other sibling, or some childhood trauma. Complicated, complex characters and startling revelations made this a page-turner. Can't believe this has never been produced!

"Monessen Falls" by Greg Burdick is a well-played drama that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The characters are real -- both flawed and yearning. Burdock is not afraid to explore their darker sides and bring them to light. Hope to see this play fully staged.