←Recommendations of Band-Aid

I enjoyed how the play balances between romantic ideals and harsh realities. Lorenzo embodies romanticism in such an endearing way. The play also cleverly explores differing perspectives on life, using theater as a metaphor for authenticity versus spectacle. Definitely a good read, it feels like it dips into the ideas of film noir. I really enjoyed those moments of the play when it felt slightly Old-Hollywood.

Gacinski has put together a story about artists that not only touches on the creative process in an entertaining way, but keeps hoping for all the success and failure that come with it just so we can keep reading. In a play that does a good job of balancing both the realness of what it means to create art and the melodrama that comes with falling in love, Gacinski makes you cheer for the ups and downs, the good and the bad, and at times the pleasantly poetic.

I enjoyed that this play straddles an interesting line between whimsical romance and cynical drama! Lorenzo is a hopeless romantic both as lover and an artist--a lovely symmetry that is both an appealing character trait and, of course, his downfall. I also enjoyed the meta-exploration of theater and of the relevance of drama and human truth in a world that increasingly demands spectacle and artifice--a great extended metaphor for the characters' differing views, beliefs, and approaches to life. The poem that ends the piece is a poignant and suitable button for the themes and characters explored within.

Imagine something like a film noir set in the world of theatre and playwrights, complete with double-crossings and lovers with suspicious agendas. Now imagine it with Gacinski’s unique style and you have an engaging play that takes some unexpected twists and turns and keeps you wondering until the very end. Also an apt metaphor for how creativity both fulfills and depletes an artist spiritually. We've all been there!

It is unusual to find a play about writing that doesn’t include crumpled pieces of paper thrown around and typewriters (computers) thrown out windows. Gacinski finds the passion in creating, the reality of predators (producers and yes, other writers), and the dream of creating something that resonates. Gacinski gives us lyrical poetry, a man searching for love in many aspects, and a setting ripe for art. Italy meets France meets USA and the collision breaks people. There are some clever, satirical references to theatre that are accurate. But you never stop hoping for the play that leaves you breathless.

A beautifully ironic romantic comedy, a pungent morality tale. Utterly enjoyable from beginning to end. Like the cartoonist Jules Feiffer, Mr. Gacinski is unafraid to laugh while gazing into the abyss.

Elegant, lyrical, and with a very European sense of the ironic humor in melancholy, Gacinski's "Band-Aid Over a Broken Heart" is a small, sparkling gem of emotional truth; an altogether winning work. Bravissimo!

"Band-Aid Over a Broken Heart" is unlike anything I've read on NPX so far. That's a compliment! Gacinski's writing style grows more and more poetic and lyrical with each piece he composes. This is a strong one: cautionary, sad, and (I'm sure for many writers) very relatable.

This is a cautionary tale for the over-eager and anxious writer who trusts his heart more than his head. Chris Gacinski has a poetic touch that lends itself very well to this tale, and his effective way of creating all-too-believable characters and situations will both charm and teach the reader. I look forward to seeing more from Chris; he has a bright future in the craft.