←Recommendations of Of the World

This short piece expertly builds strength, beginning with a simple opening, increasing tension in gradual and subtle ways, and landing on a powerful close that metaphorically and quite literally sings. It's impressive work, a testament to acceptance and all-encompassing love.

The subtlety of Vansant's gradual, but persistent, approach to an important topic is much appreciated. Most impressively, she shows rather than tells and veers away from easy polemics. Great to see a play where the parents are individuals and not a single monolith in the treatment of their child. Some terrific moments where, by design, the audience is ahead of the characters. This piece would also work well as an acting exercise, including the high school level, and likely generate some discussion afterwards.

Was fortunate to see a production of “Of the World” by LaSalle High School. A beautiful and honest play, it was powerful to see these students bring this story to life on the stage.

Love and acceptance from those we love and accept, including God and our parents. What else is there? For Mona, it's everything. Audiences will root for these characters to listen to and understand one another in this subtle, emotional drama.

With "Of the World", Lainie Vansant captures the trials of coming out amidst testy religious waters vividly and never in a schmaltzy manner. It's played honestly and to the point, which makes me admire it more than many "coming out" pieces I've seen in a long time. Well done!

Vansant's piece is written with restraint and heart. It tackles a refreshing, under-explored topic in a way that eschews platitudes. It would making a solid addition to any short play festival.

Emotionally powerful and true to life, this play never falls into the trap of easy, pat answers to challenging questions that - in real life - might be raised in ten crucial minutes, but are rarely solved in them. This play is beautifully done and engages on some fundamental (no pun intended) levels.