←Recommendations of FLEX

Brilliant, beautiful examination of the lives of young black women who play basketball in their high school in rural Arkansas. The language is realistic and lyrical at the same time. Superb physical theatre as well, and since it's structured like a game, and the characters are so well drawn you can't help rooting for them. Even when they do things they regret. One of my favorite new plays this year.

This is such exciting theatre. I can't wait to see a play this physical performed on stage. It's not all about the spectacle of the game play though. The dialogue and character development is astonishing. This needs to be on the syllabus of high school theatre classes all over.

Such a beautiful play. Basketball on stage like we've never seen it before. A wonderful group of characters.

FLEX by Candrice Jones was featured in NNPN's 2020 National Showcase of New Plays.

An amazing narrative in the lives of five young women as they pursue hopes and dreams, while beset with constant challenges. The language the playwright constructs is stunning, and the characters come alive on each and every page. Even the stage directions are essential to this carefully crafted world.

One of the most original plays I've read in awhile. Jones has so much heart for her characters. She creates complex people who truly transform, each in their own way. The theatricality lets your imagination run wild. Deals with important issues effortlessly.

This play was fantastic. Jones crafts such a unique and compelling narrative with rich and complex characters set in motion by a fast-paced, back-and-forth, movement-filled dialogue. Highly recommend and can't wait to see this staged!

Fast paced, action packed, and full of complex roles for young women. Would be a theatrical feat to produce, one I would run to see! Hoping this lands in many seasons around the country, it deserves to. Can’t wait to read/see more from Jones!

If you like The Wolves, you should read this sports-centered story of friendship and young women coming of age. The dialogue is sharp and there are great moments of humor. The characters feel very real and bringing this play to life would be a dream for the right director and actors.

What a treat it was to read this play--each character was unique, compelling, and deftly realized. Jones' multi dimensional treatment of all of these women's narratives helps reinforce what the play says about team dynamics and friendship. Additionally, the irregular structure kept me super engaged and the high theatricality (of game/practice scenes, the ritual, the whole fourth quarter, etc) made me yearn to see this fully realized onstage. I hope to see it developed more and produced soon!