←Recommendations of All Roads Lead To Rome?

Emily McClain creates real characters and strong conflict in "All Roads Lead To Rome?". We love these characters and worry for this wrench that could affect even their obviously strong relationship. Tightly written and the perfect addition to any short play festival. Well done.

All roads may lead to Rome, but some are bumpier than others. This comedic and honest exploration of the repercussions of a seemingly straightforward (see what I did there?) invitation reveals family dynamics and socio-economic differences that create a real conflict. I have to admit that I'm with Kellie on this one. I would love to see how the trip pans out!

Emily McClain is such a good playwright that I felt myself supporting both Kellie's and Sarah's sides at different times in this play. Is Kellie overreacting? Possibly. Is Sarah naïve? Possibly. As with any healthy relationship, there was a strong back-and-forth in communication, sometimes pushing the edge of civility but ultimately ending with a stronger understanding.

This is a relationship drama, but McClain adds depth: LGBTQIA couples shouldn't have to consider possible familial and societal pressures in everyday situations like planning a vacation destination. We want to live everyday life with none of those clouds overhead.

An intriguing portrait.

Is a first-class vacation to Italy worthwhile if there are some serious strings attached? That’s the question at the heart of this terrific two-hander. Kellie and her wife, Sarah, have to decide if they should accept Kellie’s parent’s’ invitation, knowing they will be subject to homophobic slights and religious proselytizing from said parents. The conversation is clever, funny, and emotional. You’ll be anxious to know what the couple decide and even curious about what happens next!

"It’s a tour of Italy with… 63 year-old baggage"! Fun, light-hearted and yet full of wisdom. McClain's short play does not solve the bigotry in the world, but reminds us that sometimes we need to put the world's problems behind us, on the back seat, and take a holiday. See the leaning tower of Pisa by Vespa!

Emily McClain had laid out the eternal struggle of spouses and problematic in-laws beautifully in this short play. I was so invested in the characters and was dying to get a peek at them on vacation with the rest of the family. Well rounded, grounded, funny, and poignant, this play is wonderfully full.

I am so sad that this is a short play because even though it works beautifully as a short play, I really want to read the next scene! But as a short play, it's funny, it's real, it's relatable, and I love the characters and their differences and their relationship, and all the things they want, and all the great obstacles against them - I even worried that they might break up in the ten minutes I spent with them - and I love the ending! I'm totally satisfied, but I guess I just wanna go to Italy now.

Sometimes we all get caught up in worrying about what others think and pondering their possible ulterior motives, that we forget to put ourselves first. This touching play by McClain explores this expertly as we watch Kellie and Sarah come to their decision.

Emily McClain is a phenomenal writer and masterful at crafting a story that's both incredibly entertaining and emotionally true. In ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME? we meet a couple with very different histories and backgrounds and very much in love. When an unexpected opportunity arises, it raises issues not only about those backgrounds but also what they mean for each other and for themselves. Important elements such as sexuality, gender, and family are all explored with heart and comedy, too, making this a play to remember.

The situation presented is pretty cut-and-dried, but the different reactions from Kellie and Sarah bring this piece to life. Classism, homophobia, and family drama are all wrapped up in this piece with obviously loving characters, each with a rich history given the limited page count. Absolutely lovely work.