←Recommendations of AN APPRECIATION

Set in the nexus where art, politics, money, patronage, jobs and media meet, this acerbic and poetic piece gives dramatic voice to an elusive experience. The wit of succinct and devastating dialogue, from the nervous unpaid intern to the wealthy patrons considering their next investment, at a new art exhibition gracefully serves up plum roles for a large cast. After characterfully covering a range of topics, everything binds together into a dynamic and dramatic reflection of what still gives art, an age old market, its value in a twenty first century world.

STEVEN G. MARTIN captures the incongruity of how people act when they are about to be shown for the first time an art piece for which they came to see. One might expect great anticipation, in-depth talk of what the artist might have painted, and the dramatic buildup to the unveiling. In “An Appreciation”, we find politicians talking about bills and their own publicity, patrons lamenting the wine chosen, and others totally engrossed in anything but what they are supposedly excited to enjoy. When the art piece is unveiled, everybody reacts as if there are no shades of gray. Beautiful.

In a word, “beautiful.” Martin’s plays celebrate life and the intersection of artist and audience in a way I’ve never encountered elsewhere, and “An Appreciation” not only shares this quality, but it is masterful in its simplicity, speaking volumes without lifting a finger. It lets us, dares us to do the work, and it is magical. I imagine that experiencing this as an audience member would not only be utterly unique, but give the total strangers a shared unifying euphoria. I hope everyone one day will get to experience this play live. We could use it.

A piece about the shared experience of art and it's effect on us is told in a unique way by making the audience part of the art being created and seeing that appreciation from two sides of the coin. What an ingenious concept and execution. Bravo Steve.

A simple and effective piece that uses both the actors onstage and the magic of live theater and being in the same room with others to convey the poignant universality of human connection. This piece certainly feels especially loaded as we're stripped of our ability to exist in space in large groups at the moment, and it would be a refreshing and cathartic piece to perform in person once such things occur on a wide scale again.

A wonderful, subtle piece of work that turns the spotlight back on the audience and causes us to question the nature of art and beauty. It's so important with this piece to keep remembering that there's an incomplete element still at play here: the way the audience themselves react when they are observed as works of art. That intangible, edgy wildcard turns this short play into an electric work of potential. I'd love to see where it could go.

A stunning work filled with simplicity and grace, and a deeply emotional piece both for the cast and audience. Don’t let the list of characters scare you off. Beautiful. Absolutely lovely.

A fabulous piece that lifted my heart and brought me so much hope. The unveiling--both of the Creator's work and the twist within the play--is handled with stunning artfulness. This piece can be interpreted in so many ways, like all good art, and each new interpretation brings something new and joyous to the table. Martin has written yet another moving work for the stage, one that will stay with audiences for a long, long time. Everyone deserves to be in the audience for a production of this piece, and I hope everyone gets the chance to be. PRODUCE THIS!

A gorgeous piece about power of art that can never be killed despite the desensitization of our culture. Great work.

I learn something new about theatre writing every time I read a play by Steven G. Martin, and AN APPRECIATION is no exception. Smart, funny, breathtaking in its simplicity and honesty - I would LOVE to see this performed. A great homage to live theatre and the 'art of making art'. Bravo!