"small town icons" is the perfect blend of the nostalgic "Our Town" with the fearlessness of a Shakespearean tragedy ("Titus Andronicus" in particular if you get the reference). This is a play about forgiveness and what it costs to forgive or not forgive those who harm us. SMJ does an excellent job providing twists and turns that lead to a satisfying finale.

This entire premise is, frankly, batshit insane. Which makes it all the more unbelievable that so many of the major plot points are based on actual events.

What ties it all in a beautiful & fascinating bow are the wildly unique characters and their carefully constructed relationships. SMJ traps you in this small town with these young women, entreating you to not just acknowledge, but experience all the town puts on them.

Just like any small Ohio town, SMALL TOWN ICONS will stay with you... whether you make it out or not.

I absolutely could not put this play down! Perhaps it is because I was once also a theatre-kid teenager from a small religious town in Ohio, but this play and these characters rang so incredibly true to me. SMJ strikes the perfect balance of dark humor, true trauma and rage, and enticing mystery, all in the neat package of a fast-paced, engaging revenge play. This story is delicious, exciting, and easily one of my favorite plays I've read in recent memory. I can't wait for an opportunity to see it staged!