←Recommendations of The Home for Retired Canadian Girlfriends

The conceit is something I WISH I thought of before.The play observes the culture of "coming-out" and what happens to those who were used as pretend girlfriends when their partners were in the closet. There is real heart in the story and see lots of potential in the world-building of this imaginary home, how this community was brought together by a single purpose: to keep gay men safe from the world. The idea of a “rainbow ops squad” going after Republican politicians is just amazing.

John Bavoso has come up with a damn funny explanation for all those mystery girlfriends that seemingly disappear when someone comes out of the closet. The Canadian aspect of it is brilliant. But this play also points out that nobody should be defined by anyone else. That's smart writing and it's why I heartily recommend this play.

Great 10 minute play! I was loving it all and was totally jealous that I didn't think of the idea first!!!! Bravo!

This play is so funny, with a clever premise and some good dialogue. It didn't end up being what I was looking for, but I'm so happy I got to read it.

So. Much. Fun. This ten minute play delivers laughs, tight dialogue and a terrific ending. John knows how to take the political and wrap it in the most glorious, glimmering text. Well done!

This is a play I have been meaning to read for a long time—I mean, that title! Boy, am I glad I finally did. John Bavoso packs so much into it, and he succeeds gloriously at the challenging task of writing a ten-minute play with a true beginning, middle, and end. The dialogue is terrific (and hilarious), the characters jump off the page, and themes are meaningful and important. I really enjoyed this play!

A very clever premise that offers a hilarious take on one of the oldest (and thankfully, soon to be extinct) conventions of repressed or subverted identity.

A great concept with a very funny script to back it up. Smart, empowering and quirky, this script would be a great addition to any night of short plays.

John Bavoso's The Home for Retired Canadian Girlfriends is one of the funniest plays we've produced. Not only did our reading committee and actors love the concept, our audiences roared with delight during the whole show.

This is a truly fun and hilarious play that offers a fascinating and fresh take on a common queer community trope (i.e. the "Canadian Girlfriend"). Beneath the witty surface, however, also lie some thought-provoking and touching messages about identity, finding oneself, and the bravery to stray from the path laid before you. Highly recommend.