Ashes To Ashes

by Emily McClain

ONE ACT PLAY- Half-brothers Byron and Charlie come together to fulfill their mother's wishes for her final resting place. It seems so simple- but it requires both men to untangle a lot of complicated feelings about their version of who their mother really was, in life and in death. Part of the Bowie Cycle, inspired by the lyrics of David Bowie's song Ashes to Ashes.

ONE ACT PLAY- Half-brothers Byron and Charlie come together to fulfill their mother's wishes for her final resting place. It seems so simple- but it requires both men to untangle a lot of complicated feelings about their version of who their mother really was, in life and in death. Part of the Bowie Cycle, inspired by the lyrics of David Bowie's song Ashes to Ashes.

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Ashes To Ashes

Recommended by

  • Emma Goldman-Sherman: Ashes To Ashes by Emily McClain
    “

    Ashes to Ashes is such a compelling play for its flawed characters in the midst of a life challenge, one of those hinge moments that will change them both - I love work like this where the exposition becomes the ammunition that moves the relationship forward. And the ending gives us a chance to experience (through unsentimentally clear language) the possibilities for these characters, their healings and ours.

    Ashes to Ashes is such a compelling play for its flawed characters in the midst of a life challenge, one of those hinge moments that will change them both - I love work like this where the exposition becomes the ammunition that moves the relationship forward. And the ending gives us a chance to experience (through unsentimentally clear language) the possibilities for these characters, their healings and ours.

    ”
  • Julie Zaffarano: Ashes To Ashes by Emily McClain
    “

    A tense and funny family drama where siblings argue about how to fulfill their mother’s final wish. The well-drawn hurt and confusion behind the argument goes deep. Well done.

    A tense and funny family drama where siblings argue about how to fulfill their mother’s final wish. The well-drawn hurt and confusion behind the argument goes deep. Well done.

    ”
  • Greg Vovos: Ashes To Ashes by Emily McClain
    “

    A beautiful play that draws you in from the top moment. Emily’s characters are so well developed and likable that you really want to know why they are the way they are. One of the great charms of this piece is watching as she peels away the layers to reveal their depth and pain. An emotionally compelling piece that leaves you feeling how imperfect we all are but how much we need each other -- and how beautiful the complexities can be. A great two-hander that actors will LOVE to play and audiences will love to watch.

    A beautiful play that draws you in from the top moment. Emily’s characters are so well developed and likable that you really want to know why they are the way they are. One of the great charms of this piece is watching as she peels away the layers to reveal their depth and pain. An emotionally compelling piece that leaves you feeling how imperfect we all are but how much we need each other -- and how beautiful the complexities can be. A great two-hander that actors will LOVE to play and audiences will love to watch.

    ”
View all 11 recommendations

Production History

  • Community Theater, St Paul's Play Festival- New Albany, Indiana, 2020
  • Community Theater, New Dawn Theatre Director's Showcase, 2020