Recommendations of Neat.

  • David L. Williams: Neat.

    A play that is constantly moving forward while showing how a difficult relationship can pull us back to the path. I appreciate how the playwright is able to take the trappings of a romantic comedy (a comedy of "remarriage") and put them up to the light, examining the the often-unseen toxic elements of those tropes. The playwright has a poetic naturalism to her dialogue, and is able with brief, seemingly tossed-aside comments, to give depths of insight into her characters.

    A play that is constantly moving forward while showing how a difficult relationship can pull us back to the path. I appreciate how the playwright is able to take the trappings of a romantic comedy (a comedy of "remarriage") and put them up to the light, examining the the often-unseen toxic elements of those tropes. The playwright has a poetic naturalism to her dialogue, and is able with brief, seemingly tossed-aside comments, to give depths of insight into her characters.

  • Aaron Allen Ussery: Neat.

    This play is such a wonderful depiction of a dysfunctional relationship, because half the time we can't even really pinpoint the dysfunction. McVay weaves an excellent array of insights within the dialogue and stage directions that show us the surface appeal of Rowan and Alex's relationship, while allowing plenty of room for the darker undercurrents that let us know things are just ... not quite right.

    This play is such a wonderful depiction of a dysfunctional relationship, because half the time we can't even really pinpoint the dysfunction. McVay weaves an excellent array of insights within the dialogue and stage directions that show us the surface appeal of Rowan and Alex's relationship, while allowing plenty of room for the darker undercurrents that let us know things are just ... not quite right.

  • Nick Malakhow: Neat.

    In this piece, McVay has crafted an incredibly compelling portrait of the scars that toxic and unhealthy relationships can leave us with. Rowan and Alex's history unfolds in funny and human dialogue that beautifully captures the irregularities of natural speech. By the end of the piece, we understand exactly why they self destructed in the past as well as who they are in the present. The ending is poignant, sad, and yet also looking towards the future. I look forward to seeing where this piece goes next!

    In this piece, McVay has crafted an incredibly compelling portrait of the scars that toxic and unhealthy relationships can leave us with. Rowan and Alex's history unfolds in funny and human dialogue that beautifully captures the irregularities of natural speech. By the end of the piece, we understand exactly why they self destructed in the past as well as who they are in the present. The ending is poignant, sad, and yet also looking towards the future. I look forward to seeing where this piece goes next!

  • Jessi Pitts: Neat.

    We love a manipulative character who half the time doesn't even realize they're being as manipulative as they are. Gordon fascinates me on so many levels, from his vision of what it means to apologize to why he does and says the things that he does. A fascinating study of relationships after trust has been shattered, and how dangerously subtle manipulation can be.

    We love a manipulative character who half the time doesn't even realize they're being as manipulative as they are. Gordon fascinates me on so many levels, from his vision of what it means to apologize to why he does and says the things that he does. A fascinating study of relationships after trust has been shattered, and how dangerously subtle manipulation can be.

  • J. Chavez: Neat.

    McVay captures the ups and downs of breakups and what they can do to us. Her use of language and perspective is absolutely amazing. This play is a roller coaster from start to finish with twists and turns in all the right directions

    McVay captures the ups and downs of breakups and what they can do to us. Her use of language and perspective is absolutely amazing. This play is a roller coaster from start to finish with twists and turns in all the right directions

  • Grace Heller: Neat.

    Breakups are hard. We all know this, and so do Nora and Gordon. As we watch these two stumble through the play you'll likely recognize mistakes you've made, mistakes you haven't, and things you maybe wish you'd done. The relatability of this show draws you in, but it is the reveals and the mystery of it that keeps you hooked until the very last line. McVay creates a very balanced argument - until it's not. The masterful dialogue and skillful handling of difficult themes make this play a fascinating read.

    Breakups are hard. We all know this, and so do Nora and Gordon. As we watch these two stumble through the play you'll likely recognize mistakes you've made, mistakes you haven't, and things you maybe wish you'd done. The relatability of this show draws you in, but it is the reveals and the mystery of it that keeps you hooked until the very last line. McVay creates a very balanced argument - until it's not. The masterful dialogue and skillful handling of difficult themes make this play a fascinating read.