This play masterfully mixes the very funny with the deeply heart-felt as Patty's initial silliness is revealed to be a cover for her desperation. That she finally comes to share rather than run from Allyon's burden, thanks to the intercession of a librarian who has been there, is deeply moving. Get roaring drunk at brunch, ladies!

Thank goodness for librarians and empathy.

This play unfolds beautifully because of Colleen O'Doherty's skills. Patty's search and Allyson feeling aghast are humorous, then the tone turns somber as O'Doherty provides context with a single word. It grounds Patty's desperation and Allyson's frustration in something deeper than jokes about book titles.

What I especially love about "Ricky and Ready" is that O'Doherty has dramatized a life-changing moment for Patty. It's not a happy one, but it probably provides the best path ahead for her and, by lessening Allyson's frustrations, also Allyson....

This play is a beautiful journey of a mother and daughter seeing eye-to-eye, even when the audience doesn’t want them too. O’Doherty takes us from the silly self-help to sniffling by the end and I am here for it.